Growing Herbs Indoors for Beginners: A Complete Guide
Direct Answer: The best herbs for indoor growing are basil, mint, chives, and parsley—they thrive in containers on a sunny windowsill with 6–8 hours of light. Use well-draining pots with drainage holes, water when the top inch of soil is dry, and harvest regularly to encourage bushy growth. With minimal effort, you'll have fresh herbs year-round.
Quick Reference: Best Indoor Herbs
| Herb | Light Needs | Water Needs | Difficulty | Growth Habit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basil | 6–8 hours | Keep moist | Easy | Bushy |
| Mint | 4–6 hours | Keep moist | Very easy | Spreading (contain it!) |
| Chives | 6 hours | Moderate | Very easy | Clumping |
| Parsley | 6 hours | Moderate | Easy | Rosette |
| Cilantro | 6 hours | Keep moist | Moderate | Upright (bolts easily) |
| Thyme | 6–8 hours | Let dry between | Easy | Spreading |
| Oregano | 6–8 hours | Let dry between | Easy | Bushy |
Why Grow Herbs Indoors?
Growing herbs indoors gives you fresh flavor at your fingertips, regardless of outdoor space or climate. Benefits include:
"The key to successful herbal preparations is using high-quality ingredients and following proper techniques that preserve beneficial compounds."— Rosemary Gladstar, Herbalist and Author of Medicinal Herbs
"Understanding the therapeutic properties of herbs allows us to create effective natural remedies that have been trusted for generations."— Dr. Andrew Weil, Integrative Medicine Pioneer, University of Arizona
- Year-round harvest: No seasonal limitations
- Always fresh: Cut what you need when you need it
- Cost savings: Stop buying expensive store herbs that wilt quickly
- No pesticides: You control what goes on your plants
- Air purification: Herbs help clean indoor air
- Aesthetic appeal: Greenery adds life to your kitchen
"Herbs like basil, chives, mint, and parsley are the best choices for growing herbs indoors. Care for them as you would houseplants, and that's it!"
— Ferry-Morse
Best Herbs for Indoor Growing
Basil
The most popular culinary herb thrives indoors with enough light:
- Light: 6–8 hours of bright, direct light (south-facing window ideal)
- Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not soggy
- Temperature: 65–75°F (doesn't tolerate cold drafts)
- Tip: Pinch off flower buds to extend leaf production
Mint
Almost impossible to kill and spreads vigorously:
- Light: 4–6 hours (tolerates partial shade)
- Water: Keep moist—mint loves water
- Container: Always grow alone—mint will take over shared pots
- Varieties: Spearmint, peppermint, chocolate mint, mojito mint
Chives
Hardy, forgiving, and adds mild onion flavor:
- Light: 6 hours minimum
- Water: Moderate—allow slight drying between waterings
- Harvest: Snip from the outside, leaving center to grow
- Bonus: Purple flowers are edible!
Parsley
Slow to start but productive once established:
- Light: 6 hours
- Water: Moderate—keep evenly moist
- Types: Flat-leaf (Italian) has more flavor; curly is decorative
- Tip: Parsley is biennial—replace after second year
Thyme
Mediterranean herb that prefers drier conditions:
- Light: 6–8 hours of direct sun
- Water: Let soil dry between waterings—drought-tolerant
- Soil: Sandy, well-draining mix
- Varieties: Common thyme, lemon thyme, creeping thyme
Oregano
Similar care to thyme—loves sun and hates wet feet:
- Light: 6–8 hours
- Water: Allow to dry between waterings
- Harvest: Cut stems before flowering for best flavor
- Growth: Can become leggy—prune regularly
Herbs That Are Harder Indoors
Some herbs struggle inside—they're better outdoors or require more effort:
- Rosemary: Needs very bright light, good air circulation, and drier conditions than most homes provide
- Cilantro: Bolts quickly in warm indoor temps—grow in cooler spots
- Dill: Needs deep pots and lots of light; often becomes leggy
- Lavender: Requires intense light and cool nights
Choosing Containers
What to Look For
- Drainage holes: Absolutely essential—herbs hate sitting in water
- Size: At least 6 inches diameter for most herbs
- Material: Terra cotta (breathable), ceramic, or plastic all work
- Saucers: Catch water but empty after 30 minutes
Individual vs. Combined Planting
- Group herbs with similar needs: Thyme, oregano, and sage (dry lovers) together
- Keep mint separate: It spreads aggressively and will crowd others
- Basil alone: Heavy feeder and water lover—best on its own
- Windowsill planters: Long containers work well for parsley, chives, and thyme together
Soil and Potting Mix
Use a quality potting mix—NOT garden soil, which compacts in containers:
- Standard herbs: Regular potting mix with added perlite for drainage
- Mediterranean herbs (thyme, oregano, rosemary): Add extra sand or perlite (50/50 mix)
- Moisture lovers (basil, mint): Standard potting mix retains more water
Drainage Layer (Optional)
Some gardeners add a 1-inch layer of gravel at the bottom—this isn't strictly necessary if you have good drainage holes, but it can help. For more tips, see our guide on composting at home.
Light Requirements
Light is the number one challenge for indoor herbs. Most need 6–8 hours of bright light daily. For more tips, see our guide on growing herbs indoors.
Window Placement
- South-facing: Best—gets most consistent light year-round
- West-facing: Good—afternoon sun can be intense
- East-facing: Moderate—morning light only
- North-facing: Challenging—usually insufficient without supplemental lighting
When to Use Grow Lights
Consider supplemental lighting if:
- You don't have a south-facing window
- Winter daylight is limited (northern latitudes)
- Plants are becoming leggy (stretching toward light)
- Leaves are pale or growth is slow
Options: LED grow lights are energy-efficient and produce little heat. Position 6–12 inches above plants for 12–16 hours daily.
Watering Guide
The Finger Test
Stick your finger 1 inch into the soil:
- Dry? Time to water
- Moist? Wait another day or two
- Wet? Definitely wait—check drainage
Watering by Herb Type
| Preference | Herbs | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Keep moist | Basil, mint, parsley, cilantro | Every 2–3 days |
| Let dry between | Thyme, oregano, rosemary, sage | Every 5–7 days |
Watering Tips
- Water thoroughly until it drains from bottom
- Empty saucers after 30 minutes
- Use room-temperature water
- Morning watering is best
- Reduce watering in winter when growth slows
Harvesting Your Herbs
General Technique
- Start harvesting once plants have 4–6 sets of leaves
- Never take more than â…“ of the plant at once
- Cut from the top to encourage bushy growth
- Use sharp scissors or snips for clean cuts
- Harvest in the morning when oils are strongest
Herb-Specific Tips
- Basil: Pinch stems just above a leaf pair—two new stems will grow
- Mint: Cut entire stems; it grows back aggressively
- Chives: Snip outer stalks at the base
- Parsley: Cut outer stems from the base, not the center
- Thyme/Oregano: Snip sprigs as needed; trim before flowering
Common Problems and Solutions
Leggy, Stretched Growth
Cause: Not enough light
Solution: Move to sunnier window or add grow light; prune to encourage bushiness
Yellowing Leaves
Cause: Overwatering, poor drainage, or nutrient deficiency
Solution: Check drainage, reduce watering, feed with diluted fertilizer
Wilting
Cause: Underwatering (most common) or root rot from overwatering
Solution: Check soil moisture; if dry, water thoroughly; if wet, check roots
Pests (Aphids, Spider Mites)
Signs: Tiny bugs, sticky residue, webbing
Solution: Spray with water, apply neem oil, or wipe leaves with soapy water
Bolting (Flowering)
Cause: Stress from heat, inconsistent watering, or natural lifecycle
Solution: Pinch off flowers immediately; harvest heavily; start new plants
Feeding Your Herbs
- Herbs are light feeders—less is more
- Use diluted liquid fertilizer (half strength) monthly during growing season
- Organic options: fish emulsion, seaweed extract, compost tea
- Stop feeding in winter when growth slows
- Overfertilizing reduces flavor intensity
Pro Tips for Success
- Rotate pots weekly for even growth toward light
- Group plants together to increase humidity
- Keep away from drafts and heating vents
- Repot annually or when roots emerge from drainage holes
- Start multiple plants of fast-bolting herbs (cilantro) for continuous harvest
- Propagate from cuttings—mint and basil root easily in water
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I grow herbs from grocery store cuttings?
Yes! Basil, mint, and cilantro can root in water. Place stems in a glass of water, change water every few days, and transplant when roots are 2 inches long.
How long do indoor herbs last?
Annual herbs (basil, cilantro) last one growing season. Perennials (mint, thyme, oregano, chives) can last years with proper care. Parsley is biennial—lasts two years.
Why does my basil keep dying?
Basil is sensitive to overwatering, cold drafts, and insufficient light. Ensure it gets 6–8 hours of light, stays above 60°F, and has well-draining soil. Water when the top inch is dry.
Can I use regular garden soil for indoor herbs?
No. Garden soil compacts in containers, drains poorly, and may contain pests or diseases. Always use potting mix formulated for containers.
How do I keep mint from taking over?
Always grow mint in its own container—never in a shared pot or garden bed. It spreads via underground runners and will crowd out other plants.
Key Terms
- Bolting: When herbs flower prematurely, signaling end of leaf production and often causing bitter flavor.
- Leggy: Stretched, weak growth caused by insufficient light as plants reach toward light source.
- Pinching: Removing the growing tip of a stem to encourage branching and bushier growth.
- Potting Mix: Lightweight, well-draining soil substitute designed for container growing.
- Drainage Hole: Opening in bottom of container that allows excess water to escape, preventing root rot.
Advanced Techniques and Expert Methods
Mastering Precision
Achieving consistent results requires attention to measurement precision. Professional practitioners recommend using kitchen scales for soil amendments and gardening tools for liquids. Temperature control is equally important—many natural processes are temperature-sensitive, so investing in a good thermometer pays dividends. Document your process with photos or notes to refine your technique over time.
Seasonal Considerations
Natural materials vary throughout the year, affecting your results significantly. Summer months typically offer fresher, more potent ingredients, while winter may require adjustments to timing and quantities. Understanding these seasonal rhythms helps you plan projects effectively and achieve optimal outcomes year-round. Many experienced practitioners keep seasonal journals to track what works best in different months.
Scaling for Larger Batches
Once you've perfected small batches, scaling up becomes appealing. However, doubling recipes isn't always straightforward—processing times, container sizes, and heat distribution all change with volume. Start by increasing quantities by 50% before attempting full doubles. Large batch preparation often benefits from specialized equipment and additional hands to help with timing-critical steps.
Advanced Techniques and Expert Methods
Mastering Precision
Achieving consistent results requires attention to measurement precision. Professional practitioners recommend using kitchen scales for soil amendments and gardening tools for liquids. Temperature control is equally important—many natural processes are temperature-sensitive, so investing in a good thermometer pays dividends. Document your process with photos or notes to refine your technique over time.
Seasonal Considerations
Natural materials vary throughout the year, affecting your results significantly. Summer months typically offer fresher, more potent ingredients, while winter may require adjustments to timing and quantities. Understanding these seasonal rhythms helps you plan projects effectively and achieve optimal outcomes year-round. Many experienced practitioners keep seasonal journals to track what works best in different months.
Scaling for Larger Batches
Once you've perfected small batches, scaling up becomes appealing. However, doubling recipes isn't always straightforward—processing times, container sizes, and heat distribution all change with volume. Start by increasing quantities by 50% before attempting full doubles. Large batch preparation often benefits from specialized equipment and additional hands to help with timing-critical steps.
Sources & Further Reading
- Martha Stewart – How to Grow a Windowsill Herb Garden
- Ferry-Morse – How to Grow Your Own Indoor Herb Garden
- The Girl with a Shovel – Indoor Herb Garden Tips
- National Institutes of Health: Research Database
- Oregon State Extension: Expert Guides
Leave a comment