Growing Herbs Indoors Year-Round

Fresh herbs from a windowsill or countertop garden taste better than anything from a store and save money over time. Most culinary herbs adapt well to indoor growing.

Best Herbs for Indoors

Basil, chives, cilantro, parsley, mint, thyme, rosemary, and oregano all grow indoors. Start with basil and chives, which are the most forgiving. Mint grows aggressively and should have its own pot.

Light Requirements

Most herbs need 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. A south-facing window provides the most light. If you do not have enough natural light, a full-spectrum LED grow light supplements effectively. Position the light 6 to 12 inches above the plants and run it for 12 to 16 hours per day.

Containers and Soil

Use pots with drainage holes. Herbs sitting in waterlogged soil develop root rot quickly. A well-draining potting mix with added perlite works for most herbs. Terra cotta pots breathe and dry out faster, which Mediterranean herbs like rosemary and thyme prefer.

Watering

Water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Herbs prefer consistent moisture but not soggy conditions. Overwatering is the most common mistake with indoor herbs. Basil and cilantro like more moisture than rosemary and thyme, which prefer to dry out slightly between waterings.

Harvesting

Harvest regularly to encourage bushier growth. Cut stems just above a leaf node. Taking the top third of the plant stimulates side branching. Never harvest more than one-third of the plant at a time. Regular harvesting prevents flowering, which changes the flavor of most herbs.

Temperature and Humidity

Most herbs grow well at typical indoor temperatures between 60 and 75 degrees. Avoid placing pots near heating vents or drafty windows. Kitchen humidity from cooking benefits herbs, making the kitchen an ideal growing location.

Fertilizing

Indoor herbs grow slower than outdoor ones and need less fertilizer. A diluted liquid fertilizer applied monthly during the growing season is sufficient. Too much fertilizer produces fast, leggy growth with diminished flavor.