Whether you're looking to add a punch of flavor to your cooking or just want a bit of greenery around, starting an herb garden is simpler than you think. Learn about the five easiest herbs to grow indoors, so you can enjoy fresh flavors from your windowsill.
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Ever thought about growing your own herbs, but worried you might not have the right space or gardening knowledge? Growing herbs indoors is actually one of the easiest ways to begin gardening at home - even if you don't have outdoor space.
Many beginner-friendly herbs practically take care of themselves, and several are considered the easiest herbs to grow indoors, and even some of the easiest herbs to grow from seed for people just starting.
5 easiest herbs to grow indoors
Growing your fresh herbs indoors is a great way to add flavor to your cooking and save money on groceries. This small indoor garden setup can also become a daily habit that makes meals more aromatic and healthier. But which herbs are the easiest to grow inside? Here are five of the best options for an indoor herb garden.
Basil
One of the easiest herbs to grow indoors, basil thrives in warm temperatures and bright, indirect light. It grows fast, and you can pinch leaves often without harming the plant, making it a favorite for sauces, dressings, and homemade pesto.
Chives
Chives are a low-maintenance herb that grows well indoors. They prefer cool conditions and need 4 to 6 hours of bright light daily. This is an excellent option for beginners because chives bounce back quickly from trimming and store well in the fridge. Fresh chives add a mild, onion-like flavor to salads, pasta dishes, stir-fries, and soups.
Mint
Mint is a tough herb that thrives indoors and grows quickly. Plant it alone, or it will overtake your other indoor herbs. Because mint tolerates slightly lower light better than many plants, it's one of the easiest herbs to grow indoors in the winter months when sunlight is weaker.
Use mint for hot tea, cold drinks, desserts, salads, smoothies, or fruit bowls.
Parsley
Grow parsley indoors on your kitchen windowsill to soak up that sun. Flat-leaf parsley and curly parsley both respond well to frequent clipping and are among the easiest herbs to grow from seed if you enjoy starting plants yourself. Add it to seafood dishes, soups, salads, and homemade sauces.
Rosemary
Grow rosemary indoors in an area with plenty of sunlight and in a pot with well-drained soil. Water it only when dry. Rosemary adds bold flavor to potatoes, roasted chicken, and pastas, and the extra sprigs can be dried for spice blends or infused into olive oil.
"I keep a dish garden of Mediterranean herbs - thyme, oregano, rosemary and sage - in my kitchen year-round. They are super low-maintenance as long as they have enough light, which is why I have a grow light in the fixture just above them. They also seem to do better when you forget to water them for a bit." - Sage Scott, Sage Alpha Gal
Tips for growing herbs indoors
Now that you know some of the easiest herbs to grow indoors, use these tips to get started.
Provide adequate light
Most herbs require at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. A south-facing window or supplemental LED grow lights help maintain healthy flavor and strong color.
Use well-draining soil
Herbs grown indoors need well-draining soil to prevent the roots from sitting in water and rotting. Choose a potting mix for indoor containers, or create a balanced mix of peat moss, vermiculite, and perlite that allows for proper airflow around the roots.
Water regularly
Water your herbs when the top inch of soil feels dry. Avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot. Pour enough water until it drains out, then empty the saucer to keep the roots healthy.
Fertilize occasionally
Fertilize indoor herbs every 2 to 4 weeks during the growing season with a half-strength solution of liquid fertilizer, homemade fertilizer, or natural plant food. Light feeding keeps the herbs flavorful without making the leaves bland.
Harvest frequently
Regularly harvesting your herbs encourages the plant to produce new growth and prevents it from getting too woody. Snip gently from the top, avoiding removing more than one-third of the plant at once.
Trim the top growth occasionally to encourage the plant to grow fuller and bushier. You can even replant your herb snippets in your outdoor potager garden.
Storing and using fresh herbs
Indoor herb gardening is a fun DIY gardening project for the whole family. Once the pots become fuller, knowing how to store them properly helps reduce waste and keeps herbs tasting fresh longer.
Storing herbs in the refrigerator
To store fresh herbs, wrap them loosely in a damp paper towel and place them in a resealable plastic bag in the refrigerator. Some herbs, like basil and mint, can also be stored in a jar with water like a bouquet.
Using fresh herbs in recipes
Add fresh herbs to dishes at the end of cooking for the brightest flavor. Chop or tear herbs just before using. Try mixing your herbs - basil + parsley or chives + rosemary - for fresh blends in dips, salads, and roasted dishes.
Troubleshooting common issues
Even with the easiest herbs to grow indoors, you may encounter some issues. Here are some of the most common ones.
Dealing with pests
When you grow herbs indoors, watch out for aphids, spider mites, mealybugs, and whiteflies. Isolate affected plants quickly and treat with safe solutions like neem oil or insecticidal soap spray.
Reviving wilted herbs
If your herbs are wilting, check the soil moisture. If the soil is dry, water thoroughly. If wilting continues, move the plant to brighter light or trim away yellowed leaves to encourage regrowth.
Preventing mold growth
Mold on the soil surface is usually harmless, but it indicates the soil is too moist. Avoid overwatering, and make sure the pot has good drainage. Increasing airflow or using a small fan helps prevent moisture buildup.
Final thoughts
With these tips, you'll be able to grow a thriving indoor herb garden year-round - even if you're a total beginner. Whether you choose basil, chives, mint, parsley, rosemary, or explore even more of the easiest herbs to grow from seed, you'll enjoy convenient, fresh herbs anytime you cook.
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