It’s so satisfying to snip off a stem of fresh basil from a kitchen planter when you’re cooking up a delicious meal. There’s something reassuring about your food growing right there, in a patch of sunlight right above the sink or on the countertop. Whether or not you have a green thumb, your indoor herb garden is a nice little endeavor that demands little and offers so very much in return.
If you have one sunny window, some pails and pots, and some interest, you’re more than halfway there.
Why Grow Herbs Indoors?
First off, why go to the trouble? Can’t you just purchase that clump of cilantro at the market? Perhaps. But herbs from the grocery don’t exactly have the long shelf life one might desire. They’re bright and green one day and then limp and mushy in the back of your refrigerator the next. Having your own means, you only harvest what you need when you need it. And you’re in charge—no strange sprays or odd packaging to deal with.
It’s an easy and satisfying way to add some life to your home, too. A few plants by the window can totally transform the mood in your home, particularly during the winter months when the outside world is. Well, rather gray.
Selecting The Right Location
Herbs are sun lovers by nature. They prefer to receive six hours or so of sunlight daily. So if you own a sunny window—particularly if it is south- or west-facing—you’re considered lucky. That’s your top property right there.
If you don’t know how much sun your window receives, then take some time to observe. Identify the windows that receive the most daylight consistently. It could be your kitchen window or the one in your laundry room that you never thought about. The good news? Once you do identify the right spot, the rest becomes simpler.
And if that window is one of those stunning Renewal by Andersen Windows, you’re already ahead of the game. Not only are they clean and sleek in appearance, but they promote healthy amounts of natural light into your home—just what your small indoor garden needs to bask in all the goodness.
Selecting Your Herbs (No Pressure)
All herbs are not created equal when it comes to being grown indoors. Some are divas. Others are more laid-back than you might expect. If you’re just beginning, then take it easy and select a few that are low-maintenance. Consider:
Basil
Excellent choice for beginners. Sun-lover. Smells incredible.
Mint
Essentially plants itself. Don’t let it take over, however.
Chives
Adorable, grassy, and handy for anything from eggs to baked potatoes.
Parsley
Relatively steady grower. Flat-leaf is more pungent than curly
Thyme
Dainty and resilient. Does not require watering constantly.
Oregano
Enjoys sunlight and imparts the pizza-night smell on you.
Select two or three to start with. You also can add more if and when you are comfortable doing so.
Containers, Drainage, and Other Things People Forget
Let’s discuss pots. No need to make them fancy unless you want to do so. Herbs are well-adaptive to plain pots—as long as there’s good drainage. Which means there has to be a hole in the bottom. No exceptions. Otherwise, you’re creating an environment that will lead to root rot, which is the quickest way to heal heartbreak.
If you do use an ornamental pot without holes (we’ve all been there), then simply put a nursery pot made of plastic into it. In this way, your plant drains well, and your windowsill remains clean.
Put a saucer or small tray underneath to catch drippings, and make sure the surface your herbs call home won’t water-spot or warp with age. A small wooden cutting board serves as a rustic base and adds visual appeal.
Soil and Watering—The Not-So-Boring Part
You don’t have to think too hard about soil. Simply pick up some good-quality potting mix. Avoid using garden soil since it’s too heavy and won’t drain properly in containers. The potting mix is fluffy and lightweight and made just for this application.
Watering-wise, this is the bottom line: herbs don’t like wet feet. They’d prefer to be slightly dry rather than underwatered. Insert your finger into the soil about an inch, and if it is dry to the touch, water it carefully. If your finger still detects moisture, hold off for a little. Simple stuff. There are no schedules to follow.
Your plants will inform you of how they are doing. Wilting and droopy leaves? Maybe they are thirsty. Yellow and wilting? You’re probably watering them too much. They do speak rather straightforwardly once you are familiar with them.
Windowsill Style—Because It Matters
There is something about having a nice line of green plants on your window. It adds a homey feeling to your atmosphere, like having that one friend who comes by with the right kind of vibe.
You can go plain with reused jars and mismatched mugs for an herb garden, or commit to the look with plain ceramic pots and wooden plant labels. Another idea? I like to upcycle interesting objects into planters.
Varying heights and shapes make it lively. Include a small LED grow light if your windows are not providing quite enough sunlight (but don’t go too far—this is not exactly a greenhouse we are creating).
If your kitchen is already clean and current in its appearance, your herb garden can be that touch of personality that makes all refinements come together.
Maintaining Your Freshness-Preserving Strategies Long
After you master it, this is more like a routine rather than an assignment—such as making your morning cup of coffee or opening the blinds to the sun.
A few things to keep in mind are:
Pinch rather than chop.
Pinch off the tops to harvest your herbs. It makes them more bushy and not leggy and sad.
Turn the pots around.
Turn your herbs slightly every several days so that they don’t begin to lean toward the light.
Refresh the soil.
Every few months, scoop out the top inch and add fresh mix. Your plants will thank you.
Watch for bugs.
Indoors doesn’t mean immune. If you notice any unwanted guests, a quick spritz of soapy water can help keep things in check.
Cooking With What You Grow
The best part of an herb garden is getting to use what you cultivated. Add chopped fresh chives to your scrambled eggs. Add mint to your water or mojito. Then add basil to your pizza just before serving. My favorite is rosemary. I put it in everything.
It’s the little moments like those that make the effort worthwhile. You’re not merely adding spice to your dish—you’re creating something that feels right to you with every repetition.
You don’t need to know complicated recipes to make it worthwhile. Fresh herbs added to an ordinary meal can turn it from so-so to whoa, what did you put in this?
A Little Project that Grows on You
There is no pressure to make it flawless on the first day. Your thyme could dry out. Then your parsley could become leggy. But don’t be discouraged by one or two setbacks. The grace in a windowsill herb garden is its ability to be so forgiving and delightful to work with.
You’re learning along the way, and with each leaf you cut back, you’re making something that is yours and slightly beautiful. Whether your room is tiny or your days are short, there’s something powerfully grounding about taking care of something green daily.
So locate your window. Choose your herbs. And allow a little fresh taste to develop in your own place. You’ll be glad you gave yourself this little happy herb garden every time you cook with those herbs.
