The Best Herbs to Grow Indoors on Windowsills

Growing herbs indoors is one of the best ways to enjoy herbs all year long, especially during the winter months. They are easy to maintain and add flavorful abundance to meals.

Choosing the Best Pot To Grow Your Herbs Indoors

When selecting what to plant your indoor herb garden in, consider pots that are medium as opposed to small. Planting in a small pot means you will have to transplant your herbs sooner. When selecting a pot, choose one that will fit well in the space you’ve chosen for your indoor herb garden and one that contains drainage holes.

Where to Place Your Indoor Herb Garden

Herbs like a lot of light and will do best on a sunny windowsill or table that receives at least 4 hours of sunlight every day. To begin acclimating your herbs, you may want to start them out in direct sunlight and then slowly transition them to being indoors. If that is not an option, then starting in a bright and sunny window location with southern or western exposure is best.

How to Water Your Indoor Herb Garden

In winter, herbs like to have space between their waterings. Allow for the topsoil of your herbs to dry out in between waterings. During the warmer months, you will want to water your herbs more often by giving them a good soaking of water. Avoid overwatering to the point that your soil becomes soggy, but just enough that the soil remains intact and spongy but damp to the touch.

How to Protect Windowsills from Plants

The best way to keep your windowsills safe from water damage is to place a concrete, stone, clay, or metal tray beneath the plant pots to catch the moisture. If your windowsill is too slender to hold a tray, include a smaller clay tray under your plant pot and place acrylic or felt circular non-slip adhesive dots onto your trays to allow for more air circulation.

The Best Herbs Anyone Can Grow Indoors

One of the best parts of growing herbs indoors is they are hardy and great for beginner gardeners. Because they are in your home, they are easier to remember to care for and they pay you back for all of your efforts tenfold with the addition of robust and delicious flavors.

Rosemary

Rosemary is a woody herb that is hardy and resilient. It can be grown from seed or from cutting and adds a flavorful punch to pasta, bread, and meat dishes.

Thyme

A woody herb that can be grown from seed or from a cutting easily. Plant your Thyme in full sun and cut from it often to keep it producing new leaves. Add Thyme to salad dressings, pasta, bread, and meats for its warming flavor.

Basil

You will see this herb in the grocery store often, and for good reason! Basil is a wonderful addition to any culinary dish and it fairs well when planted indoors. Keep the watering minimal and the pruning often, and your basil plant will flourish in your indoor herb garden.

Oregano

Quick growing and full of flavor, oregano is a no-brainer addition to any herb garden. It does especially well indoors in a warm sunny spot. Planted alongside Basil and Thyme, you will have the makings of the best Italian cuisine all year round.

Mint

Looking for a way to add a fresh digestive tea to your meal plan? Consider adding a mint plant to your indoor herb garden. Known to assist with digestive upsets and enhance mental clarity, fresh mint is a great herb to have available at the ready.

Enjoy Continual Harvests

Keep your herbs happy by continually harvesting them in little bits all year round. Pruning your indoor herb garden often encourages new growth. It also means more enjoyment for you!

Best Places to Buy Herbs

Whether you are starting your indoor herb garden by seed, cutting, or purchasing a small plant, the best places to look for herbs include your local nursery and online seeds stores. Our favorite places to shop for herb seeds include Botanical Interests and High Mowing Organic Seeds.

Growing herbs inside are one of the best ways to enjoy fresh herbs all year round. If you’re interested in starting a larger herb garden outdoors, check out our post about Five Easy Herbs for Every Garden. It has everything you need to get started growing herbs.