Indoor Herb Garden: Fresh Flavors All Winter

Winter doesn’t have to mean the end of fresh, fragrant herbs in your kitchen! Growing an indoor herb garden is an easy, enjoyable way to keep flavors like basil, mint, and rosemary within reach, no matter the season. Plus, tending to an indoor garden can be a soothing activity during chilly months. Here’s how to get started!

indoor herb garden

1. Choose the Right Herbs

Not all herbs are ideal for indoor growing, but several do really well with just a bit of sunlight and care. Here are a few tried-and-true options:

Basil: Loves warmth and bright light—great for windowsills!
Mint: Thrives in lower light and stays lush all season long.
Parsley: A versatile herb that grows well indoors.
Rosemary: Needs lots of light and is very low-maintenance once established.
Chives: Grows easily with minimal light and adds a mild onion flavor to dishes.
Thyme: Small and manageable, thyme is perfect for pots and adds earthy flavor to many recipes.

You can take a look at our selection of herbs here!

2. Select the Best Containers

Herbs can thrive in a variety of pots, so choose ones that suit your style and space. Here are some tips for container success:

Drainage is essential! Make sure each pot has drainage holes to avoid soggy soil.
Size matters: Most herbs do well in smaller pots, but if you’re growing a larger herb like rosemary, consider a medium-sized pot for extra root space.
Tray or saucer: Place a tray or saucer under each pot to catch excess water and protect surfaces.

Check out a selection of our indoor pots here!

3. Pick the Right Spot

Herbs love sunlight! To keep them happy:

Find a sunny windowsill: Most herbs need 6-8 hours of sunlight a day, so a south or west-facing window is ideal. Herbs can get “leggy” if not enough light is available.
Rotate your pots: If sunlight is uneven, rotate pots every few days to keep growth even.
Supplement with grow lights if needed: If you don’t have much natural light, consider using a small grow light (either florescent or full spectrum bulbs) to give your herbs a boost. Many are compact and easy to set up on a kitchen counter.
Space: Give your herbs enough room. They like air circulation and don’t like to compete for light and air. Keep the pot away from any heating vent. If the leaves move when the heat kicks on it’s too close!

4. Water Smartly

Indoor herbs are sensitive to overwatering, so a “less is more” approach works best. Here’s what to keep in mind:

Check before you water: Insert your finger about an inch into the soil. If it feels dry, it’s time to water.
Water thoroughly but avoid standing water: Make sure the water flows out of the bottom of the pot, then empty the saucer after a few minutes.
Humidity is helpful: Winter air can be dry, which herbs don’t love. Misting the leaves a few times a week can help, or place your pots on a pebble tray with a bit of water.

5. Harvest Regularly

The best part of growing herbs is using them! Regular harvesting encourages growth, so don’t be shy:

Snip small amounts frequently: This helps keep herbs bushy and prevents them from becoming too “leggy.”
Avoid cutting more than a third of the plant at once, which can stress the herb.
Prune flowering buds to focus the plant’s energy on producing flavorful leaves rather than blooms.

6. Keep an Eye Out for Pests

Indoor plants can occasionally attract pests, but herbs are no more prone to insect or disease issues than any other plant. A little vigilance goes a long way:

Check leaves for any signs of pests like aphids or spider mites.
Wipe leaves gently with a damp cloth if you notice any insects. For serious cases, an organic insecticidal soap can help.
Isolate affected plants to prevent pests from spreading to others.

Bonus Tips for the Best Indoor Herb Garden

Fertilize: Herbs will have more intense flavor when they are a little hungry. Fertilize at half-strength over the winter or avoid fertilizing until spring.
Experiment with flavors: Add herbs to teas, soups, roasted veggies, or garnish dishes for a burst of freshness! Check out two of Chef Russel Mahoney’s favorite recipes using fresh herbs!
Keep your garden neat: Clean away dead leaves and regularly check for signs of overcrowding.

A Winter Kitchen Garden, All Season Long

With these easy steps, you’ll be growing a bounty of herbs indoors in no time. Not only will you have fresh flavors for your favorite recipes, but your kitchen will be filled with the delightful scents of basil, rosemary, and mint. Winter doesn’t stand a chance with a thriving herb garden on your windowsill! Happy planting! 🌱