Indoor Herb Gardening Made Simple: A Beginner’s Guide

Growing Herbs Indoors Can Be Fun & Easy

There is nothing like fresh herbs to brighten your space, your mood, and your meals. And there is nothing more convenient than growing them in (or near) your own kitchen!

It can feel intimidating to get started, but trust us—it can be easy, imperfect, and even fun and empowering to grow your own herbs!

Whether you want to bring some life into the dark winter, or don’t have the outdoor space, an indoor herb garden is a beautiful way to add flavor—and medicine—to your life in every season.

Simple Steps For Getting Started

1. Find the right spot. Herbs need at least 6 hours of sunlight to thrive. A south-facing window is best, but a west-facing window could work if it gets a lot of light.

2. Find the right pot. Natural materials that won’t leach plastics are best. Terracotta is an affordable, attractive option, and there are plenty of other pretty pots out there, too. Drainage holes (and trays to avoid a leaky mess) are a must.

3. Light. If you don’t have windows that get enough light, grow lights are an option. This can be as simple as installing full-spectrum LED lights in your lamps or ceiling lights, or you can opt for full-on indoor garden kits that include lighting. (3)

4. Soil (or not!) Well-draining soil with compost in it for nutrients is important—that is, unless you grow in water! Many indoor growing kits are designed for hydroponic growing instead of soil. (4)

5. Seeds or starts? Seeds can be a bit tricky to get started indoors. They’re worth a try if you’re feeling inspired, and starts are an easy option for healthy young plants that are ready to grow!

How to Decide What to Grow

Are you interested in spicing up your meals or making kitchen medicine for your kids? Or both? The good news is that many herbs serve both purposes, and our Culinary Herbs for Your Health blog can help you decide!

If you’re in it for the flavor, what are your family’s favorite meals and what herbs complement them best?

If you’re looking for herbs to support your health, in what areas could you and your family use a boost? What scents and flavors speak to you?

Take some time to listen to your body (and your family), take some notes, and come up with a list of plants that make you happy. Starting small--with maybe 3-6 of your favorites—will help your indoor gardening adventure feel fun and easy instead of overwhelming. This is a great opportunity to get the kids involved, too!

A Few Easy-Growing Favorites

Just a few all-star herbs that are great to grow indoors:

Rosemary

Delicious in so many dishes, rosemary instantly refreshes our senses. We include it in our Breathe Well Salve to help clear our minds and uplift our energy, and it makes a great mini Christmas tree too!

Peppermint

Peppermint is a tummy-loving mood brightener that will fill a pot in no time, enhance the flavor of many meals, support throat health, and steep into soothing cups of tea. Grow mints in separate pots from other plants, since they like to take up space.

Thyme

They say thyme “marries flavors” --bringing harmony to soups, sauces, stews, marinades, you name it! It's also a great supporter of our immune system, a supreme cleaner, and looks lovely draping over the edge of an herb pot.

Simple Tips for Getting Your Garden Growing

1. Size. Look up how deep each herb’s roots grow and choose containers accordingly. Depth is more important than width, since most herbs don't mind growing pretty close to each other and the edges of the pot.

2. Temperature. Different herbs like different temperatures. Most enjoy the same temperatures we do in our homes in the winter. Many will not appreciate being too close to cold drafts and especially dislike their leaves touching icy windows.

3. Humidity. Many herbs will be happier with some humidity. If you don’t have a humidifier running, trays of water nearby will be helpful—one of the reasons hydroponic growing is good!

4. Fertilize. Plants need food to thrive. Different herbs need different nutrients and amounts, so it’s a good idea to plant herbs with similar needs together.

5. Water. Herbs enjoy a consistent watering schedule, and most like their soil kept moist, but not soaking.

6. Rotate. If possible, swapping pots’ spots will give all of your plants their time in the light.

7. Harvest those babies.Trimming and using herbs regularly is great for your health and theirs!

8. Check for pests. Bugs and mold love plants too. Check your plants regularly and use natural remedies when needed.

9. Protect your pets. Our furry friends are sensitive to some herbs, so check to make sure which ones are safe before you grow.

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Most Of All—Have Fun!

Growing herbs is not about perfection. It's about bringing some extra freshness into our lives. Think of indoor herb gardening as an experiment. It can take time to find what works. Start small, get the kids involved, and enjoy the learning journey.

Disclaimer - This blog post is provided for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute providing medical advice or professional services and its statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. The information provided should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease. Always seek the advice of a qualified health care provider regarding a specific medical condition.

Sources:

Indoor herbs (Permaculture House Plants forum at permies) https://permies.com/t/224950/permaculture-house-plants/Indoor-herbs Growing Herbs as Houseplants https://fifthseasongardening.com/growing-herbs-as-houseplants Indoor Light for Herbs – Urban Leaf https://www.geturbanleaf.com/blogs/herbs/indoor-light-for-herbs Indoor Herb Gardening How-to | Bonnie Plants https://bonnieplants.com/blogs/garden-fundamentals/how-to-grow-herbs-indoors How to Start an Herb Garden Indoors • Gardenary https://www.gardenary.com/blog/how-to-start-an-herb-garden-indoors