Why Grow Herbs Indoors?
Fresh herbs don’t just add flavor to your food — they also smell amazing and bring a little green to your home. The best part? Many herbs are super low-maintenance and can thrive on a sunny windowsill.
If you love cooking, or just want to get started with easy indoor gardening, here are 5 herbs I highly recommend growing inside.
1. Basil – A Kitchen Essential
Basil is one of the most popular herbs to grow indoors, especially if you cook pasta, pizza, or pesto.
Quick Tips:
- Needs 6+ hours of sun daily
- Water when soil feels dry on top
- Pinch off flower buds to keep it leafy
Personal Note: I keep basil in a mason jar on my kitchen counter. Nothing beats the smell of fresh basil in the morning!
2. Mint – Refreshing and Fast-Growing
Mint grows like crazy, so keep it in a separate pot to avoid it taking over. It’s perfect for teas, desserts, and even salads.
Quick Tips:
- Grows well in partial sun
- Keep soil moist, not soggy
- Trim often to keep it bushy
Alt tag: “Mint plant growing in small ceramic pot indoors”
3. Parsley – Hardy and Versatile
Parsley is slow to start but once it grows, it’s a great all-rounder for soups, sauces, and garnishes.
Quick Tips:
- Likes bright indirect light
- Keep the soil evenly moist
- Harvest from the outside stems first
4. Chives – The Cut-and-Come-Again Herb
Chives are easy to grow and regrow. Their mild onion flavor works in eggs, dips, potatoes — you name it.
Quick Tips:
- Needs moderate light
- Use scissors to cut just above soil level
- Grows back fast!
🌿 5. Rosemary – Aromatic and Hardy
Rosemary loves the sun and doesn’t need much water. It adds a wonderful flavor to roasts and soups.
Quick Tips:
- Needs full sun (6–8 hours)
- Let soil dry out between waterings
- Trim regularly to keep it in shape
Alt tag: “Indoor rosemary plant in terracotta pot”
Learn more about light and water needs for indoor herbs in the University of Minnesota Extension’s helpful guide, “Growing herbs inside is easy and healthy.”
Final Thoughts
Herbs are a great way to dip your toes into gardening — especially if you're short on space or new to the hobby. With a little sunlight and love, your kitchen can smell like an herb garden all year long.
Which herb are you planting first? Let me know in the comments!