July 25, 2025

A Complete Guide to Growing Herbs Indoors

Growing herbs indoors is one of the easiest and most rewarding ways to bring nature into your home. Whether you’re in a tiny apartment or already tend a garden, an indoor herb setup is practical, low-maintenance, and incredibly satisfying.

There’s nothing quite like reaching for a few sprigs of basil or thyme while cooking dinner, knowing you grew those herbs yourself. The flavors are fresher, the aroma fills the kitchen, and the whole process brings a deeper connection to what we eat and how we live.

Fresh Flavors at Your Fingertips

When you grow herbs indoors, you’ll have fresh herbs on hand whenever you need them. No more wilted bundles from the store, no more last-minute trips for a handful of parsley. Your herbs will be right there, ready to harvest as you cook.

Year-Round Access Regardless of Climate

An indoor herb garden allows you to keep growing herbs through every season. Even when the garden beds are resting or the weather outside is less than ideal, you can continue enjoying fresh flavors indoors. It’s one of the simplest ways to keep gardening alive during the winter months or in areas with short growing seasons.

Cost Savings vs. Buying Herbs

Fresh herbs can become expensive, especially when you only need a small amount. Growing herbs indoors helps reduce that cost, giving you a steady supply for a fraction of the price. With a few pots and a little care, you can enjoy fresh herbs while avoiding the waste that often comes with store-bought bundles.

Wellness and Emotional Benefits

There’s a quiet satisfaction in tending to herbs indoors. The scent of mint or rosemary can lift your mood, and the simple routine of watering and harvesting creates moments of calm and mindfulness. Many people find that having a few pots of herbs nearby helps them feel more connected to nature and also more grounded.

Planning Your Indoor Herb Garden

One of the first steps to growing herbs indoors successfully is choosing the right spot. Herbs need light, and the more direct sunlight they can get, the better they will grow. A south-facing or southwest-facing window is ideal, as it provides strong, consistent light throughout the day. If you don’t have a window that offers enough light, don’t worry. A good LED grow light can help your herbs thrive even in spaces that lack natural light.

When using a grow light, aim to give your herbs about 16 hours of light each day. This simulates the conditions they would naturally experience during the growing season and helps keep them healthy and productive. A timer can make it easy to maintain a consistent light schedule.

Temperature Considerations

Herbs prefer a stable temperature, ideally between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. It’s best to avoid placing them too close to heat sources like radiators or vents, as sudden temperature changes can cause stress. Likewise, avoid drafty spots where cold air might affect the plants.

A room with a steady, moderate temperature and good airflow will provide the best environment for herbs to grow well indoors. Kitchens often work nicely, as they tend to be warm and humid, though you’ll want to be mindful of positioning the herbs so they still receive enough light.

Humidity Awareness

Many herbs like a bit of moisture in the air, but too much can encourage problems like mold or powdery mildew. If your home is very dry, especially in winter, placing a small tray of water near the plants can gently increase humidity.

Just be sure to maintain good air circulation around your herbs, as stagnant air combined with high humidity can lead to issues.

How Much Space Do You Need?

One of the joys of an indoor herb garden is that you don’t need much space to get started. Think about where the herbs will fit naturally into your daily routine. When they’re easy to see and reach, you’ll be more likely to care for them and use them often.

A Note on Pest Control

As with any growing environment, indoor herbs can attract pests from time to time. Aphids, whiteflies, and spider mites are among the most common issues we see when herbs are grown inside. Regular inspection helps catch problems early, and a simple routine of care goes a long way toward keeping plants healthy.

Our Natural Plant Protector, made with natural and organic ingredients, is a minimum risk pesticide that helps control common garden pests and plant diseases like powdery mildew when used as directed. It is suitable for culinary plants such as basil, mint, and oregano, making it an excellent choice for maintaining a thriving and healthy indoor herb garden.

The Best Herbs to Grow Indoors

One of the best parts about growing herbs indoors is that there are so many wonderful choices!

Over the years, we’ve grown just about every culinary herb you can think of, and certain ones consistently perform better inside than others. If you are new to indoor growing, or simply looking to expand what you already have, it helps to know which herbs tend to adapt well to life indoors.

Some herbs practically thrive on a sunny windowsill or under a grow light, while others need a bit more attention to succeed. It’s also helpful to understand which herbs grow quickly, which are slow-growing but worth the wait, and which ones will give you the most reward for your time and care. Let’s take a closer look at some of the best herbs to grow indoors, and a few helpful tips to make sure they stay healthy and productive.;

Basil

Basil is often the first herb people think of when they want to grow herbs indoors, and for good reason. It’s fast-growing, wonderfully fragrant, and incredibly versatile in the kitchen. That said, basil does have a few quirks. It absolutely loves light and warmth, and it needs more of both than most other herbs. If you place basil next to a window that gets at least six hours of direct sunlight, it will usually do well. In homes where that’s not possible, make sure to add an LED grow light. Basil tends to get leggy if it is not getting enough light, so keeping it well-lit is key.

Another thing to know is that basil prefers consistent moisture but hates soggy roots. Use a well-draining potting mix and make sure your pot has a proper drainage hole. It’s best to water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Harvesting basil regularly will encourage it to grow bushier, so don’t be shy about pinching off those top leaves. If you do happen to encounter aphids or whiteflies, both of which love tender basil leaves, using our Natural Plant Wash can help control these common pests without harming your culinary harvest.

Mint

Mint is one of the easiest herbs to grow indoors, it's fast-growing, vigorous, and a little wild. In the garden, it spreads aggressively, but indoors it does beautifully when confined to a single pot. We always recommend giving mint its own container, as its roots can quickly take over shared spaces.

Mint tolerates a range of light conditions and will grow happily near a window that receives bright, indirect light. It is forgiving about occasional neglect, which makes it a great choice for busy households or beginner gardeners. The one thing mint truly enjoys is consistent moisture, so be sure to water it regularly without letting it sit in waterlogged soil. And as with basil, harvesting often will keep it lush and full.

Parsley

Parsley is a bit more patient than some herbs and rewards you with a steady supply of fresh greens once it gets established. It does take a little longer for parsley to start growing well indoors, so patience is key at the beginning. Once it has developed a good root system, it will produce plenty of leaves for harvesting.

Parsley grows well indoors near a bright window, and it appreciates cooler indoor temperatures, which helps keep the flavor vibrant. Keep the soil evenly moist, and snip the outer stems first when harvesting. One nice feature of parsley is that it can tolerate a little lower light than herbs like basil or thyme.

Chives

If you are looking for an herb that asks for very little and gives back consistently, chives are one of the best choices. Chives grow well indoors with minimal fuss and are perfect for brightening up all kinds of dishes. They don’t demand as much direct light as some herbs and will grow happily on a bright windowsill.

Chives grow in clumps, and you can begin harvesting once the leaves are about six inches tall. Snip them close to the base and they will continue producing throughout the season. Chives are among the most forgiving herbs for indoor growing and one of the easiest to maintain.

Oregano

Oregano grows well in pots indoors and prefers a little more sun and a bit drier conditions than many other herbs. Be sure to use a pot with excellent drainage and letting the soil dry out slightly between waterings.

Oregano benefits from frequent pruning, which keeps it compact and flavorful. Harvesting sprigs regularly encourages new growth and prevents the plant from becoming too woody.

Thyme

Thyme is small, adaptable, and intensely fragrant. We’ve always found thyme to be one of the best herbs for indoor growing when given the right conditions. Thyme thrives in full sun, so a bright, south-facing window is ideal, though a grow light can easily fill in if needed.

Unlike more tender herbs, thyme prefers its soil to be on the dry side. Be careful not to overwater it. Once established, thyme is easy to care for and offers a wonderful, steady harvest of leaves.

Rosemary

Of all the herbs you can grow indoors, rosemary often presents the biggest challenge, but it’s well worth the effort. Rosemary loves sun, and lots of it. Without enough light, it tends to get leggy and weak. Placing rosemary under a high-quality grow light or in the brightest window you have will make all the difference.

Rosemary also likes airflow, so make sure your indoor growing setup allows for good air circulation around the plant. Water it sparingly, as it is more tolerant of dry conditions than wet. When it is happy, rosemary rewards you with robust growth and deeply aromatic needles that elevate everything from roasted vegetables to fresh bread.

Sage

Sage is another herb that grows well indoors with proper attention. It prefers a sunny spot and moderate watering. Like rosemary and thyme, sage does not like wet soil, so choose a well-draining potting mix and avoid overwatering.

One wonderful thing about sage is that it brings beauty as well as flavor to an indoor herb garden. The soft, silvery leaves add texture and color, and the flavor is excellent in a wide range of dishes. Prune sage regularly to encourage new growth and to keep the plant bushy and compact.

Cilantro

Cilantro grows quickly but is also quick to bolt, that is, to produce flowers and go to seed. To keep it producing flavorful leaves, it’s important to provide plenty of light and to harvest frequently.

Cilantro also appreciates cooler temperatures, so a bright window in a room that doesn’t get too warm is ideal. We often recommend starting a new pot of cilantro every few weeks to maintain a steady supply, as the plants can be short-lived indoors.

Dill

Dill grows fast, loves bright light, and needs a deep pot to accommodate its taproot. It is a fun herb to grow for both the leaves and the seeds.

The key to growing dill indoors is to provide as much light as possible and to start fresh batches regularly. Dill tends to bolt quickly in warm indoor conditions, so staggered planting helps keep your indoor garden stocked with fresh dill.

Microgreens

For those looking for a quick and rewarding addition to an indoor herb garden, microgreens are a fantastic option. They are not herbs in the traditional sense, but they offer a burst of fresh flavor and nutrition and can be grown in very small spaces.

Microgreens grow fast and can be harvested within a couple of weeks. All they need is a shallow container, good-quality potting mix, and plenty of light. They are an excellent choice for those who want to grow indoors but may not have the patience for slower-growing herbs.

Choosing Containers for Growing Herbs Indoors

When you start an indoor herb garden, one of the most important parts of the process is choosing the right containers. A good container supports healthy roots, helps manage moisture, and makes caring for your herbs easier and more satisfying.

Why Drainage Matters

Proper drainage is one of those details that new gardeners sometimes overlook, but it matters more than you might think. Herbs like their soil moist but not soggy. Without a drainage hole, water collects at the bottom of the pot, which can lead to root rot and unhappy plants. We always recommend choosing pots with at least one clear drainage hole to allow excess water to escape. It’s one of the simplest ways to give your herbs the healthy growing environment they need.

Choosing the Right Container Material

The material of the pot also plays a role. Terra cotta pots are a favorite in many gardens for several reasons. They are breathable, which allows air to circulate through the soil and around the roots, helping to prevent overwatering problems. The porous nature of terra cotta also helps wick away excess moisture, which is especially helpful for herbs that prefer drier soil, such as thyme and oregano. That said, terra cotta does dry out more quickly, so herbs in these pots may need watering a bit more often.

Glazed ceramic pots offer a different set of advantages. They hold moisture longer, which can be helpful for herbs like basil or mint that enjoy a little more consistent moisture. Plastic pots are lightweight and inexpensive, and they work just fine as long as you’re careful not to let water accumulate at the bottom. If you do choose plastic, be sure to check regularly that the drainage is working well.

Self-Watering and Upcycled Pots

Some gardeners also experiment with self-watering pots, which can be helpful if you travel often or prefer a little extra insurance against forgetting to water. These pots are designed with a reservoir at the bottom that allows the plant to draw up water as needed. While they can be useful, it’s important to monitor them carefully, too much constant moisture can cause problems for herbs that like their roots on the drier side. Self-watering pots can work best for herbs like parsley or basil but may be less suitable for Mediterranean herbs like rosemary and sage.

For those who enjoy a creative touch, upcycled containers can bring a lot of personality to an indoor herb garden. We’ve seen everything from vintage teapots to old wooden boxes turned into beautiful herb planters. Just remember that whatever container you use must allow for proper drainage, and if necessary, you can always drill a hole in the bottom or use a liner pot with a drainage hole tucked inside your decorative container.

Sizing Containers for Different Herbs

The size of the container is another important consideration. Some herbs, such as thyme and oregano, have relatively shallow root systems and do well in smaller pots. A container about 6 inches deep usually provides enough room for these herbs to grow comfortably. On the other hand, herbs like rosemary and basil are deeper-rooted and benefit from a larger pot. For these, we suggest using containers at least 8 to 10 inches deep to accommodate their roots and allow them to thrive.

Setting Up Your Indoor Herb Garden

Once you’ve chosen your containers, it’s time to set up your indoor herb garden. The foundation of any healthy herb plant is the soil, and this is an area where a little extra attention pays off in a big way. We always recommend using a high-quality organic potting mix, specifically designed for container gardening. Garden soil from the yard is too heavy and often lacks the drainage and aeration that herbs need when grown in pots.

Preparing the Soil for Herbs

You can improve your potting mix further by adding a small amount of perlite or coarse sand, which helps enhance drainage and keeps the soil light and airy. This is especially helpful for herbs that prefer drier roots, such as thyme, oregano, and rosemary. For herbs that enjoy more moisture, like basil or parsley, a mix rich in organic matter with good moisture retention works beautifully.

When it comes to fertilizing herbs indoors, they generally prefer leaner soil, and too much fertilizer can cause them to grow rapidly but with diminished flavor. A light application of a balanced organic fertilizer once a month is usually sufficient. For leafy herbs like basil and parsley, this helps encourage steady growth without overwhelming the plant. For woody herbs like rosemary and sage, fertilizing even less frequently is often better.

Setting Up the Right Lighting

A simple LED grow light shelf can turn even a dim corner into a productive growing space. We recommend positioning the light about 6 to 12 inches above the tops of the plants, adjusting as needed as the herbs grow.

In terms of timing, most herbs grow best with around sixteen hours of light per day, followed by eight hours of darkness to rest. Using a timer makes this easy and ensures consistency, which is important for healthy growth.

Arranging Your Indoor Herb Garden

When arranging your indoor garden, it helps to group herbs with similar light and water needs together. For example, placing basil, parsley, and mint together makes sense, as they all appreciate more moisture and can tolerate a bit less intense light. Meanwhile, thyme, oregano, rosemary, and sage prefer brighter light and drier soil, so grouping them separately allows you to manage their care more effectively.

A quick tip would be to rotate your herbs regularly to encourage even growth. Plants naturally lean toward their light source, and by turning pots slightly every few days, you help them grow upright and balanced.

Watering Your Indoor Herbs

Watering your indoor herbs is one of those practices that feels simple on the surface, but in reality, it’s where many new gardeners run into trouble.

How to Tell When to Water

One of the best ways to tell when to water is simply to use your fingers. Insert your finger about an inch into the soil. If it feels dry at that depth, it’s probably time to water. If it still feels moist, you can wait another day or two. Over time, you’ll get a feel for the rhythm of your particular indoor garden, as herbs like basil or parsley often need more frequent watering than thyme or rosemary.

For those who prefer a bit more precision, using a moisture meter can be incredibly helpful. We often recommend this tool to anyone new to indoor gardening. A good moisture meter takes the guesswork out of watering and helps you understand the real condition of your soil, which can sometimes be tricky to judge from the surface alone. For example, the top layer of soil may appear dry while the root zone is still holding plenty of moisture, or the opposite can be true, especially in winter when indoor heat affects evaporation.

Watering Technique and Seasonal Adjustments

Water your herbs slowly and deeply at the base of the plant. This encourages the roots to grow downward and helps the entire root system stay hydrated. Avoid watering the leaves directly, wet leaves combined with stagnant air are a recipe for powdery mildew and other problems. This is where regular care with Lost Coast Plant Therapy can be a helpful part of your overall plant health routine, especially if you ever see early signs of fungal issues.

The frequency of watering will also shift with the seasons and your indoor environment. During winter months, indoor heating systems can dry out the air and soil more quickly, so you may find yourself watering more often. In contrast, during cooler periods with lower light, herbs grow more slowly and may need less frequent watering. Pay attention to these shifts and adjust your routine accordingly. No rigid schedule will suit every plant or home, learning to observe and respond to your herbs is the most reliable way to keep them healthy.

Caring for Indoor Herbs

Once your indoor herb garden is established, ongoing care is what keeps it healthy and productive. One of the most important and enjoyable parts of this process is regular pruning and harvesting.

Pruning and Harvesting Tips

For fast-growing herbs like basil and mint, frequent pinching of the top leaves helps maintain a full, bushy shape and prevents the plants from becoming leggy. With oregano and thyme, regular light harvesting encourages the stems to branch out and produce more flavorful leaves.

Woody herbs like rosemary and sage benefit from occasional, more deliberate pruning to remove older growth and stimulate new shoots. And with parsley or chives, harvesting from the outer stems allows the inner leaves to continue developing, giving you a steady supply of fresh greens.

Timing your harvest also plays a role in flavor. The best time to harvest most herbs is in the morning, after the dew has dried but before the heat of the day causes essential oils to dissipate. This is when the flavor and aroma are at their peak. Snip herbs cleanly with sharp scissors or garden shears, and always leave enough foliage for the plant to continue photosynthesizing and growing well.

Pests & Diseases in Indoor Herb Gardens

Even with the best care, indoor herb gardens can sometimes face pests and diseases. This is perfectly normal and not a sign that you’ve done something wrong. We always remind gardeners that growing plants indoors means creating a small, protected ecosystem, and like any ecosystem, it requires regular observation and balance to keep everything healthy. The good news is that most common problems are easy to manage once you know what to look for and how to respond.

Common Indoor Herb Pests

Aphids can sometimes appear almost overnight, clustering on the tender new growth of herbs like basil or parsley. These tiny insects feed on plant sap and can weaken young shoots if left unchecked. Similarly, spider mites are notorious for thriving in dry indoor conditions, spinning fine webs on herbs such as rosemary and sage. Whiteflies are another common visitor, tiny flying insects that scatter when you brush against a plant and whose larvae can cause leaf damage.

Fungus gnats, while less damaging to the herbs themselves, can be a nuisance and may indicate overwatering. Their larvae live in moist soil and can interfere with root health if populations grow too large. We’ve seen this happen in homes where winter heating causes uneven moisture levels in the soil, another good reason to keep a close eye on watering habits.

Common Indoor Herb Diseases

Powdery mildew is probably the most frequent issue we encounter, especially on fast-growing herbs like basil. This fungal disease looks like a white, powdery coating on leaves and can quickly spread in conditions with poor airflow or excessive humidity. Root rot, caused by consistently wet soil, can quietly affect the plant from below, leading to yellowing leaves and stunted growth. And fungal leaf spots, while less common, can mar the appearance and health of many herbs.

Preventing & Managing Pest and Disease Issues

Prevention starts with a few simple habits. Good airflow is key. When herbs have space around them and gentle air movement, they are far less likely to develop fungal issues. Watering properly is also important. Watering at the base of the plant rather than overhead helps keep leaves dry, which in turn discourages fungal growth. Inspecting your herbs regularly, turning leaves over, checking stems, watching for signs of pests or disease, allows you to catch problems early, when they are easiest to manage.

When intervention is needed, having the right tools on hand makes all the difference. This is where Lost Coast Plant Therapy comes in. Our Natural Plant Wash is safe for use indoors when used as directed, which is essential when you’re growing culinary herbs you plan to eat. We use it ourselves and appreciate that it is gentle on edible herbs yet effective at helping control soft-bodied insects like aphids and whiteflies. It also helps manage powdery mildew without introducing harsh chemicals into your indoor space.

Conclusion

Growing herbs indoors is one of the most accessible and rewarding ways to bring a little more nature into your daily life. Whether you’re tending a single pot of basil on the kitchen windowsill or cultivating a full indoor herb garden, this simple practice offers rich rewards in both flavor and experience.

We always encourage people to start small and expand as they gain confidence. Even a single healthy herb plant can spark joy and inspire more adventurous growing. Growing herbs indoors helps you stay connected to the rhythms of nature, even during the heart of winter. There is something deeply satisfying about nurturing life during the colder months, watching your herbs grow and flourish indoors while the world outside rests.

As you care for your herbs, consider making Lost Coast Plant Therapy a part of your natural toolkit. our Natural Plant Wash offers a safe and effective way to support the health of your indoor herbs, helping to control common pests and fungal issues without disrupting the integrity of your culinary plants.

FAQ's

What are the best herbs for indoor growing?

Basil, mint, chives, oregano, and thyme are some of the most easy to grow indoors. These herbs adapt well to container life and respond nicely to a steady source of indoor light. Whether you’re setting up a simple kitchen garden or expanding to a small indoor rack of pots, these are great starter choices.

Just remember, each herb has its own preferences. For example, rosemary needs bright light and excellent airflow, while parsley prefers cooler temps. If you're just getting started, try focusing on one herb at a time until you feel comfortable.

How much light do herbs need to grow indoors?

Most culinary herbs thrive with at least 6 to 8 hours of indoor light daily. A south-facing window is ideal, but if you're working with a west-facing one, just be mindful that it may not provide quite enough for herbs like basil or rosemary without some extra help. Many gardeners rely on LED lights or a full-spectrum indoor growing system to keep things thriving, especially during winter or in low-light homes. If your plants grow tall and spindly, that’s a sign they may need more light.

What’s the best way to start growing indoor herbs?

The best way to start to grow herbs in your home is with a few easy-to-grow indoor favorites like basil, mint, or chives in potted herb containers. Use a high-quality potting mix, make sure your pots have drainage, and place them in a spot with good light, such as a kitchen windowsill or garden indoor setup. Be patient with seeds to germinate, and if you're growing from seed, give them warmth and light to germinate successfully. See our guide to seed starting here.

If you're looking for a quicker start, purchasing small starter plants is a great option. Just be sure they have room to grow, and that you check the light and moisture needs of each herb.

Can perennial herbs grow indoors year-round?

Yes, many perennial herbs like thyme, oregano, rosemary, and sage can be grown indoors throughout the year. These herbs may grow more slowly inside than they would outdoors, but they adapt well when given the right care. Keep them in potted herb containers with good drainage, place them in a bright spot or under LED lights, and trim them regularly to encourage healthy growth.

How do I know if my herbs are struggling indoors?

The most common signs of stress in indoor plants include yellow leaves, leggy growth, or a lack of flavor. If your herbs grow tall but sparse, they’re likely not getting enough indoor light. If they’re wilting or have spots on the leaves, check your watering habits and airflow.

Sometimes, herbs grown indoors just need a small tweak, better light, more space, or a bit less water. Keep your herbs in a spot where you see them daily so you can easily spot changes. That’s often the best way to grow better over time, by observing and adjusting as you go.