We’ve all been there: you buy a bundle of herbs from the grocery store, an exciting new recipe for margarita pizza or rosemary bread in hand, but before you get a chance to use up your new herbs, they wilt and go bad. An indoor herb garden is a fun and budget-friendly alternative to store-bought herbs. All you have to do is snip off a fresh sprig, and you’re good to go!
Well, there’s a little more work that goes into it than that. But we’ve broken the work into a quick step-by-step guide to help you get started.
Let’s start herb gardening!
Part One: Choosing the Right Herbs
First things first: you’ll need to pick out what herbs you want to grow in your new indoor garden. There are lots of savory and sweet options to choose from, and some are a little easier to grow than others.
Beginner-friendly herbs:
- Basil
- Parsley
- Mint
- Thyme
- Oregano
- Cilantro (note: this one is a little trickier in some climates)
- Chives
Tip: It’s best to choose herbs that you like to cook with and regularly use. If you’re a big fan of throwing some fresh basil on your pizzas, then you know basil is an absolute must for your new garden!
Part Two: Finding the Perfect Spot
When it comes to successfully making an indoor herb garden, lighting is everything. Most herbs are sun-lovers and need at least 4-6 hours of sunlight per day. Some herbs, like mint and parsley, can tolerate a bit more shade. The best spot for an herb garden would be near a sunny, south-facing window, as this direction receives the most sunlight throughout the day. However, if your natural lighting options are limited, grow lights are a great alternative.
Part Three: Choosing the Best Containers
Herbs are happiest when they have the right amount of water and good drainage. The best pots for indoor herbs have drainage holes in the bottom so the roots don’t get swampy. This can lead to root rot and will, unfortunately, kill your plants. Additionally, clay pots are great at wicking away extra moisture from the soil. Plus, they’re cheap and widely available at most gardening centers and hardware stores.
However, don’t feel limited to traditional pots – feel free to get creative! With a little ingenuity, mason jars (with rocks for drainage), pretty ceramic pots, and even recycled containers like old tea tins can make excellent homes for your baby herb plants.
Part Four: Soil & Watering
Healthy roots start with good soil. You may feel tempted to grab a shovel and scoop some dirt directly from your yard, but your little herbs would prefer a high-quality potting soil. This is because potting soil is loose and airy compared to heavier garden dirt, which allows the roots lots of room to grow and breathe.
Potting soil also comes mixed with slow-release fertilizer so your herbs get all their vitamins and nutrients. This leads to healthier plants and better yields when it comes time to harvest.
When it comes to water, keep your herbs moist but not soggy. You can see if they’re ready for more water by using something called the finger test. Simply press your finger into the soil until it’s about one inch deep (or approximately up to your first knuckle). If the soil feels cool and damp, hold off on watering for another day or two. If it feels dry the next time you do the test, it’s time to hydrate the little guy!
Part Five: Care & Harvesting
Speaking of harvesting…
Once your plants are looking full and bushy, it’s time to reap the rewards of your hard work and patience! To harvest your herbs, take a clean pair of scissors and snip away a couple inches from the top or outmost stems. Avoid snipping the innermost or newest growth, as these are the newest and most fragile parts of the plant. Likewise, try to avoid pulling or yanking off the leaves by hand, as this can stress out the plant.
Lastly, be sure to harvest no more than one-third of the plant at once. You’ll want to leave a good sturdy base so the plant can recover and continue to grow and provide delicious herbs long into the future.
Time to Start Your Indoor Herb Garden!
Whether you’re looking for a fun, low-maintenance hobby or want to cut down on your grocery bills, indoor herb gardening can help you do exactly that. It’s easy to get started and requires very little routine care to maintain. Plus, you’ll have an endless amount of fresh, delicious herbs to cook with. So gather your pots, choose your favorite herbs, and get growing- you’ll be surprised how easy it is to turn that empty kitchen windowsill into your very own herb garden!
