Best herbs to grow indoors: Year-round freshness

Gardening is a favorite pastime for young and old. However, a lot of people opt for indoor gardens rather than outdoor ones due to their ease of use and the ability to have lush greens growing year-round. All-season indoor growing Gardens mean you can enjoy fresh plants all year round. Having herbs in the house is perfect for people who love the smell and flavor of herb plants from a garden.

Herbs are fragrant, flavorful plants. They are harvested for food, medicine, and even spiritual reasons. In the household kitchen, herbs are commonly bolts to the cake as well as the salad in order to enhance potency as well as perfume. Several herbs, including basil, thyme, chives, mint, oregano, parsley, chervil, and rosemary, can be cultivated indoors. In addition, having herbs in the kitchen is so fresh and smells so good. Growing indoors eliminates the need to head to the store for fresh herbs to use in salads, soups, and chicken dishes.

Visit Growcycle for a variety of indoor gardening products. They offer everything growers need for a great gardening experience, from tools and pots to seeds and plants.

Benefits of Herbs for Indoor Gardening

There are many advantages to indoor herb gardening, for the environment, as well as the body! Here are some key advantages:

Saves Money 

Indoor herbs can save money. Herbal medicine. Natural herbs can be costly, but when grown at home, they are free. Produce like lettuce and spinach. Fresh leaves or dried herbs can be snipped and used to garnish salads, sauces, stuffing, and more, without having to go to the store.

Greener and Fresher Surroundings 

Herbs for indoor gardening are very helpful as they keep the surroundings greener and fresher. They are easy to plant and can be moved around the house, bringing the refreshing feeling of green leaves into the home. Herbs also have a positive effect on mental health and can improve moods.

Healthier Environment 

Herbs are a great provider of a healthier lifestyle. They are good for circulation and preventing stagnant air. First, homegrown herbs are more sustainable because, well, obviously, they’re natural, with no chemical nutrients or fertilizer.

Low maintenance

Herbs for indoor gardening require less maintenance than outdoor plants. They are small in size, so they don’t take up much space and can be placed anywhere in the house. An indoor herb garden is easy to maintain with just a little love and care.

Fresh and Natural Taste

Homegrown herbs are fresh and have a natural aroma. Indoor herbs are free from pests and grow in a natural environment, so there is less need for harmful chemical sprays. Freshly grown herbs taste and smell better than store-bought ones, which can lose their freshness due to packaging.

Add Aesthetics   

Even though indoor herbs are small and don’t take up much space, you can add window boxes and/or place them on your terrace. All available in a variety of styles, greenery leaves and handmade pots, the plants are beautiful and fashionable. And then there’s the scent of the fresh green herbs, another thing to smell.

Health Safety

Indoor-grown herbs are all-natural, so they are better for you. Homegrown herbs are also as good as safe and are likely to be much fresher, plus you can also add these to your food as they are good for your health.

Best Herbs for Indoor Gardening 

Many herbs thrive indoors with the right care, providing a constant supply of flavors for cooking and adding greenery to the home. Here are some of the best herbs to grow indoors:

1. Basil

Basil is one of the easiest herbs to grow indoors, making it a favorite for beginner gardeners. It needs plenty of sunlight, so a windowsill with direct light is ideal. Basil grows quickly and can be harvested regularly to provide fresh leaves for cooking.

It adds flavor to dishes like pasta, pizza, salads, and sauces. Basil is also a wonderful addition to homemade pesto or a garnish for various dishes.

2. Oregano

Oregano is a perennial herb that originates in Mediterranean countries. It is highly aromatic and gives foods a unique flavor. Oregano is one of the best herbs for indoor gardening as it grows very comfortably with less water and moisture in well-draining soil. It prefers warm weather and sunshine, so it is a suitable indoor herb to decorate the kitchen window. The average height of this herb is 8 to 12 inches. 

3. Parsley 

Parsley is a versatile herb that’s easy to grow indoors. It doesn't require much space, making it a great choice for apartments or homes with limited room. Parsley grows best with moderate sunlight and regular watering.

Parsley can be harvested a little at a time, so it continues to grow throughout the year. It is perfect for adding to salads, soups, and stews or as a garnish for dishes. It also provides a boost of vitamins and antioxidants.

4. Thyme  

Thyme is often used in Mediterranean and Italian cooking to season meats, soups, stews, and roasted vegetables. Its small leaves are packed with flavor and can be easily dried or frozen for later use.

Thyme is a great choice for anyone looking to grow an herb that adds depth to dishes. To dry the thyme leaves, cut the whole stem from the bud and leave it in a dry place far from the sun. The average mature height of this herb is 6 to 8 inches. 

4. Rosemary 

Rosemary is a perennial shrub of the mint family with an aromatic flavor. It is an ideal herb for indoor gardening. The fresh leaves taste bitter, while the dried rosemary is used to season foods, seafood, stuffing, stews, soups, and vegetables.

It grows best in full sun with well-draining soil. It is also great for making herbal oils or adding to homemade marinades. Rosemary grows slowly, so it is a good idea to prune it occasionally to keep it from getting too woody.

5. Chives 

Chives are a perennial plant of the onion family. They are easy to grow in a pot or container. They grow best in a cool environment with indirect sunlight and regular watering. Chives are perfect for garnishing dishes like salads, potatoes, eggs, soups, and sandwiches.

Their mild onion flavor adds a fresh taste without being overpowering. Chives are easy to harvest, as they grow in clumps and can be cut back regularly to encourage more growth.

6. Peppermint 

Peppermint is an ideal herb for indoor gardening, with a strong aroma and flavor. It is a perennial herb of the mint family with a cooling menthol-like taste. It grows well in partial sun and gives a refreshing aroma to the indoors.

It gives a refreshing and cooling taste to candy, desserts, beverages, and salads. To harvest the mint, well-draining soil with moderate sunlight is perfect. The average height of this herb is 12 to 24 inches. 

7. Sage 

Sage is a perennial herb of the mint family originating from the Mediterranean region. Its velvety green leaves make it aromatic and flavorful. Sage is ideal for seasoning poultry, stuffing, and pork.

To harvest, it needs a lot of sunshine and well-draining soil. It is easy to grow by cutting the stems just above a set of leaves. The herb's height is 12 to 24 inches.

8. Cilantro

Cilantro is a popular herb in many cuisines, especially Mexican, Indian, and Asian cooking. It grows well indoors with enough sunlight and regular watering. Cilantro needs a bit of extra care as it can bolt (flower) quickly in hot weather, so it’s important to keep it in a cooler spot with consistent moisture.

Cilantro is commonly used in salsas, curries, salads, and soups. Its fresh leaves add a bright, citrusy flavor to dishes, while the seeds (coriander) are used as a spice in cooking.

9. Mint

Mint grows well indoors because it is a strong herb that grows fast and is easy to care for. It does not need much sunlight, so it works well in places with indirect light. The soil should stay moist but not too wet to keep it healthy. Since mint spreads quickly, growing it in its own pot is best to stop it from taking over other plants.

Pro Tips to Care Indoor Herbs    

Indoor herbs are simple to care for and fun to grow with the correct tips. Some simple tricks to keep indoor herbs healthy and growing.

1. Provide Enough Sunlight

Plants require sunlight in order to grow optimally. Most herbs, such as basil, rosemary, and thyme, require about 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. The ideal way to grow your herbs is on a sunny windowsill; if natural light isn’t enough, grow lights can be helpful. Mint and parsley are among the herbs that can tolerate indirect light, but even they need some sun to remain healthy.

2. Water Properly

Herbs can be finicky about water. The soil should be a little dry on the surface while still moist underneath, for most indoor herbs. Water the herbs once the soil feels dry to the touch, up to an inch deep. And be absolutely certain the pots have drainage holes; excess water must be able to escape from the bottom. Always pour off any excess water that accumulates in the saucer beneath the pot to prevent root issues.

3. Choose the Right Pots

Herbs need pots with good drainage. Pots with holes at the bottom let water flow out and keep the soil from getting too wet. If using decorative pots without holes, it’s best to place the herb pot inside a larger pot with holes.

4. Use Well-Drained Soil

Herbs require soil that drains. Select a quality potting mix formulated for herbs or indoor plants. Growers can also add some sand or small stones to the mix to allow the soil to drain better, which is typically preferred by herbs like rosemary and thyme that do not like to be kept in damp soil.

5. Maintain the Right Temperature

Indoor herbs are most happy in 60-75°F (15-24 °C) temperatures. Maintain herbs away from cold drafts or heat sources, such as air conditioners or heaters.’ An even temperature helps herbs grow well.

6. Fertilize Occasionally

Herbs must be fed but not overfed. Apply balanced fertilizer once a month in spring and summer. Don’t overdo it, however, because overuse can stimulate weak growth. With shorter days and less sunlight during winter, herbs don’t require as much fertilizer, so suspending use or pulling back is fine.

7. Prune Regularly

With regular pruning, herbs will grow well and remain healthy. Trim TipsTrim the tips of the plants to promote new growth and remove any dead or yellow leaves. For herbs such as basil, you’ll want to pinch off any flowers that appear, as they can shift the flavor of the leaves.

8. Repot When Needed

Developing herbs can become crowded. When that happens, a bigger pot may be in order. Pot in a pot only slightly larger than the one it’s currently in, as you’ll encounter the omnipotent kitchen gardener’s rule: Never give herbs too much space. Repotting also refreshes the soil, allowing the herbs to absorb more nutrients.

How to Grow Indoor Herbs?

Growing indoor herbs is simple and can be done with just a little care. Here are the steps to successfully grow herbs indoors:

Choose the Right Herbs

Raising indoor herbs is easy and does not require much effort. So here’s how to grow herbs indoors and have a bountiful harvest:

Choose the Right Herbs

Not all herbs thrive indoors, so plant the right ones. Best herbs for indoor gardening. Some of the best herbs for indoor gardening are basil, mint, parsley, thyme, rosemary, oregano, chives, and cilantro. These herbs can still be grown indoors successfully, if given the right care, and grown well in pots.

Grow Herbs in Separate Pots 

Pots and containers with ventilation are required for indoor plantations. Hotter in terra cotta pots or containers – breathable vessels let the roots of your herbs grow stronger and more refreshing. Here’s how to grow herbs in individual pots:

• Fill the pot half full with a good potting soil mix. The method of applying a layer allows the roots to expand in an even manner.
• Take the herb out of its original plastic pot.
• Add the herb to the middle housing of the pot, placing the root ball directly on top of the soil.
• Fill in with more soil around the plant, pressing down carefully to remove air pockets.
• Do not plant the herb too deep, so the base of the plant is just below the rim of the pot.
• Firm the soil gently so the plant is secure, without packing it in too tightly.
• Water the herb down well after planting. Keep the water off the soil at the bottom to avoid stagnation and soil dampening.

Challenges and Solutions to Grow Herbs Indoors

When you are growing herbs indoors, here are some mistakes to avoid so that the plants continue to thrive:

• Not Enough Light: Most herbs require good light to grow properly. They are able to become leggy if kept in a dry, dark area of the house or a window that receives too little light. A south-facing window or grow lights supply the necessary light.
• Overwatering: This is the most frequent one. Common sense for herbs You've got to give herbs well-drained soil and not let herbs sit in water. Always check the soil before you water. If the soil feels dry, it’s time to water, but never let the pots sit in excess water.
• Underwatering: If overwatering is an issue, not watering can have negative consequences on the plants as well. They require regular watering, particularly in dry indoor environments, though it is important not to let the plants dry out entirely.
• Poor Drainage: If water pools around the roots due to bad drainage, root rot can be the result. The pots must have drainage holes, and the soil should be free-draining.
• Wrong Temperature: Most herbs tend to like 60–70°F without a lot of fluctuations. Pick the wrong place and plants appear stressed, closer to heating or cooling sources, and breathing too dry air.
• Not Enough Air Circulation: Pests and mold can breed in poorly ventilated indoor environments. You need good air moving around. A fan, or setting out the plants in a well-ventilated space, can be good.
• Wrong Soil: Normal garden soil is too dense and heavy and does not drain well for herbs. Better is a light, well-draining potting mix, including one branded for herbs or vegetables.
• Not Fertilizing: Herbs can deplete the nutrients in the soil. While fertilizing once in a while with a balanced, organic fertilizer is important, over-fertilizing can cause the plants to be weak or leggy.
• Not Pruning: Your herbs need to be pruned regularly so they grow back fuller and don’t get woody. Gathering off the tops to remove any dead or yellowing lower leaves is crucial.
• Ignoring Pests: Indoor greenery can be the target of pests too, including aphids or spider mites. By regularly inspecting your herbs and rapidly responding to any sign of pests, you can keep them healthy.

The Bottom Line 

Herbs for indoor gardening are wonderful for promoting a healthier, fresher atmosphere. When deciding to grow herbs in your home, it is vital to select an appropriate climate and location. An indoor herb garden is low-maintenance, as you just have to ensure the right light, water, humidity, and temperature suitable for your crops. These indoor gardens not only purify the air but also add aesthetic value to the home.

Growcycle offers the best herbs for indoor gardening. They also provide gardening tools and equipment, such as various soil mixes, insecticides, and pots, to support indoor gardening and herb cultivation.

Disclaimer: This material is for informational purposes only and should not be relied on for legal, medical, financial, or any other form of professional advice.

About the Author

Victor Miller

Environmental Journalist Focused on Sustainable Agriculture

Victor Miller is an environmental journalist at Growcycle, where he covers the latest news, trends, and innovations in sustainable agriculture. He has a deep passion for storytelling that emphasizes ecological balance and responsible farming practices.