What to Plant: Easiest Herbs to Grow Indoors

Photo by Emily Murphy

Bring your garden inside with 10 of the easiest herbs to grow indoors.

If You’re Going to Grow One Thing, Let it Be Herbs!

Herbs are a fabulous reminder that it doesn’t take much to make a big – and wonderful – difference in everyday living. They’re the dynamos of the garden. Use them in cooking, teas, aromatherapy, homemade skincare products, and as a key element in a pollinator garden. In fact, once you start growing and cooking with fresh herbs you’ll never go back.

So! As you may have heard me say before, if you’re going to grow just one thing, let it be herbs. They will change your life.

Bring cuttings or divisions inside to grow on a sunny windowsill throughout the seasons, or start a fresh batch of herbs in small containers from seeds or starts.

How to Propagate Plants from Cuttings

6 Things to Remember When Planting Seeds

4 Tips for Success

Keep a few basic principles in mind when growing any plant inside or out.

1. Locate your sunniest window or area where grow lights can easily be added, such as under existing kitchen cabinets. About how much sun does your sunniest window receive each day? Plants requiring full sun need a minimum of 6 to 8 hours of sun a day to thrive, while plants that tolerate part sun need a minimum of 4 to 6 hours of sun a day.
2. Plant in containers with good drainage. It’s okay to use a decorative planter without drain holes. This will help protect indoor surfaces but plan to plant in containers with drainage that then fit inside your chosen planter. This way water runs freely, plants are never waterlogged, and everyone will be happy.
3. Work with the best potting soil you can find. An organic potting mix designed for containers that’s high in organic matter and peat-free is ideal.
4. Begin with a handful of plants like the plants you cook with most. If you find yourself reaching for parsley, grow parsley. If a pinch of fresh cilantro is the flavor you’re after, grow cilantro. Start with 2 to 5 plants while working out your system and remember, you don’t need to grow all the food you eat. Think of your indoor garden as a method for augmenting and inspiring everyday cooking.

10 Easiest Herbs to Grow Indoors

Use the list below as a launchpad. These are the plants that have proven themselves as easy growers. They’re tolerant of growing in confined spaces and varied conditions. My hope is that this list will narrow down your plant selection and provide immediate success and enjoyment.

• Basil
• Chervil
• Chives
• Rosemary
• Oregano
• Parsley
• Sage
• Thyme
• Cilantro
• Dill

Other Edibles to Consider Growing Indoors

• Pea shoots & other microgreens
• Sprouts

Grow Your Own Microgreens

How to Grow Sprouts with DIY Sprouting Jars

Photo by Emily Murphy

Other articles you might enjoy:

Fall Garden Checklist

Grow Your Own Herb Tea Garden

How to Attract Pollinators to Your Garden

*This article was originally published September 2018