Growing herbs indoors is an excellent option if you’re looking for ways to add a little greenery to your home. Not only do they add color and life to a room, but they can also be used to add flavor to your food.
Many different herbs can be grown indoors, each with its unique benefits. Some of the most popular herbs to grow indoors include basil, mint, thyme, and lavender.
How to Start Growing Herbs Indoors
To start growing herbs indoors, you need the following:
A great location
To grow herbs indoors, you are going to need a great spot in the house to grow. This is because herbs require a certain amount of natural light. Therefore, we recommend a window that is not blocked and is south-facing to grow your herbs.
Checking to see how to care for your herbs is essential, so always read the instructions in the seed packet or seedling pot. The reason is that many plants like mints that require less light can be grown on a window facing the west.
Grow herbs in the suitable pots
Make sure that when growing your herbs indoors, you are growing them in the correct pots. Pots that have to allow drainage and space for your plants to grow.
Water properly
Make sure you water your plants according to their needs. Depending on the soil, many soils won’t require much water. Make sure you use good soil that will stay moist longer.
Also, depending on the pot you use to grow your herbs, you might need to water more or less.
Now that we have covered how to start an indoor herb garden let’s discuss the best herbs to grow indoors.
Are you struggling with growing herbs indoors?
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What herbs grow well in pots indoors?
For beginners, learning how to cultivate some of their favorite cooking herbs in pots is a terrific way to get started. But, no matter where you are, look at our top herbs that are ideal for growing indoors.
Basil
Basil plants with smaller globes are best for growing inside. There will be space issues with several larger varieties since they are too big. Many gardeners have trouble producing excellent basil, but things usually go smoothly when given well-drained soil and lots of sunlight.
Oregano
Cuttings or division make it simple to multiply oregano plants. At the end of the summer, please take a few cuttings and root them in a cup of water. Compared to dried oregano, fresh is significantly milder. Utilize it after cooking to preserve its flavor.
Rosemary
At the end of the summer, cut outdoor rosemary to grow all winter indoors. Then, starting with a four-inch branch tip cutting, remove the bottom foliage before planting it in potting soil. As it roots, cover it with plastic to keep the humidity.
Thyme
Thyme can be grown in pots that are four to six inches in diameter. Divide a larger plant that has grown or repot a plant from a nursery. It is also simple to grow from cuttings. Additionally, it requires little upkeep, is drought-tolerant, and may tolerate some neglect.
Mint
For most of us, growing mint indoors may be the best option. Mint may be contained to prevent it from taking over the entire yard and garden. Every variety is ideal for indoor growing. The mint appreciates ample moisture and quality soil.
Parsley
Italian parsley types with flat and curly leaves require wet soil with good drainage and full sun to be part shade. The seedlings should be spaced 8 to 10 inches apart. If you cultivate the plants in pots, give them roomy containers because they have extensive taproots.
Lemon balm
For the most incredible flavor, grow lemon balm plants for just one season. You can start it inside in the fall, let it grow through the winter, and then plant it outside in the spring and summer.
Can I grow herbs indoors all year round?
Yes, many herbs can be successfully grown indoors all year round. Herbs such as basil, chives, cilantro, dill, mint, and parsley are ideal for growing indoors. They prefer moderate to bright light and thrive in moist soil. Be sure to water your herbs regularly and fertilize them every few weeks with a balanced organic fertilizer. When temperatures outside begin to drop below 50 degrees Fahrenheit, it may be necessary to bring your herbs indoors to keep them healthy.
What herbs can I grow inside without sunlight?
Many herbs can be grown indoors without sunlight. These herbs can be grown in pots or containers and don’t require a lot of sunlight or maintenance. Growing them indoors is a great option if you’re looking for an easy way to add fresh herbs to your cooking.
Some low-light plants that can endure without sunlight are listed below:
- Chives. Chives are one of the simplest herbs to grow and are frequently added to salads and stews. It can be grown in brilliant indirect sunlight while being shaded.
- Sweet cicely. Grow this on soil that drains well. It will be best to place it close to a south-facing window if growing inside.
- Corsican mint. The best location for this fragrant herb in your home is close to any window. It will thrive in damp, draining soil.
- Parsley. One of the most well-known herbs, it can endure shade if the weather is warm. Its earthy, fresh flavor enhances the flavor of vegetables, soups, and sauces.
- Lovage. In a warm region, you can cultivate this herb in the shade. For optimum growth, choose well-drained, sandy, loamy soil with a neutral pH.
What is the easiest herb to grow?
You can start several herbs from cuttings or the small sample you bought at a garden center. But, first, let’s talk about some of the simplest herbs to grow.
Cilantro
Once established, cilantro, also known as coriander or Mexican parsley, doesn’t need much water and provides tasty flavoring all year.
Sage
Sage is renowned for having a taste profile that endures no matter how overgrown and for being a drought and frost-hardy plant. The fuzzy leaves are pest-repelling and spread readily.
Bay leaves
Bay leaves are a plant that thrives in rich compost. Keep them near your couch for a natural air freshener or outside to guard your entrance door.
Basil
A typical plant produces half a cup of leaves per week. Therefore, utilizingdy seasoning frequently is essential for the small plant’s life because it is known for getting fuller with each trimming.
Oregano
It thrives in warm, dry areas. It grows more quickly when clipped and requires less water than most plants.
When should I start my herbs indoors?
Herb planting is the best and most reliable done in the early spring. This is because the best soil temperatures are at this time, and the warmer weather means that seedlings won’t suffer from either heat or cold extremes.
When starting herbs indoors, always use potting soil rather than garden soil. Potting soil is specifically designed for plants grown in containers and contains more nutrients and moisture than garden soil.
What is the easiest herb to keep alive?
The most accessible herb to keep alive is an herb that doesn’t require much maintenance. Aside from the herbs mentioned above, here are the easiest herbs to stay alive:
Lemongrass
You can put a lemongrass stalk in a few inches of water and leave it alone because it is so simple to grow! However, pick high-quality potting soil and ensure sufficient drainage if you wish to grow it in soil.
Chervil
Chervil performs significantly better indoors than outdoors since it prefers cold temperatures and light shade rather than the intense summer sun.
Dill
Dill grows taller indoors than it does outdoors. This is because it must always be kept moist but not drenched in water and put in a window that receives a lot of sunlight.
Garlic
One clove should be placed in potting soil, covered with 1 inch of soil, and left in the kitchen window, where it will receive eight hours of direct sunlight daily. Your garlic will grow ready for harvesting in a few months if you consistently water it, keeping the soil moist but not damp.
Tarragon
Tarragon needs six to eight hours of light per day. Allow it to dry between waterings, but increase humidity by giving the leaves a light misting of water every other day. The herb should also be fertilized every two weeks.
Marjoram
This fragrant and pleasant herb only needs a sunny spot and moderately moist, well-drained soil to grow. In order to keep the plant’s size and shape, pin it back just before it blooms.
