How to Create a Thriving indoor Herb Garden

So here’s the thing – I live in LA County with 10 million other people. That means that more people live in apartments than live in houses with yards. Just because you live somewhere without a yard doesn’t mean that you don’t deserve fresh produce. And I think the absolute easiest way to start is with an herb garden you can grow in your kitchen. If you don’t have space in your kitchen than in any room with a window! So these are all my tips for how to create a thriving indoor herb garden. 

I chose an herb garden because herbs grow really well in pots! So all you need is pots, grocery store herbs, and a sunny windowsill!

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1. Choose the Right Herbs

Pick herbs that grow well indoors and match your cooking style. If you want to start with just one or two I would start with rosemary and basil. Rosemary can be ignored a little bit and still do really well! Basil is dramatic and if it doesn’t have enough water it will completely collapse, but just give them a drink and they’ll perk right up!

• Basil
• Parsley
• Cilantro
• Thyme
• Mint
• Chives
• Rosemary

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2. Select the Perfect Spot

• Light: Most herbs need 6–8 hours of sunlight daily. A sunny windowsill is ideal!
• Air Circulation: Ensure the area isn’t too cramped to prevent mold and pests.

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3. Pick the Right Containers

• Use pots with drainage holes to prevent root rot.
• Place a tray underneath to catch excess water. I like to thrift crystal dishes because they’re pretty, but the pots I linked have drip trays included!

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4. Use High-Quality Soil (or grow in water)

• Choose a well-draining potting mix, ideally one designed for herbs or vegetables. It will say that on the bag!
• Avoid garden soil, as it can compact and retain too much water.
• If you don’t want to plant them in soil lots of herbs grow well in water! Mint, Basil, Chives, Oregano, and Rosemary can all be placed directly in water and they will continue to grow.

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5. Water Wisely

• Herbs prefer moist but not soggy soil. Water when the top inch feels dry.
• Use a watering can with a narrow spout for precision.

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6. Fertilize Sparingly

• Feed your herbs with a diluted liquid fertilizer every 4–6 weeks.
• Over-fertilizing can affect the flavor and growth.

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7. Prune Regularly

• Harvest herbs often to encourage bushy growth.
• Avoid cutting more than one-third of the plant at a time.

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8. Watch for Pests and Problems

• Check for aphids or whiteflies. Use neem oil or soapy water if you see any bugs.I like this peppermint castile soap to create the soapy water, but pretty much any soap will work!
• If you notice lots of pest move that plant away from any other plants!

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9. Rotate and Refresh

• Rotate your pots occasionally to ensure even sunlight exposure.
• Replace struggling plants or try new herbs seasonally.

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10. Style It Up

• Arrange herbs by height for an aesthetic look.
• Label the pots with chalkboard paint or cute tags for a personal touch.

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With these steps, you’ll have fresh herbs at your fingertips for cooking, garnishing, and even making your kitchen look extra charming. 🌿