10 Easy Indoor Herbs to Grow Year-Round

Growing your own herbs indoors is one of the most rewarding and accessible ways to start your zero-waste journey. Not only do you get fresh, flavorful herbs year-round, but you also eliminate plastic packaging from store-bought herbs and connect with the natural process of growth. The best part? Most culinary herbs thrive indoors with minimal effort.

"The glory of gardening: hands in the dirt, head in the sun, heart with nature." - Alfred Austin

Getting Started: Your Indoor Herb Setup

Essential Supplies

Containers:

• 6-8 inch pots with drainage holes
• Small saucers to catch water
• Window boxes for multiple herbs
• Repurposed containers (coffee mugs, jars)

Growing Medium:

• Organic potting soil
• Perlite or vermiculite for drainage
• Compost for nutrients
• Avoid garden soil (too dense)

Light and Location

Most herbs need 4-6 hours of direct sunlight daily. South-facing windows are ideal, but east or west windows work too. If natural light is limited, supplement with grow lights. Herbs will stretch and become leggy if they don't get enough light.

The 10 Best Herbs for Indoor Growing

1. Basil

The king of culinary herbs. Grow sweet basil, Thai basil, or purple basil for different flavors.

Difficulty: Easy • Harvest: 60-90 days • Uses: Pasta, pesto, teas

2. Mint

Spearmint or peppermint. One plant can supply your household for years. Great for teas and desserts.

Difficulty: Very Easy • Harvest: Year-round • Uses: Teas, cocktails, sauces

3. Rosemary

Woody herb with needle-like leaves. Perfect for roasted meats, potatoes, and breads.

Difficulty: Easy • Harvest: Year-round • Uses: Roasting, breads, teas

4. Thyme

Low-growing herb with tiny leaves. Lemon thyme and common thyme are both excellent choices.

Difficulty: Easy • Harvest: Year-round • Uses: Soups, meats, vegetables

5. Oregano

Robust herb perfect for tomato-based dishes. Greek oregano is more flavorful than Italian.

Difficulty: Easy • Harvest: Year-round • Uses: Pizza, pasta, marinades

6. Chives

Mild onion flavor with beautiful purple flowers. Both leaves and flowers are edible.

Difficulty: Very Easy • Harvest: Year-round • Uses: Eggs, soups, garnishes

7. Parsley

Curly or flat-leaf varieties. Biennial plant that produces lots of fresh greens.

Difficulty: Easy • Harvest: Year-round • Uses: Garnishes, soups, salads

8. Sage

Velvety leaves with earthy flavor. Perfect for stuffing, sausages, and butters.

Difficulty: Moderate • Harvest: Year-round • Uses: Stuffing, meats, teas

9. Tarragon

French tarragon for authentic flavor. Licorice-like taste perfect for sauces and eggs.

Difficulty: Moderate • Harvest: Year-round • Uses: Sauces, eggs, chicken

10. Lemon Balm

Lemon-scented herb great for teas. Easy to grow and very forgiving of beginners.

Difficulty: Very Easy • Harvest: Year-round • Uses: Teas, desserts, salads

Care and Maintenance Tips

Watering Wisdom

Most herbs prefer to dry out slightly between waterings. Stick your finger in the soil—if it's dry 1-2 inches down, it's time to water. Always water at the base to avoid wetting leaves, which can cause fungal issues. Use room temperature water for best results.

Fertilizing and Soil

Use a diluted organic fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season. Good soil is key—repot annually with fresh potting mix to prevent soil compaction and replenish nutrients.

Pruning for Success

Regular harvesting encourages bushy growth. Pinch back flower buds to maintain leaf production. Most herbs can be harvested throughout the growing season without harming the plant.