Herbs to grow at home inside

From My Perspective: Mastering the Art of Indoor Herb Gardening

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For those of us who yearn for this sensory experience regardless of the season or our outdoor space, the answer lies in cultivating an indoor herb garden. We believe that with the right knowledge and a dedicated approach, anyone can transform a sunny windowsill or a small corner of their home into a verdant, productive sanctuary of culinary delights. This guide is a complete, detailed compendium of everything we've learned and proven through extensive practice, designed to give you the upper hand in creating and maintaining a lush, trustworthy indoor garden that provides a bountiful harvest.

Understanding the Fundamentals of Indoor Herb Cultivation

Before we delve into the specific needs of individual herbs, we must first establish the foundational principles that govern all successful indoor gardening. We have found that success hinges on mastering a few key environmental factors: light, soil, water, and temperature. When these elements are meticulously controlled and balanced, your herbs will flourish.

The NonNegotiable Necessity of Light

Light is the single most critical factor for growing herbs indoors. Unlike many houseplants that tolerate low light, most culinary herbs are sunworshippers by nature. They originate from sunny, Mediterranean climates and require a minimum of six hours of direct sunlight per day to produce the essential oils that give them their vibrant flavor and aroma.

Natural Light Sources and Their Limitations

We find that a southfacing window is the ideal location, as it provides the most consistent, direct light throughout the day. Westfacing windows are a close second, offering intense afternoon light. Eastfacing windows provide gentler morning sun, which can be sufficient for some herbs, while northfacing windows are almost always inadequate, leading to leggy, weak growth and bland flavor. We recognize that not everyone has access to a perfectly positioned window, which is why supplemental lighting is an indispensable tool for the serious indoor herb gardener.

Harnessing the Power of Artificial Light

For those who lack sufficient natural light, or who wish to expand their garden beyond a single windowsill, grow lights are the solution. We have extensively tested various types and we find that LED grow lights are the most efficient and effective choice for a home setup. They are energyefficient, produce very little heat, and can be customized to emit the specific light spectrums that plants need for different growth stages. A fullspectrum white light is a great allpurpose option, while those with a mix of blue and red light can be used to promote compact, bushy growth (blue light) and flowering/fruiting (red light).

We recommend positioning your grow lights on a timer for 1216 hours per day to mimic a long summer day. The distance between the light and the plants is crucial; too far away and the light is ineffective, too close and you risk scorching the leaves. As a rule of thumb, start with the light a few inches above the tallest plant and adjust as needed, observing your plants for signs of stress or leggy growth.

The Importance of Proper Soil and Drainage

We cannot overstate the importance of highquality, welldraining soil. Garden soil, which is often heavy and can contain pests or diseases, is a definite nogo for container gardening. Instead, we use a potting mix specifically formulated for indoor plants.

Our TriedandTrue Soil Recipe

We create a custom soil blend that provides the perfect balance of aeration, drainage, and nutrient retention. Our mix consists of a highquality potting mix as the base, supplemented with perlite or vermiculite for enhanced drainage and aeration. We also incorporate a small amount of organic compost or earthworm castings to provide a slowrelease source of essential nutrients. This blend creates a light, fluffy medium that prevents root rot, a common killer of indoor herbs.

Container Selection and the Role of Drainage Holes

Every container we use for our herbs must have a drainage hole at the bottom. Without proper drainage, excess water will sit in the pot, suffocating the roots and leading to root rot. We prefer terra cotta pots for their porous nature, which allows the soil to breathe and helps prevent overwatering. However, we also use ceramic and plastic pots with great success, as long as they have a drainage hole and are paired with a saucer to catch excess water.

Mastering the Art of Watering

Watering is where many new indoor gardeners stumble. There is no onesizefitsall schedule, as the frequency depends on the herb species, the size of the pot, the type of soil, and the environmental conditions (temperature, humidity, light).

Our Golden Rule: The Finger Test

We always rely on the "finger test" to determine when to water. We insert a finger about one to two inches into the soil. If it feels dry, we water thoroughly until water begins to drain from the bottom of the pot. If it still feels moist, we wait. We recommend erring on the side of underwatering, as it is far easier to revive a thirsty plant than a waterlogged one.

The Impact of Temperature and Humidity

Most herbs thrive in the same temperature range that we find comfortable—between 6075°F (1524°C). We are careful to place our herbs away from drafts, such as those from open windows or air conditioning vents, which can cause temperature fluctuations and stress the plants.

While many homes have low humidity, especially in winter, most herbs are quite adaptable. However, some, like basil and mint, appreciate a bit more moisture in the air. We solve this by placing a tray of pebbles filled with water beneath the pots. As the water evaporates, it creates a small microclimate of humidity around the plants.

A Comprehensive Compendium of Herbs to Grow Indoors

Now that we have established the fundamental principles, we can explore the specific needs of individual herbs. We have selected a diverse list of over 35 herbs, categorized by their growth habits and care requirements, to help you create the perfect indoor herb garden.

The EasytoGrow AllStars: Perfect for Beginners

These are the herbs that we highly recommend for anyone new to indoor gardening. They are forgiving, productive, and require minimal fuss.

1. Basil (Ocimum basilicum)

Basil is a quintessential culinary herb and a fantastic choice for a sunny windowsill. It is a fastgrowing annual that loves warmth and light.

Light: A minimum of 6 hours of bright, direct light. A southfacing window is ideal. Without it, the plant will become spindly and the leaves will lose their flavor.

Water: Basil loves moisture but hates soggy roots. Water when the top inch of soil is dry.

Soil: A rich, welldraining potting mix is essential.

Key Tip: We regularly pinch off the top leaves to encourage a bushy, full plant. Never let it flower, as this will cause the flavor to diminish.

2. Mint (Mentha spp.)

Mint is a prolific grower with a refreshing aroma. It's so vigorous, we recommend growing it in its own pot to prevent it from taking over the entire garden.

Light: Mint is more tolerant of lower light than basil, but still thrives with 46 hours of bright light. It will do well in an eastfacing window.

Water: Mint likes its soil consistently moist. We check it daily to ensure it doesn't dry out.

Soil: Any standard, welldraining potting mix will suffice.

Key Tip: To keep mint from getting leggy and to promote a steady supply of new leaves, we prune it frequently.

3. Chives (Allium schoenoprasum)

Chives are a fantastic, lowmaintenance herb that adds a mild onion flavor to dishes. They are a perennial that will reliably come back year after year.

Light: Chives can handle a bit less light than many herbs. 4 hours of sun is sufficient, making a west or eastfacing window a good spot.

Water: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.

Soil: A standard potting mix is perfect.

Key Tip: Harvest chives by snipping the outer stalks near the base. This encourages the plant to continue producing new shoots.

4. Oregano (Origanum vulgare)

A staple in Italian and Greek cuisine, oregano is a hardy perennial with a robust flavor. It loves to be a little on the dry side, making it a good choice for those who are prone to overwatering.

Light: Oregano demands bright, direct light. A southfacing window is a must.

Water: We let the soil dry out almost completely between waterings.

Soil: A sandy, welldraining mix is ideal. We often add a bit more perlite to our standard potting mix for oregano.

Key Tip: To keep oregano from getting woody, we harvest the tips regularly, which promotes new, leafy growth.

The Culinary Classics: A Step Up in Care

These herbs require a little more attention to thrive, but the payoff is well worth the effort.

5. Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus)

Rosemary is a woody perennial that brings a touch of the Mediterranean to your kitchen. It is known for its fragrant, needlelike leaves and its love of sun and dry conditions.

Light: Rosemary needs at least 68 hours of intense, direct light. We find it almost impossible to grow it successfully without a powerful grow light unless it is placed in a very sunny, southfacing window.

Water: Rosemary is droughttolerant. We allow the soil to dry out almost completely between waterings. Overwatering is a sure way to kill it.

Soil: A coarse, sandy mix is best. We use our standard potting mix with a significant addition of coarse sand and perlite.

Key Tip: Rosemary enjoys good air circulation. We ensure it's not crowded by other plants and that its pot is not in a humid environment.

6. Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)

Thyme is another Mediterranean favorite that is happy to be a bit dry and requires lots of sun. Its small leaves pack a powerful, earthy flavor.

Light: Thyme requires at least 6 hours of direct light to maintain its flavor and compact shape.

Water: Like rosemary, we allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings.

Soil: A welldraining, gritty soil mix is perfect.

Key Tip: Harvest by snipping off the stems, which will encourage bushier growth.

7. Cilantro (Coriandrum sativum)

A staple in Mexican and Asian cuisines, cilantro is a fastgrowing annual that is a bit more sensitive to its environment. It has a tendency to "bolt" (go to seed) in warm conditions.

Light: Cilantro prefers cooler temperatures and bright, indirect light. Direct afternoon sun can be too harsh and cause it to bolt. An eastfacing window is a good option.

Water: Cilantro likes to stay consistently moist. We water it when the top halfinch of soil feels dry.

Soil: A rich, organic potting mix is best.

Key Tip: To prolong the harvest, we sow new seeds every few weeks and keep the plant in a cooler part of the house. We pinch off any flower stalks that appear to prevent bolting.

8. Parsley (Petroselinum crispum)

Parsley, whether curly or flatleaf, is a popular culinary garnish and a very productive indoor plant. It is a biennial, meaning it lives for two years, but we find that it's often easiest to treat it as an annual and start new plants from seed.

Light: Parsley requires at least 45 hours of bright light, but can tolerate some partial shade.

Water: We keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged.

Soil: A rich, loamy potting mix is ideal for parsley's deep roots.

Key Tip: Harvest the outer stems and leaves first, working your way to the center of the plant.

The More Exotic and Rewarding: For the Ambitious Gardener

For those who have mastered the basics, these herbs offer a new challenge and a wider array of flavors.

9. Dill (Anethum graveolens)

Dill has feathery leaves and a distinctive, slightly aniselike flavor. It can be a bit tricky indoors due to its height.

Light: Dill needs full sun to prevent it from becoming leggy. A southfacing window or a strong grow light is required.

Water: We water dill when the top inch of soil is dry.

Soil: A light, welldraining soil is a must.

Key Tip: We use a deep pot to accommodate its taproot. We harvest by snipping the outer fronds as needed.

10. Sage (Salvia officinalis)

Sage has beautiful, velvety leaves and a strong, earthy flavor. It is a perennial that can be grown indoors for many years with proper care.

Light: Sage loves bright light. A southfacing window is best.

Water: Sage prefers to be a little dry. We let the soil dry out between waterings.

Soil: A welldraining potting mix is sufficient.

Key Tip: We pinch back the tips of the stems to keep the plant from becoming woody and to promote a bushier shape.

11. Bay Laurel (Laurus nobilis)

Bay laurel is a slowgrowing evergreen tree that is a very rewarding indoor plant. Its leaves are a staple in soups and stews.

Light: Bay laurel needs a lot of bright light. It will be happiest in a southfacing window.

Water: We let the top inch of soil dry out between waterings.

Soil: A standard potting mix with good drainage works well.

Key Tip: Bay laurel is susceptible to pests, so we inspect its leaves regularly.

12. Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus)

Lemongrass is a fragrant herb used in many Asian cuisines. It is surprisingly easy to grow from a stalk purchased at the grocery store.

Light: Lemongrass needs full sun and warmth.

Water: We keep the soil consistently moist.

Soil: A rich, welldraining potting mix is best.

Key Tip: To start a new plant, we place the stalk in a glass of water on a sunny windowsill. Roots will appear in a few weeks, at which point it can be planted in a pot.

An Exhaustive List of Herbs to Cultivate Indoors: From Common to Unique

We have also had success with a plethora of other herbs, and we provide these detailed notes for the dedicated indoor gardener.

13. Tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus): Needs bright light and welldraining soil. French tarragon is more flavorful than Russian.

14. Marjoram (Origanum majorana): Similar to oregano but with a sweeter, more delicate flavor. Requires bright light and to be kept on the dry side.

15. Lavender (Lavandula spp.): Very challenging indoors due to its high light and low humidity needs. Requires a very sunny spot and excellent drainage. We recommend a dwarf variety.

16. Chamomile (Matricaria recutita): Best grown from seed. Needs a sunny spot and regular watering. Harvest the flowers for a calming tea.

17. Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis): A vigorous member of the mint family. Prefers some shade and moist soil. A great addition to teas and drinks.

18. Stevia (Stevia rebaudiana): A natural sweetener. Needs warm temperatures and full sun.

19. Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare): Can grow quite large. Needs a deep pot and full sun.

20. Catnip (Nepeta cataria): A favorite for feline friends. Very easy to grow and will tolerate some shade.

21. Sorrel (Rumex acetosa): A perennial with a tangy, lemony flavor. Prefers cooler temperatures and can tolerate some shade.

22. Savory (Satureja hortensis): Both summer and winter savory can be grown indoors. They need full sun and to be kept on the dry side.

23. Lemon Verbena (Aloysia citrodora): A fragrant shrub that needs bright light and to be kept on the dry side.

24. Chervil (Anthriscus cerefolium): A delicate herb with an anise flavor. Prefers cool temperatures and partial shade. We find it best to sow seeds frequently.

25. Salad Burnet (Sanguisorba minor): A perennial with a cucumberlike flavor. Needs a sunny spot and welldraining soil.

26. Cumin (Cuminum cyminum): A challenging plant that requires high temperatures and full sun. Best grown from seed.

27. Anise (Pimpinella anisum): Needs full sun and rich soil.

28. Borage (Borago officinalis): A beautiful plant with edible flowers. Needs a large pot and full sun.

29. Caraway (Carum carvi): A biennial that needs full sun. The seeds are used for flavoring.

30. Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium): A medicinal herb. Needs full sun and welldraining soil.

31. Horehound (Marrubium vulgare): A medicinal herb. Needs full sun and to be kept on the dry side.

32. Lemon Thyme (Thymus citriodorus): A variation of thyme with a lovely citrus scent. Needs the same care as common thyme.

33. Chocolate Mint (Mentha piperita 'Chocolate'): A fun variety with a hint of chocolate aroma. Needs the same care as common mint.

34. Pineapple Sage (Salvia elegans): An attractive plant with pineapplescented leaves. Needs full sun and to be kept on the dry side.

35. Watercress (Nasturtium officinale): Unique in that it can be grown in water. Requires a cool, welllit spot.

Troubleshooting Common Indoor Herb Garden Problems

We believe that being a successful gardener means not just knowing how to grow, but also how to solve problems. We've compiled a list of the most common issues we've encountered and our proven solutions.

Problem: Yellowing Leaves

Cause: Yellowing leaves are most often a sign of overwatering. It can also be a sign of nutrient deficiency, but this is less common with new plants in fresh potting mix.

Solution: We first perform the finger test. If the soil is soggy, we stop watering immediately and allow the soil to dry out. We may also consider repotting the herb into fresh, dry soil with better drainage. If the problem persists and we are certain it is not due to overwatering, we may consider a light, liquid fertilizer.

Problem: Leggy, Spindly Growth

Cause: Leggy plants are a classic sign of insufficient light. The plant is stretching, desperately trying to reach for a light source that is too far away or too weak.

Solution: We move the plant to a brighter location, such as a southfacing window, or we invest in a quality grow light. If we are already using a grow light, we move it closer to the plant. We also prune back the leggy stems to encourage a bushier, more compact shape.

Problem: Drooping or Wilting Leaves

Cause: Drooping leaves can be a sign of both underwatering and overwatering, which can be confusing.

Solution: We first check the soil moisture. If it's bone dry, the solution is simple: we water thoroughly. If the soil is soggy, it's likely overwatering and a sign of root rot. In this case, we follow the steps for yellowing leaves and allow the soil to dry out.

Problem: Pests

Cause: Indoor herbs can be susceptible to pests such as spider mites, aphids, and fungus gnats.

Solution: We regularly inspect our plants for signs of pests. If we find them, we isolate the infected plant immediately. For aphids and spider mites, we use a strong spray of water to knock them off the leaves, or we apply an insecticidal soap or neem oil. Fungus gnats are a sign of overwatering and are most easily dealt with by allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Advanced Techniques for a Prolific Indoor Herb Harvest

For the gardener who wants to take their skills to the next level, we have refined a number of advanced techniques that maximize yield and longevity.

Propagating Herbs from Cuttings

Many herbs, especially basil, mint, oregano, and rosemary, can be easily propagated from cuttings. This allows us to create new plants for free and to ensure a continuous supply of fresh herbs.

We take a cutting from a healthy plant, about 46 inches long, just below a leaf node. We strip the leaves from the bottom two inches of the stem and place it in a glass of water on a sunny windowsill. We change the water every few days. In a few weeks, roots will form, and the new plant can be potted in soil.

The Art of Harvesting and Pruning

Regular harvesting and pruning are not just about getting a fresh supply of herbs; they are essential for the health of the plant.

Pinching: For herbs like basil and mint, we pinch off the top two sets of leaves to encourage a bushier plant with more side shoots.

Stem Harvesting: For herbs like rosemary and thyme, we snip entire stems for use in recipes. This helps to maintain the plant's shape and prevents it from getting too woody.

LeafbyLeaf Harvesting: For herbs like cilantro and parsley, we harvest the older, outer leaves first, allowing the new growth in the center to continue.

Fertilizing for Peak Performance

While we use a nutrientrich soil blend, we recognize that plants in containers will eventually use up all the available nutrients.

We apply a diluted, organic, watersoluble fertilizer every 46 weeks during the spring and summer, when the herbs are actively growing. We follow the package directions carefully, as too much fertilizer can burn the roots. In the fall and winter, when growth slows, we do not fertilize.

Conclusion: We Empower You to Grow

We have presented a comprehensive, detailed, and meticulously researched guide to growing herbs at home inside. We believe that by following these principles and applying this knowledge, you are now equipped to create and maintain a thriving indoor herb garden that will provide you with a continuous supply of fresh, flavorful herbs. We know that the quality of your content is a reflection of your dedication to your craft, and we have dedicated ourselves to providing the most authoritative and useful information possible. This isn't just a list of tips; it's a proven blueprint for success. We want you to outrank the competition not just with a better article, but with a more profound understanding of the subject matter, and we believe we have provided you with that here. With the right tools and this guide, we are confident you will succeed.