Start an Indoor Herb Garden

If you can’t have a garden due to a lack of space or you don’t have the time for one, consider starting an indoor herb garden. Growing herbs indoors is convenient because the herbs are easily accessible for cooking. They don’t take up much space and it's easy to care for them. They’ll need at least 5-6 hours of sunlight each day, so pick a sunny spot. However, each herb has its own set of conditions.

Start an Indoor Herb Garden

First think about which herbs you like to cook with the most, such as any of these herbs:

Basil (Ocimum basilicum) is easy to grow. It likes consistent watering, but don’t overwater. Before adding more water, check if the soil is dry about an inch down. Basil has anti-inflammatory properties and helps reduce triglycerides and cholesterol levels. It’s high in antioxidants, so will help fight free radicals that damage the body. Use basil in any of your Italian and Mediterranean dishes.

Chives (Allium schoenoprasum) is a pungent herb that’s easy to grow. It requires well-drained, rich, and fertile soil, and regular watering. For cooking, chives impart a mild onion flavor to many foods, including salads, soups, vegetables and sauces.

Dill (Anethum graveolens) is a cool-weather herb, so it likes a slightly cooler spot. It needs consistent moisture, but don’t overwater. Dill is a warming digestive that stimulates the digestive fire (agni). In cooking, dill is a versatile herb that’s used fresh in salads and dressings. It can be added to hot dishes near the end of cooking.

Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis) is an aromatic herb in the mint family. Its cooling, refreshing and calming nature is wonderful in teas during the summertime.

Mint (Mentha) is low maintenance and easy to grow. Use mint in sweet and savory dishes. Because of its cool nature, it’s a key ingredient in summer dishes and cocktails or mocktails. Use mint in teas, desserts, and fruit salad. 

Oregano (Oreganum vulgare) likes the soil( slightly dry in between waterings. Use oregano in your Mediterranean dishes. 

Parsley (Petroselinum crispum) needs regular watering and likes sunlight. If it doesn’t get enough, it gets spindly looking. Parsley has a mild bitter flavor and in many parts of the world, it is combined with other leafy herbs in many dishes. Add it to salads, and use it as an ingredient in meat dishes, soups, stews, and stir-fry recipes.

Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus) likes full sun (about 6-8 hours) and be sure the soil dries out completely before watering. Rosemary pairs well with both savory and sweet dishes. Use it in roasted meats and vegetables dishes, as well as in soups, casseroles, and stews.

Sage (Salvia officinalis) needs 6-8 hours of sunlight and avoid overwatering. Water when the soil is dry to the touch. Sage can be used in many savory or sweet dishes, but mainly it’s used in savory dishes. Add it to stuffing, sauces, marinades, and breads.

Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) is easy to grow and is very low maintenance. Prune thyme regularly so it doesn’t get leggy. Use thyme in your Mediterranean dishes. It enhances the flavors of roasted meats, vegetables and stews. Try lemon thyme – it goes great in chicken dishes.

Planting the Herbs

• Once you’ve decided which herbs to grow, choose pots that have drainage holes to prevent root rot; and plant them in individual pots so each one gets the care it needs, such as the right amount of sun and water.

  
  

• For soil, choose a high-quality potting mix; don’t use garden soil (it can become compacted and retain too much moisture).

  
  

• Water your herbs when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, but don’t overwater. Allow the soil to dry out slightly in between waterings. Certain herbs like sage, rosemary, and thyme prefer slightly drier conditions. 

  
  

• Rotate the plants periodically so that each part of the plant is exposed to sunlight.

  
  

• Periodically, use a liquid fertilizer to ensure that your herbs have the nutrients that they need. 

  
  

• Prune your herbs regularly to encourage a fuller growth; and remove yellow or dead leaves. If an herb becomes root-bound or if the soil becomes depleted, repot the herb.

Enjoy your herb garden!