How to Grow an Indoor Herb Garden: Fresh Herbs Year-Round

Inside: Considering growing your own indoor herb garden? There are a few things to keep in mind. Like not all things that grow outdoors grow indoors.

Growing an indoor herb garden is a great way to enjoy fresh flavors year-round, even if you don’t have outdoor space. Whether you’re growing herbs the old-fashioned way in soil or using a smart garden like a countertop hydroponic system, getting started is easier than you might think!

This post may contain affiliate links, see my disclosure policy for more information.

Table of Contents

How to Grow an Indoor Herb Garden: Fresh Herbs Year-Round

With the right conditions, your herb plants can thrive indoors, providing you with delicious, homegrown herbs for cooking, teas, and more.

Before you start, consider how much space you have and which types of herbs you want to grow. Some herbs, like Genovese basil and parsley, thrive in small spaces, while larger perennial herbs like Laurus nobilis (bay laurel) may require more room.

You have two great options for growing herbs indoors:

Soil-Based Herb Gardens – The traditional way using pots, soil, and natural light.
Hydroponic Herb Gardens – Using a self-watering system like an AeroGarden.

Both methods can be successful with the right setup!

Get updates & freebies delivered to your inbox!

7 Tips for a Thriving Indoor Herb Garden

Ensure Enough Light

Herbs need lots of light to grow well. A south-facing window or west-facing window is ideal for providing full sun and at least 6-8 hours of sunlight per day. If you don’t have a sunny spot, a grow light is a great option to supplement natural light.

image of Herbs that tolerate partial shade

Maintain Proper Temperature

Most culinary herbs prefer temperatures between 65-75°F (18-24°C). Avoid placing your herbs near cold windows during winter or next to heat vents that could dry them out.

Choose the Right Containers

Use pots with drainage holes to prevent root rot. Terra cotta pots and clay pots are good choices as they allow for airflow and prevent excess moisture buildup. For hydroponic systems, the water reservoir maintains moisture without soil.

Use High-Quality Potting Mix

A good idea is to use a lightweight, well-draining mix rather than garden soil. Some herbs, like rosemary, prefer a sandy mix, while basil and parsley do well in a general organic potting mix. Compost is a great way to add some nutrients naturally to your plants.

Water Correctly

Avoid using too much water, as herbs don’t like soggy soil. Check soil moisture before watering—if the top inch of soil is dry, it’s time to water. For hydroponic gardens, monitor the water tank levels to keep plants hydrated.

person tending herb garden with text overlayy

Feed with Fertilizer

Herbs grown indoors need nutrients since they don’t get them from outdoor soil. A balanced organic fertilizer or plant food every 4-6 weeks will keep them healthy. Be careful not to use too much fertilizer, as it can affect flavor.

Rotate and Prune for Healthy Growth

Rotate pots weekly to ensure even light exposure, and trim your herbs regularly to encourage new leaves. This helps keep your plants from becoming leggy and promotes strong plant growth.

Best Herbs for an Indoor Herb Garden

Some herbs are easier to grow indoors than others. Here are some of the best herbs for indoor growing:

Basil – Loves warmth and bright light (great for hydroponics).
Mint – Thrives in small systems and spreads quickly.
Thyme – Prefers little water and lots of light.
Parsley – A great choice for windowsills and hydroponic setups.
Chives – One of the easiest herbs to grow indoors.
Oregano – Does well in terra cotta pots with southern exposure.
Rosemary – Requires lots of light and prefers drier soil.

Hydroponic Herb Gardens: A Great Option for Small Spaces

If you want a low-maintenance way to grow herbs indoors, a smart garden or hydroponic system is a great value. These indoor growing systems use seed pods and a water tank to grow herbs faster without soil.

Popular indoor garden kits include:

AeroGarden Harvest Elite – Ideal for growing multiple herbs at once.
Click & Grow Smart Garden – Uses self-watering systems and pre-seeded pods.
Lettuce Grow Farmstand – A larger hydroponic system for growing a variety of plants.

These systems take the guesswork out of indoor gardening by providing the right amount of light, water, and nutrients automatically!

Common Indoor Herb Garden Problems & Solutions

Herbs Not Getting Enough Light? → Move them to a bright window or use a grow light.
Soil Staying Too Wet? → Use a pot with drainage holes and avoid too much water.
Herbs Getting Leggy? → Rotate pots and prune regularly.
Pests Like Aphids or Fungus Gnats? → Use neem oil for natural pest control.

Growing an indoor herb garden is a great way to enjoy fresh herbs year-round, whether you’re using a windowsill herb garden, traditional pots, or a hydroponic system. By providing enough light, the right container, and proper care, you’ll have delicious herbs ready to use anytime—no outdoor space required!

Frequently Asked Questions About Growing Herbs

What is the secret to growing herbs? The two most important requirements for most herbs are sunlight and good drainage.

What makes herbs grow faster? Give your garden lots of sun and just the right amount of water. Although herbs are not demanding, they do need plenty of sunlight.

What is the lifespan of herbs? Herbs are short-sized plants with soft, green, delicate stems without woody tissues. They complete their life cycle within one or two seasons.