10 Must-Have Indoor Herbs You Can Easily Grow at Home
A Comprehensive Guide to Cultivating Fresh Herbs Indoors for Year-Round Flavor and Health Benefits
Growing your own indoor herb garden is a rewarding way to have fresh, flavorful herbs at your fingertips all year long.
Whether you're an experienced gardener or a complete beginner, there are a few essential tips to consider before getting started.
With the proper care, your indoor herb garden will thrive and become the envy of your family and friends.
Finding the Best Spot for Indoor Herbs
To grow healthy indoor herbs, it's crucial to provide them with as much natural light as possible. Herbs need about six to eight hours of direct sunlight each day, so placing them near a sunny window or sliding glass door is ideal.
If your home doesn't have enough natural light, don't worry—artificial lighting, such as an LED gardening system from AeroGarden, can be a great alternative.
Keep an eye on your herbs for signs that they need more light, such as pale or yellowing leaves. If you notice these symptoms, try moving your plants to a sunnier spot or adding supplemental lighting.
Watering Indoor Herbs
Proper watering is key to maintaining a successful indoor herb garden. It's best to water your herbs infrequently but thoroughly. To check if your herbs need water, poke your finger a couple of inches into the soil. If it feels dry, it's time to water.
When watering, do so slowly to allow the soil to absorb the moisture and prevent water from running straight through the pot's drain holes.
Always use room-temperature water to avoid shocking your plants. For added convenience, consider using a self-watering planter.
Selecting the Best Pots for Your Indoor Herbs
Choosing the right pots or containers for your indoor herbs can be challenging with so many options available. Here are three important factors to consider:
Drainage: Ensure your pots have drainage holes to prevent root rot. Use a saucer underneath each pot to catch excess water and protect your surfaces.
Size: For individual herbs, select pots that are at least six inches in diameter. For multiple herbs in one pot or for herbs you plan to harvest frequently, choose a container that's at least 18 inches in diameter.
Material: Terra cotta, plastic, and wood are the most common materials for indoor pots. Terra cotta is ideal for humid climates, plastic retains moisture well and is excellent for drier areas, and wood (especially cedar or redwood) is durable and moisture-retentive, making it suitable for dry environments.
Selecting the Best Soil
Standard garden soil is too dense for potted plants, so it's important to choose a potting mix that allows for proper drainage and aeration. Many gardeners prefer to create their own blend using three parts soil, one part compost, and one part perlite or sand.
Seeds vs. Starter Plants
When growing indoor herbs, you have two main options: starting from seeds or purchasing starter plants.
Seeds: Seeds are cost-effective and offer a wider selection of herb varieties. However, they require more time and care, especially during the initial germination stage.
Starter Plants: These are quicker and easier to grow, making them ideal for beginners. You can enjoy fresh herbs sooner and with less maintenance with starter plants.
10 Indoor Herbs You Can Grow at Home
If you're unsure where to start, here are ten of the most popular herbs that are easy to grow indoors:
Basil: A staple in many cuisines, basil is perfect for pizzas, sauces, and pestos. It also offers health benefits like natural antibiotic properties and blood sugar regulation.
Chives: With a mild onion flavor, chives are great for egg dishes, salads, and more. They also have anti-inflammatory properties and help lower blood pressure.
Cilantro: Ideal for spicy dishes, cilantro aids digestion and purifies the blood.
Dill: Both dill weed and dill seed add flavor to salads, fish, and lamb. Dill also helps with digestion and glucose regulation.
Lavender: Known for its fragrance, lavender is also used in cooking and as a versatile herbal remedy.
Mint: Perfect for beverages and desserts, mint refreshes breath and calms the stomach.
Oregano: Common in Italian and Mediterranean dishes, oregano aids digestion and relieves muscle aches.
Parsley: More than just a garnish, parsley is great in soups, stews, and salads, and it offers benefits like blood cleansing and oxygen metabolism.
Rosemary: Excellent for meats and vegetables, rosemary improves circulation and alleviates nervous conditions.
Sage: Sage is ideal for meats and sauces, and it has health benefits like reducing inflammation and calming anxiety.
What We Learned About Indoor Herbs
Growing indoor herbs is not only fun but also highly beneficial. Fresh herbs can transform your meals and provide a constant supply of nutrients. Plus, indoor gardening reduces the risk of pests and saves money in the long run.
Follow our tips and start your indoor herb garden today. It's a rewarding experience that will keep your kitchen stocked with fresh, flavorful herbs year-round.