Growing Herbs Indoors — Which Ones Work and How to Do It

Indoor herb growing is genuinely possible and very rewarding — but not all herbs are equal when it comes to performing on a windowsill. Light is almost always the limiting factor indoors, and choosing the right herbs, the right spot, and the right care routine makes the difference between a lush supply of fresh leaves and a row of struggling, leggy plants.

The Best Herbs for Indoor Growing

Basil, chives, parsley, mint, and coriander are the best performers on an indoor windowsill. Basil needs warmth and at least five to six hours of direct light — a south-facing sill in summer works well. Chives and parsley are more tolerant of lower light and cooler temperatures, making them good choices for east or west-facing windows. Mint grows vigorously indoors and actually benefits from the contained environment (no chance of escaping into the garden). Avoid rosemary, thyme, and sage indoors unless you have very good light — they prefer outdoor conditions and tend to do poorly on shady windowsills.

Light Is Everything

Most herbs need a minimum of four to six hours of direct sunlight per day. A south-facing windowsill provides the most light in the northern hemisphere; east and west-facing windows give adequate light for less demanding herbs. North-facing windows are too dark for almost all herbs without supplemental lighting. If your windowsill light is limited, a small LED grow light (even a basic one) placed 15–20 cm above the plants for 12–14 hours a day transforms what is possible — herbs grown under lights are often more productive than those in a sunny window.

Container Size and Drainage

Supermarket herb pots are designed for short-term use — they are small, often contain multiple crowded plants, and have minimal drainage. Repot into a larger container (at least 15 cm for single plants, 20–25 cm for basil or mint) with proper drainage holes. Use a quality peat-free multipurpose compost. Place a saucer underneath but empty it after watering — never leave pots standing in water. Terracotta pots are good for Mediterranean herbs because they dry out faster than plastic, reducing the risk of root rot.

Watering and Feeding Indoors

Indoor herbs dry out faster than outdoor ones in summer (warm, dry air) but slower in winter (cool, low evaporation). Water only when the top centimetre of compost is dry. In winter, most herbs need watering only once a week or less. Feed with a balanced liquid fertiliser every two to three weeks during the growing season (spring to autumn); do not feed in winter. Over-feeding produces lush, weak growth that is more susceptible to pests and disease.

Common Indoor Herb Mistakes

The most common mistakes with indoor herbs are overwatering, insufficient light, keeping plants too warm in winter (which makes them leggy), and not harvesting regularly enough. Harvest little and often — cutting back herbs regularly keeps them bushy and productive. Rotate pots a quarter turn each week so all sides receive equal light, which prevents the plant leaning towards the window. Keep herbs away from radiators and draughts, which cause sudden temperature swings that stress the plants.