Growing Herbs Indoors

There's nothing like the aroma of freshly picked herbs from your garden. The incredible taste from herbs that have fully matured before harvest has a dramatic effect on your meals compared to dried varieties. If you want to take your cooking to the next level, then an herb garden must be on your list. When you create a steady source of fresh herbs that can be harvested at any time, you will enjoy the potent flavors and scents of wonderful ingredients like rosemary, thyme, basil, mint, and so much more.

On top of this, growing your own herbs saves you money and time. There is no need to go to the grocery store to pick up a container of dried basil when you have this herb growing abundantly on your windowsill. So how do you grow herbs indoors so that you can enhance your cooking game? This short guide will show you how to grow herbs indoors and keep them healthy throughout the year.

The Advantage of Indoor Herb Gardens

Having an indoor garden offers you plenty of benefits that go beyond a tastier meal. First, having access to fresh herbs throughout the year is convenient — especially when you don't want to swing by the grocery store just for a sprig of thyme. It also makes fresh ingredients available during times of the year when they can't grow outside. Why spend $4 for a small container of fresh herbs when you can have them grow abundantly at your own home?

Secondly, cultivating a garden is an excellent stress-relieving activity. Not only do you get a sense of accomplishment from growing fragrant herbs, but being around green spaces is naturally stress-relieving based on multiple scientific studies. The larger your garden, the better benefits you have from this green space.

Indoor gardens can become a family affair too. If you have a partner or kids, they can also take ownership over some plant care so that everyone gets a chance to be part of the cultivation process. It is a lovely way for families and couples to bond, especially when you get to see the tangible fruits of your labor.

And finally, an indoor garden can also benefit you medicinally. If you practice homeopathic remedies at home, then you can find many uses for fresh herbs like parsley and garlic. Though you should always consult your doctor before exploring herbal remedies, many household herbs have been used in folk medicine to promote a sense of well-being.

Get the Tools for the Job

If you’re a new gardener, herbs are some of the easiest starter plants. They are compact, fast-growing, and just need some good soil and a steady source of light. We highly recommend using indoor growing lights if you don't have a southside window.

Here are some other key items to have to make your indoor herb garden a success:

• Potting soil and chemicals (if needed) to create the right environment for starting herb seeds
• Pottery and saucers promote good growth and drainage to prevent problems like bugs and fungus growth. Raised garden beds with drainage holes are also good options.
• Seeds or pre-grown herbs from a garden store
• Mister or watering can
• Gardening gloves
• A towel and dustpan for cleanup

Some of the easiest and most accessible herbs to plant are basil, rosemary, thyme, and mint. These are common ingredients in meals so you can find plenty of uses for them. Feel free to explore the many options you have to make your custom indoor garden truly yours!

• Tip: For an even bigger mood-booster, get some home and lifestyle treats like candles, dish towels, and soaps. These will help you beautify your home and keep you tidy as you garden.

How to Grow Herbs Indoors

As you can see, starting an herb garden indoors doesn't require a lot of expensive items. Now that you have the tools for the job, here is the general process to follow. Note that every herb has its special care needs, so pay attention to what the seed packet says about planting times, seed spacing, and soil depth.

• Put soil in the pot. Place about 2 inches of soil in a few ceramic pots or a garden bed, smooth over the surface, then scatter your herb seeds according to their advised planting distance. Then, cover the seeds with another layer of soil. The recommended thickness for the top layer of soil depends on the type of herbs you are planting.

• Get your garden under good lighting. Whether you place your garden bed or pots in a sunny spot by a southside window or under grow lights, make sure your indoor herbs are getting enough light to thrive.

• Water your garden daily. For herb seeds, misting them with water every other day is enough to keep the soil moist for continued growth. Be careful not to make the soil too soggy or dry. Also, if your seeds require fertilization, use the type of fertilizer recommended on the seed packet.

• Watch and wait. Herbs are quick to grow, so you won’t need to wait long to see some progress. Many herbs don’t take too long to produce results. For example, basil germinates within a week and is ready to harvest within 3-4 weeks. Thyme takes about 28 days to mature. If you also choose to grow microgreens, then you can expect even shorter harvest times within 2-3 weeks.

In addition to your indoor herb garden, you can also create more green spaces by placing fully mature houseplants around your home. Whether you want to fill up some empty spaces with a hanging Golden Pothos or place a tall Snake Plant in the corner of your living room, these finishing touches matter.

Shop Green Plants, Garden Essentials, Gifts, and More

If you want a fragrant indoor herb garden, you’ve come to the right place. If you need more potting soil, garden design tips, or some plant-boosting products to make your indoor garden thrive, PlantShed is ready to help you cultivate a fruitful indoor garden any time of the year.