10 Herbs that You Can Grow Indoors Year-Round

Do you enjoy cooking with fresh herbs but struggle to keep them alive? You're not alone! The good news is you don't need a big garden to enjoy flavorful, homegrown herbs. You can grow herbs using proper containers, soil, and lighting in your kitchen.

Imagine snipping fresh basil for pasta or mint for tea anytime you want. This guide lists 10 easy-to-grow herbs that thrive indoors year-round. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned gardener, you'll find simple tips to create a lush, vibrant indoor herb garden.

Getting Started with Indoor Herb Gardening

Before planting your favorite herbs, setting up the perfect indoor environment is essential. Here's what you need:

• Choose the Right Containers: Use containers with drainage holes to prevent root rot. Self-watering pots are great for beginners.
• Pick Quality Soil: Opt for well-draining potting soil instead of garden soil, which retains too much moisture indoors.
• Focus on Lighting: Most herbs need 6-8 hours of light daily. If needed, use LED grow lights.
• Use Essential Tools: Invest in floral snips to trim leaves cleanly, promoting healthy growth.

With these basics covered, let's check out the 10 best herbs that grow beautifully indoors all year!

10 Herbs You Can Grow Indoors Year-Round

Growing herbs indoors adds fresh flavors and greenery to your home. With the proper containers, soil, and lighting, you can enjoy herbs year-round.

1. Basil: The King of Herbs

Basil is one of the most popular indoor herbs, known for its aromatic leaves and versatility in pasta, salads, and pizzas. To grow basil indoors:

• Lighting: Basil loves the sun—6-8 hours a day. Place it near a south-facing window or use grow lights.
• Soil: Use well-draining, lightweight potting soil to keep roots healthy. Basil hates soggy feet!
• Watering: Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. When you stick your finger in the soil—if it's dry an inch down, it's time to water.
• Harvesting: Use floral snips to trim the top leaves. Regular snipping helps the plant grow bushier and keeps it from flowering (which can make the leaves bitter).

Basil grows fast and gives you a steady supply of fresh, flavorful leaves year-round. Just keep it in a warm spot, away from chilly drafts.

2. Mint: The Refreshing Powerhouse

Mint is a fast-growing herb that brings freshness to teas, desserts, and savory dishes.

• Lighting: Mint thrives in moderate light—a north or east-facing window works well.
• Containers: Always use deep containers with drainage holes to control root growth.
• Soil: Opt for a soil mix that retains moisture but drains well.
• Maintenance: Cut the leaves regularly to promote new growth.

Mint varieties like peppermint and spearmint grow well indoors. Regular harvesting keeps the plant healthy while ensuring you always have fresh leaves for drinks or dishes.

3. Chives: The Mild Onion Flavor

Chives are a low-maintenance herb that adds a mild onion flavor to eggs, salads, and soups.

• Lighting: Bright, indirect lighting for 6 hours daily ensures healthy growth.
• Soil: Use light, well-draining soil with added compost for nutrients.
• Harvesting: Trim leaves close to the base to encourage regrowth.

Chives can be harvested multiple times a year. Keep the containers in a sunny kitchen window for easy access while cooking.

4. Parsley: The Versatile Garnish

Parsley is more than just a garnish—it's a vitamin-rich herb that enhances soups, sauces, and salads.

• Lighting: Provide 5-6 hours of sunlight or supplement with grow lights.
• Containers: Choose deep containers to accommodate long roots.
• Soil: Use nutrient-dense, well-draining soil.
• Harvesting: Cut stems from the outer edges, leaving the center intact for new growth.

Parsley takes a bit longer to mature, but once established, it offers a continuous supply throughout the year.

5. Oregano: The Mediterranean Essential

Oregano adds a robust flavor to Italian, Greek, and Mexican dishes. Growing it indoors is simple if you meet its basic needs.

• Lighting: Oregano thrives in bright light for 6-8 hours daily.
• Soil: Use sandy, well-draining soil.
• Harvesting: Snip stems before flowering to preserve flavor.

Oregano is hardy and grows well in small containers. Harvest often to promote fresh, aromatic leaves.

6. Thyme: The Aromatic Delight

Thyme brings a cozy, earthy aroma that makes roasted meats, soups, and stews even more delicious. Plus, it's surprisingly easy to grow indoors!

• Lighting: Thyme loves the sun—6-8 hours of direct lighting is necessary. A bright, sunny window is the perfect spot.
• Soil: Go for light, sandy soil that drains well.
• Harvesting: Trim stems, leaving 3-4 inches so the plant can regrow.

Thyme is naturally drought-tolerant, so that it won't need constant watering. Give it sunlight, and you'll have fresh, fragrant leaves whenever required!

7. Rosemary: The Fragrant Evergreen

Rosemary's needle-like leaves and piney scent make it a kitchen favorite.

• Lighting: Prefers bright lighting for 6-8 hours daily.
• Soil: Use fast-draining, sandy soil. Use organic fertilizers as needed.
• Harvesting: Use sharp pruners to cut stems as needed.

Rosemary prefers drier conditions, so let the soil dry between watering sessions. Place the containers near a south-facing window for best results.

8. Cilantro: The Bold and Zesty Herb

Cilantro's flavor makes it a staple in salsa, guacamole, and curry dishes.

• Lighting: Needs 4-6 hours of sunlight.
• Containers: Use wide, shallow containers.
• Soil: Choose nutrient-rich soil with good drainage.
• Harvesting: Cut leaves regularly to encourage new growth.

Cilantro has a short lifecycle, so plant new seeds every few weeks for a continuous supply.

9. Dill: The Tangy Favorite

Dill's feathery leaves and tangy flavor pair well with seafood, pickles, and salads.

• Lighting: Needs 5-6 hours of direct light.
• Soil: Use well-draining soil with compost for added nutrients.
• Harvesting: Snip young leaves to maintain flavor.

Dill grows quickly but doesn't regrow well after harvesting—plant seeds successively for a continuous harvest.

10. Sage: The Savory Classic

Sage's savory, peppery flavor is essential, especially during holiday cooking.

• Lighting: Prefers 6-8 hours of sunlight.
• Soil: Needs sandy, well-draining soil.
• Harvesting: Prune to prevent woodiness.

Sage is hardy and can thrive indoors if you avoid overwatering. Keep containers in a warm, sunny spot.

Essential Tips for Indoor Herb Success

Growing herbs indoors is simple when you follow a few key steps. Here's how to keep your plants happy and thriving year-round:

• Rotate Containers Regularly: Turn your containers daily so all sides get equal lighting. This prevents uneven, lopsided growth.
• Avoid Overwatering: It's easy to overdo it! Use well-draining soil and water only when the top inch feels dry. Herbs prefer a little drought over soggy roots.
• Use Grow Lights if Needed: Not enough sunlight? No problem! Quality grow lights can mimic natural lighting, especially during winter months.
• Use Proper Tools: Sharp garden pruners make harvesting easier and encourage more vigorous, healthier regrowth.

Follow these simple tips, and your indoor herbs will stay lush, fragrant, and flavorful all year.

Conclusion

Growing herbs indoors year-round is a delightful and rewarding way to enjoy fresh flavors and fill your home with vibrant greenery. With the right containers, nutrient-rich soil, proper lighting, and handy tools, you can create a thriving herb garden no matter the season!