If, like me, you've managed to kill even the most death-resistant plants (I'm talking cactuses and succulents) but love the taste of fresh herbs in every meal, spring is your season. Longer days and more sunlight are qualities both humans and herbs can agree on. Spring is also the perfect time to start a healthy habit, so this year don't just commit to eating seasonal produce: commit to growing some. With these pro tips, it's (almost) impossible to fail.
No herbs were hurt in the making of this article.
Which herbs are easiest to grow indoors?
Ambition is great, but when you're growing herbs for the first time it's better to start small. Instead of starting from seed, buy a few starter plants from your local nursery or farmers market. According to Penn State Extension, chives, basil and cilantro are great options for indoor growing, while herbs with large root systems such as horseradish, fennel and lovage struggle in containers. If you have cats or dogs, skip tarragon, which is toxic to pets.
Plant them in containers with drainage holes and a potting mix that drains well, so the roots don't sit in water. Build your herb garden in a single stress-free afternoon and save the seeds for the experts. We won't tell.
Pro tip: take baby steps. Your indoor herb garden is a judgment-free zone.
How much sunlight do indoor herbs need?
More than anything, indoor herbs need light, which makes spring the perfect time to start. Most herbs need about 6 hours of direct sunlight a day, so place them near your sunniest window; in the Northern Hemisphere, a south-facing window is best. A few, such as chives, cilantro and lemon balm, tolerate less light. Herbs that don't get enough turn thin and spindly, with smaller leaves and less aroma. If your windows are dim, a grow light can fill the gap.
Pro tip: rotate your pots often so every side of the plant gets its share of the rays.
How should you prune herbs?
Pruning can make or break your herb garden, so get comfortable giving regular trims. Most herbs grow with bigger leaves at the bottom and smaller ones at the top. It might feel more impressive to pick the big leaves first, but if you want your herbs to last, harvest from the top. The lower leaves are the plant's solar panels: they power its growth and keep it from getting top-heavy. Pinching off the tips also encourages bushier growth.
Pro tip: no matter how badly you want to make that homemade pesto, never cut off all the leaves at once.
How often should you water indoor herbs?
As a certified plant assassin, I've seen more than a few plants drown on my watch. It's hard to let go of the idea that lots of water is the key to success. But overwatering makes soil soggy, soggy soil rots roots, and rotten roots... well, you know the rest.
Water when the potting mix starts to dry out. Some herbs, including rosemary, thyme, sage and oregano, prefer to dry out slightly between waterings, while basil shouldn't be allowed to dry out completely.
Pro tip: stick your finger about an inch into the soil. If it feels dry, add water.
What can you make with your herbs?
Once your garden is thriving, put it to work: basil in pesto, cilantro in salsa, chives on roasted potatoes and mint in a smoothie. Browse our recipes for ideas, check our seasonal produce guide for what to pair them with, and see how we think about growing things in our plantable packaging.
