Key Takeaways
- Basil, mint, chives, parsley and thyme are among the easiest herbs for indoors.
- Most herbs need six to eight hours or more of bright light, or 12 to 14 hours under a grow light.
- Use pots with drainage and avoid overwatering, the most common cause of failure.
- Harvest regularly to keep plants bushy.
To grow an indoor herb garden, choose easy herbs like basil, mint and chives, give them six to eight hours of bright light a day or a grow light, and water only when the top of the soil feels dry. This guide covers the whole routine.
Best Herbs to Grow Indoors
| Herb | Light | Difficulty | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basil | High, warm | Easy | Sensitive to cold; pinch flowers |
| Mint | Medium | Easy | Spreads fast; keep in its own pot |
| Chives | Medium to high | Easy | Snip regularly |
| Parsley | Medium | Easy | Slow to germinate |
| Thyme | High | Easy | Prefers drier soil |
| Rosemary | Very high | Harder | Needs excellent drainage and light |
Light
A south-facing window usually gives the most light in the northern hemisphere. If you do not have one, a full-spectrum LED grow light kept on for 12 to 14 hours a day works well. Leggy, pale growth is a sign of too little light.
Pots, Soil and Watering
- Choose pots with drainage holes and a saucer.
- Use a quality potting mix, not garden soil.
- Water when the top inch feels dry, then drain fully. Soggy soil kills most herbs.
Harvesting
Snip stems just above a pair of leaves, taking no more than about a third of the plant at a time. Regular harvesting encourages bushier growth.
Common Problems
| Problem | Cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Leggy, pale plants | Not enough light | Move closer to the window or add a grow light |
| Yellow leaves | Overwatering | Let soil dry between waterings and check drainage |
| Tiny flying insects | Fungus gnats from wet soil | Let soil dry out and use sticky traps |
Sources
Figures and advice in this guide were checked against these university extension and government publications. Last reviewed November 5, 2026.
- What Growing Conditions Are Best for Indoor Herbs, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach
- Growing Herbs Indoors, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach
- Keep Growing with Herbs Indoors This Fall, Winter, University of Illinois Extension
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best herbs to grow indoors on a windowsill?
Basil, chives, mint, parsley and thyme manage well in a bright window. South or west facing glass gives the most light. Rosemary and sage want more sun and drier soil than the others. Pick two or three to start with.
How much light do indoor herbs need per day?
Most herbs want about six hours of strong light a day. If your window is dim, a full spectrum LED grow light on a timer for twelve to sixteen hours keeps growth compact and leafy. Rotate pots weekly so growth stays even.
How often should you water herbs indoors?
Water when the top inch of soil feels dry rather than on a fixed schedule. Mediterranean herbs like thyme and rosemary prefer to dry out more. Always use pots that have drainage holes. Overwatering is the most common beginner mistake.
Why are my indoor herbs leggy and growing tall?
That leggy growth means the plant is stretching for light. Move it to a brighter spot or add a grow light, and pinch the tips regularly to encourage branching and fuller growth. Harvesting from the top keeps plants compact.
Related Guides
Featured image: Basil plant in a pot 03.jpg by Netha Hussain, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
