{"id":33147,"date":"2021-05-21T05:00:07","date_gmt":"2021-05-21T10:00:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/b48db82f22.nxcli.net\/?p=33147"},"modified":"2026-03-10T14:06:14","modified_gmt":"2026-03-10T19:06:14","slug":"how-to-grow-indoor-herb-garden","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/platthillnursery.com\/how-to-grow-indoor-herb-garden\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Grow Herbs Indoors: A Complete Guide for Any Kitchen"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You can enjoy fresh herbs year-round, within arms reach of any meal, and you don\u2019t even need a garden. <a href=\"https:\/\/platthillnursery.com\/moving-plants-indoors-for-winter-chicago\/\">Indoor<\/a> herbs thrive in any kitchen, as long as you have pots, soil, sunlight, and keep a good watering routine. Here are the details for a DIY herb garden!\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2>Which Herbs Can I Grow Indoors?<\/h2>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You can grow any herb indoors as long as you provide the right conditions.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Mediterranean herbs like sage, rosemary, and thyme prefer dry soil and heat. Many other herbs such as cilantro, parsley, and mint enjoy cool, moist conditions. As long as you treat them right, they\u2019ll grow just like in the garden. And why stop there? Basil, chives, oregano, lavender, marjoram, and savory are also on the table!\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<blockquote>\n<h3><em><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Light is key to any DIY indoor herb garden. South-facing windows are the best, but not absolutely necessary.<\/span><\/em><\/h3>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-33152 size-full lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/platthillnursery.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/platt-hill-nursery-indoor-kitchen-herb-garden-variety-of-herbs-in-windowsill.jpg\" alt=\"platt hill nursery indoor kitchen herb garden variety of herbs in windowsill\" width=\"1200\" height=\"600\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/platthillnursery.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/platt-hill-nursery-indoor-kitchen-herb-garden-variety-of-herbs-in-windowsill.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/platthillnursery.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/platt-hill-nursery-indoor-kitchen-herb-garden-variety-of-herbs-in-windowsill-980x490.jpg 980w, https:\/\/platthillnursery.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/platt-hill-nursery-indoor-kitchen-herb-garden-variety-of-herbs-in-windowsill-480x240.jpg 480w\" data-sizes=\"(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) and (max-width: 980px) 980px, (min-width: 981px) 1200px, 100vw\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1200px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1200\/600;\" \/><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2>How Much Light Do Herbs Need Indoors?<\/h2>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Light is key to any DIY indoor herb garden. South-facing windows are the best, but not absolutely necessary. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Skylights, and well-exposed west, east, and north-facing windows can also give enough sun. As long as you have 4-6 hours, many herbs will be happy. A herb growing kit or DIY grow lights can provide extra rays if you need them.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Basil, oregano, thyme, rosemary,<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and <\/span><b>sage<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> need 6 to 8 hours of light.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Mint, parsley,<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and <\/span><b>cilantro<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> tolerate more <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/platthillnursery.com\/plants-that-brighten-low-light-spaces\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">shade<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and get by with 4 hours of light.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-33151 size-full lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/platthillnursery.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/platt-hill-nursery-indoor-kitchen-herb-garden-potted-basil-indoors-with-water-jug.jpg\" alt=\"platt hill nursery indoor kitchen herb garden potted basil indoors with water jug\" width=\"1200\" height=\"600\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/platthillnursery.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/platt-hill-nursery-indoor-kitchen-herb-garden-potted-basil-indoors-with-water-jug.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/platthillnursery.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/platt-hill-nursery-indoor-kitchen-herb-garden-potted-basil-indoors-with-water-jug-980x490.jpg 980w, https:\/\/platthillnursery.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/platt-hill-nursery-indoor-kitchen-herb-garden-potted-basil-indoors-with-water-jug-480x240.jpg 480w\" data-sizes=\"(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) and (max-width: 980px) 980px, (min-width: 981px) 1200px, 100vw\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1200px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1200\/600;\" \/><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2>How to Water Indoor Herbs<\/h2>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Getting to know your herbs\u2019 <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/platthillnursery.com\/how-to-water-your-plants-indoors-and-outdoors\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">water needs<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is another key to the success of your DIY indoor garden and probably the most challenging part of <a href=\"https:\/\/platthillnursery.com\/how-to-keep-your-herb-garden-healthy\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">indoor herb care<\/a>. When you first bring your plants home, it\u2019s a good idea to keep the soil moist for a few days until you see new leaves start to grow. After that, you can check the moisture regularly by sticking your finger one inch into the soil.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Herbs to keep on the dry side include <\/span><b>savory, rosemary, thyme, oregano,<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and <\/span><b>sage. <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">They like the soil to dry out in between waterings.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Mint, basil, parsley,<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and <\/span><b>lemon balm<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> like the soil to stay moist but not soggy.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Remember that most <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/platthillnursery.com\/perfect-houseplants-for-hanging-baskets\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">houseplant<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> struggles are the result of overwatering, so be sure not to overdo it.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-33150 size-full lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/platthillnursery.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/platt-hill-nursery-indoor-kitchen-herb-garden-basil-plants-in-terra-cotta-pots-windowsill.jpg\" alt=\"platt hill nursery indoor kitchen herb garden basil plants in terra cotta pots windowsill\" width=\"1200\" height=\"600\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/platthillnursery.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/platt-hill-nursery-indoor-kitchen-herb-garden-basil-plants-in-terra-cotta-pots-windowsill.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/platthillnursery.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/platt-hill-nursery-indoor-kitchen-herb-garden-basil-plants-in-terra-cotta-pots-windowsill-980x490.jpg 980w, https:\/\/platthillnursery.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/platt-hill-nursery-indoor-kitchen-herb-garden-basil-plants-in-terra-cotta-pots-windowsill-480x240.jpg 480w\" data-sizes=\"(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) and (max-width: 980px) 980px, (min-width: 981px) 1200px, 100vw\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1200px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1200\/600;\" \/><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2>Soil &amp; Pots for an Indoor Herb Garden<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Indoor herbs do best in well-draining soil and pots with ample drainage holes. Terra cotta pots are one of the best choices for a DIY herb garden. The material naturally absorbs extra moisture, causing it to evaporate and spare the herbs from root rot. Having each herb in the right size of pot also makes maintaining moisture levels easier inside.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2>Prevent Indoor Herbs from Getting Leggy<\/h2>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Herbs can easily get tall and leggy when you grow them inside. It\u2019s a sign that they need more light. If possible, move them to a sunnier spot. Pinching off the leggy portion is another way to fix the problem. It encourages them to fill out and grow bushier. Rotating the herbs when you water them also keeps them in a more even shape.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/mailchi.mp\/platthillnursery.com\/r0wxmrag49\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-33154 size-full lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/platthillnursery.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/platt-hill-nursery-indoor-kitchen-herb-gardening-subscribe-button.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"1210\" height=\"400\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/platthillnursery.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/platt-hill-nursery-indoor-kitchen-herb-gardening-subscribe-button.png 1210w, https:\/\/platthillnursery.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/platt-hill-nursery-indoor-kitchen-herb-gardening-subscribe-button-980x324.png 980w, https:\/\/platthillnursery.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/platt-hill-nursery-indoor-kitchen-herb-gardening-subscribe-button-480x159.png 480w\" data-sizes=\"(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) and (max-width: 980px) 980px, (min-width: 981px) 1210px, 100vw\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1210px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1210\/400;\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2>How to Harvest Indoor Herbs<\/h2>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It\u2019s good to wait until your indoor herb garden is mature before you start to harvest. Only harvest up to one-third of the plant at each time and wait until it grows back before you cut it again. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Harvesting it in the right way can actually improve a herb\u2019s growth.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> If you remove the leggy parts, the dense parts, and stray leaves, it will grow back healthier and fuller for the next harvest.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2>Extra DIY Tips<\/h2>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Like your garden plants outside, your herbs need space and airflow around the leaves to prevent fungi and pests. Remember to keep your pots spaced apart, and if you see the leaves getting too dense, it\u2019s time to harvest!\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ready to start a fresh herb garden in your kitchen? Visit our <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/platthillnursery.com\/contact-us\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">garden centers<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for all of the plants and DIY supplies you need, plus any more advice on growing herbs inside!<\/span><\/p>\n<p><em>Platt Hill Nursery is Chicago\u2019s premier garden center and nursery.<\/em><\/p>\n<p>OTHER RESOURCES:<br \/>\n<a title=\"https:\/\/porch.com\/advice\/how-to-grow-and-blend-herbs\" contenteditable=\"false\" href=\"https:\/\/porch.com\/advice\/how-to-grow-and-blend-herbs\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>How to Grow and Blend your Own Herbs at Home<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"entry-title\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/platthillnursery.com\/how-to-keep-your-herb-garden-healthy\/\">How to Keep Your Herb Garden Healthy<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>You can enjoy fresh herbs year-round, within arms reach of any meal, and you don\u2019t even need a garden. Indoor herbs thrive in any kitchen, as long as you have pots, soil, sunlight, and keep a good watering routine. Here are the details for a DIY herb garden! <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":348,"featured_media":33153,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_et_pb_use_builder":"off","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[311,102,1180,977],"tags":[1080,108,826,109,795,1006,1079,830,720,832,831,1061,1062,466,153,724],"class_list":["post-33147","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-healthy-living","category-houseplants","category-newbie-gardener","category-vegetables-herbs","tag-beginner-gardening-chicago","tag-bloomingdale-garden-center","tag-bringing-herbs-indoors","tag-carpentersville-garden-center","tag-chicago","tag-chicago-platt-hill-nursery-illinois","tag-gardening-for-beginners-illinois","tag-growing-herbs-indoors","tag-herb-gardening","tag-indoor-herb-garden","tag-indoor-herb-gardening","tag-indoor-herb-gardening-illinois","tag-indoor-herbs","tag-plants-chicago","tag-platt-hill-nursery-is-chicagos-premier-garden-center-and-nursery","tag-starting-herbs-indoors"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/platthillnursery.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/33147","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/platthillnursery.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/platthillnursery.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/platthillnursery.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/348"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/platthillnursery.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=33147"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/platthillnursery.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/33147\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":65750,"href":"https:\/\/platthillnursery.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/33147\/revisions\/65750"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/platthillnursery.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/33153"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/platthillnursery.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=33147"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/platthillnursery.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=33147"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/platthillnursery.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=33147"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}