Planning the Perfect Indoor Herb Garden

Photo: iStock.com/Pekic

Whether you pride yourself on your green thumb or not, you might be surprised to learn that you can easily cultivate an indoor herb garden. The idea isn’t newfangled, as it’s entirely possible to raise a collection of thriving herbs inside the home and take advantage of their fresh flavor, health benefits, aesthetic beauty, and heady aromas.

There’s more to making those herb garden plans than simply selecting what you want to grow, however. Taking a methodical and strategic approach can help you develop a space that’s healthy, vibrant, and long-lasting. Here are a few indoor herb garden ideas to keep in mind.

1. Select the Appropriate Herbs

The higher the quality of your herbs, the more likely that you are to develop a successful herb garden that thrives. Among the easiest to grow indoors are thyme, rosemary, mint, oregano, basil, chives, and bay laurel. Although you can use cuttings or seeds, it’s usually best to start with seedlings as this process is quicker.

2. Choose the Right Containers

Although you can put grow your herbs within any type of pot, you need to make sure that it meets the criteria for success. Key among those characteristics is proper drainage. Holes situated at the bottom make it easy for moisture to seep out continuously instead of lingering at the base. If you’re using a pot without holes, just layer the bottom with something that will trap water, like pebbles or stones. The best options are glazed saucers, which will prevent moisture from damaging your surfaces. Optimal water exposure is key for your herbs to grow, but too much could lead to mildew and rot formation.

Planning the Perfect Indoor Herb Garden
Photo: iStock.com/StockRocket

3. Find a Sunny Location

As you’re brainstorming herb garden ideas, keep light exposure in mind too. The best location provides your herbs with at least six hours of sunshine. Look for an area like a large window that isn’t obstructed by shade. If you’re growing during fall and winter, be mindful of your timeline; they likely won’t grow as quickly as you might anticipate. The warmer months, however, will yield speedy growth. You can always use a grow light to stimulate the herbs if you start your project during a cooler time of year.

4. Water at Proper Moments

All plants require moisture, but too much water can actually be detrimental to your herbs’ health. In fact, you should make it a point to allow the soil to dry a bit before you water it again. Test it by touching the soil. So long as the first couple of inches are dry, then you can water again. Any area below that likely still has enough moisture to feed the roots, which is what you want. So the drier it is on top, the less likely that you’re going to oversaturate the roots. When watering, make it a point to do so slowly. Otherwise, the water will simply flow through the drainage holes or the pebble bed without having a chance to soak into the roots.

5. Practice Proper Daily Care

Your herbs depend on regular care and maintenance. Make sure you use a potting mix that holds moisture adequately, such as a product designed specifically for houseplants. Avoid materials like dirt and garden soil. Fertilize the plants at least monthly, and monitor indoor air quality. Since it’s often dry, you should lightly mist the herbs from time to time to prevent dehydration.

With fresh herbs growing in your indoor garden, you’ll have no excuses not to whip up delicious dishes with crisp, natural flavors harvested from the earth. Prepare a hearty salad or sprinkle your herbs on top of soups, pasta, eggs, and fresh-baked bread. You can also add them to smoothies or use them to aid in your medicinal concoctions. With time, care, and attention, you can enjoy a beautiful herb garden that serves you well year-round.