By Frank Lucasale 
Living in a small apartment doesn’t mean you have to give up fresh, home-grown herbs. With just a few pots, good soil, and a sunny windowsill (or even grow lights), you can enjoy flavor-packed herbs year-round. Here are ten of the easiest herbs to grow indoors—perfect for beginners or anyone short on space.
1. Basil
Why It’s Great: Fast-growing, fragrant, and perfect for pasta or salads.
Where to Grow: Bright, south-facing window or under a grow light.
How to Grow:
- Pot: 6–8 inches deep, with drainage.
- Watering: Keep moist but not soggy.
- Tip: Pinch off the flower buds to keep leaves growing.
2. Mint
Why It’s Great: Great for teas, mojitos, and digestion.
Where to Grow: Partial sunlight (east-facing window).
How to Grow:
- Pot: Always in a separate container (mint spreads fast).
- Watering: Water when topsoil feels dry.
- Tip: Cut stems regularly to prevent legginess.
3. Parsley
Why It’s Great: Versatile garnish + vitamin-rich.
Where to Grow: Cool spots with indirect sunlight.
How to Grow:
- Pot: 8-inch deep, clay or ceramic pot.
- Watering: Keep moist; don’t let soil dry out.
- Tip: Trim from the outside stalks, never the center.
4. Chives
Why It’s Great: Onion-like flavor, low maintenance.
Where to Grow: Windowsills with morning sun.
How to Grow:
- Pot: 6-inch deep, wide mouth.
- Watering: Every few days, but avoid soggy soil.
- Tip: Harvest by cutting 2 inches from base.
5. Cilantro (Coriander)
Why It’s Great: Essential in Mexican, Indian, and Thai cooking.
Where to Grow: Coolest room in the house with 4–5 hours sun.
How to Grow:
- Pot: Deep (10 inches), well-drained.
- Watering: Keep consistently moist.
- Tip: Sow seeds every 2–3 weeks for constant harvest.
6. Oregano
Why It’s Great: Strong flavor, perfect for sauces and pizza.
Where to Grow: Full sun (window or grow light).
How to Grow:
- Pot: Small terracotta pot for better drainage.
- Watering: Allow top 1 inch to dry before watering.
- Tip: Harvest before flowers appear.
7. Thyme
Why It’s Great: Hardy and drought-tolerant.
Where to Grow: South-facing windows with strong light.
How to Grow:
- Pot: 6–8 inch with drainage holes.
- Watering: Water sparingly; avoid overwatering.
- Tip: Clip back after flowering to encourage growth.
8. Rosemary
Why It’s Great: Aromatic, evergreen, great for roasting.
Where to Grow: Brightest spot in your house.
How to Grow:
- Pot: Large clay pot (good air circulation).
- Watering: Water deeply but less frequently.
- Tip: Mist the leaves to prevent drying out indoors.
9. Dill
Why It’s Great: Great in pickles, dips, and fish dishes.
Where to Grow: Cooler room with 5+ hrs sunlight.
How to Grow:
- Pot: 10–12 inches deep; it grows tall.
- Watering: Keep soil evenly moist.
- Tip: Succession plant every 3–4 weeks.
10. Sage
Why It’s Great: Powerful flavor, beautiful silvery leaves.
Where to Grow: Sunny windows with at least 6 hours light.
How to Grow:
- Pot: Medium size with good drainage.
- Watering: Let soil dry between waterings.
- Tip: Don’t harvest more than ⅓ of the plant at once.
Smart Gardening Tips for Indoor Herb Success
Use LED grow lights if sunlight is limited
Rotate pots weekly to avoid lopsided growth
Avoid overwatering – biggest killer of herbs
Use a spray bottle for humidity if air is dry
Label herbs to avoid confusion when seedlings look similar
Bonus: DIY Mini Indoor Herb Shelf
Repurpose a ladder shelf or hang small pots on your kitchen wall. Herbs love vertical spaces, and it adds greenery to your home aesthetic!
What’s Your Favorite Herb to Grow Indoors?
Drop your go-to indoor herb in the comments! Or tag us on Pinterest or Instagram with your kitchen garden.