We bet planting an indoor herb garden will be your next at-home hobby and this complete guide will tell you why. It’s easy, accessible to everybody, and has a load of benefits. Some of which include increased productivity, boosts your mood and lowers stress, and can even reduce noise levels! All you eager beginners out there are probably wondering where to start. Don’t you worry, this how-to guide will answer all your questions and have you looking like a pro gardener in no time. 

What to plant in your indoor herb garden 

Advising you on what herbs to plant is like recommending what to eat. It’s a case of personal choice. It’s preferable to pick the herbs you will use most in your cooking and on a weekly, if not, daily, basis (some herbs make great homemade teas and infusions). Additionally, it also depends on where you live. Does your apartment have a lot of natural light but no outdoor space? Do you live in a city apartment with a patio? Do you have a small backyard? Regardless, you can make any environment work. Besides, most herbs won’t make it through Chicago’s cold winters anyway so keeping your herbs indoors will make them more durable. Whether you are a newbie or a master gardener, try to pick a variety of herbs that require similar upkeep (same amount of light, watering, etc.)

We’ve categorized the most popular herbs below: 

Best success rate: Basil, mint, bay, cilantro, chives, parsley, rosemary, and thyme

Best herbs for cooking: Dill, thyme, rosemary, sage, parsley, basil 

Comfortable in cooler temperatures: Thyme, tarragon, rosemary, and sage

Comfortable in warmer temperatures: Mint, basil, oregano

In order to have herbs all year round, cut the stems and place them in water so you never run out! If you’re a pet owner, why not try planting some catnip? It’s a hardy plant that survives in both cold and warm climates. 

Why plant an indoor herb garden 

Planting or potting your own herb garden has many benefits. It’s cheaper than buying herbs from the supermarket and more convenient as they are right at arm’s reach. Furthermore, having your own garden is healthier for you and the planet: more antioxidants and nutrients and less waste. You can start at any time of the year so what’s keeping you from giving it a go?

How to plant and grow your herbs 

These ultimate tips will cover all bases and explain how you can be the best caretaker for your herbs. To accelerate the growth process, we recommend either buying the ready-to-pot herbs from your florist or cutting the stems of your herbs instead of planting seeds. You will be miles ahead in the growth process – encouraging, for a beginner. 

Good soil – Organic soil is a must for your indoor herbs. Supplying them with the best nutrients and soil is important for their growth, especially indoors. In regards to potting your herbs, make sure you fill your pot halfway with soil, then place the rooted plant and finish it off by adding another layer of soil until the pot is completely filled. Water your herbs immediately after potting. 

Lighting – It is crucial for your herbs to be exposed to at least 4 hours, if not more, of direct sunlight every day. Placing your herbs on window sills or near south-facing windows will make them happy. If your home lacks natural light, investing in artificial lighting is a great solution too. 

Water – Don’t overwater. The soil should be damp, not wet. Don’t hesitate to touch the soil to make sure it has the right moisture. Learn to read your plants. For example, some herbs such as thyme and rosemary prefer their soil to be on the dry side. Whereas, mint requires more water to grow abundantly. 

Pro tip: Use a spray bottle to make sure you don’t overwater your herbs. If they turn yellow that means they have had too much water. 

Pots with drainage holes – This helps with drainage and air circulation. Adding a saucer with sand or pebbles on the bottom of your pots will create the ideal soil moisture and help drain the excess water so you don’t drown your herbs. 

Air circulation – As mentioned above, air circulation is key. Herbs are just like us, they need a little fresh air once in a while, so don’t hesitate to open your windows regularly to provide them with natural air circulation. Also, remember to rotate your potted plants to help them grow evenly. 

Once you’ve got all those tips down, find some green homes inspiration on Pinterest to upgrade your pots and the space you live in. If you really wish to go all out, invest in a handmade Chicago-inspired bungalow planter. They are one-of-a-kind, memorable, and the talk of the town. 

There you have it. With these tips, your indoor herb garden is built to last through any season and any climate. Remember that even for the gardening gurus, getting the hang of herb and plant caretaking is usually a trial-and-error experiment. A word of advice: don’t give up on your first try and take interest in learning your herbs’ behaviors. 

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