How to Grow Herbs Indoors

Nothing beats fresh herbs to improve and enhance your cooking. With the right selection and conditions, it's possible to grow most herbs right in your home, even in the dead of winter. Transplant herbs from your garden, buy young, starter plants from Bonnie Plants®, or start from scratch with seeds to create your potted herb garden.

Where to Grow Herbs Indoors

Indoor grown herbs need as much sun as they can get, so be sure to place them in a sunny spot, preferably in a south-facing window. Windows facing east or west will work for herbs that tolerate some shade, but north-facing windows won't get enough light. You can also choose to supplement or even replace the sun with a grow lamp that can shine on your herbs for 12-14 hours a day. Find grow lamps at your local garden center or online.

Plant Your Herbs in Quality Soil

Your herbs will need ample nutrients, oxygen, and moisture at the root level. Always use a quality potting mix, such as Miracle-Gro® Indoor Potting Mix, that's designed for indoor plants and will allow for proper airflow and drainage so your herbs can thrive. 

If you're growing from seed, look for newer varieties that are dense and compact, since they are more likely to grow better in containers. Plant seeds in a seed starting mix, such as Miracle-Gro® Seed Starting Potting Mix. Herb seeds are usually planted less than 1 inch deep. In most cases, you can simply sprinkle the seeds on top of the soil and cover loosely; however, the seed packets will provide information on seeding depth. Cover the container with a plastic dome or bag, and place in a warm spot out of direct sunlight until the seeds germinate. Once your seeds have started to germinate, remove the plastic cover and move to a sunny location. For more on seed starting, check out this guide.

Bringing Outdoor Grown Herbs Inside

Before bringing your herbs indoors for the winter, thoroughly inspect them for signs of insect pests. It’s a good idea to gently spray your herb plants with a garden hose to knock off any potential hitchhikers before moving them.

Several weeks before the first fall frost, your herb plants growing in-ground or in raised beds will need to be potted up into containers before moving them inside for the winter. Decide which herbs are coming inside–only the sturdiest and healthiest herbs should be transplanted–and select containers with drainage that will accommodate their root balls as well as provide a little extra growing space. Use a hand trowel to carefully dig up your herb plant, trying to keep as many roots intact as possible, and place it in the container. Fill in around the root ball with extra potting mix as needed, then water thoroughly.

Herbs taken straight from a bright, sunny spot outdoors to a darker indoor location can go into a sort of light-deprivation shock. Help herbs adjust by gradually acclimating them to lower light levels. Move them from full sun to a spot that receives partial sun for two weeks, then to deeper shade for another one to two weeks before moving them indoors. 

Watering and Feeding Your Indoor Herbs

Most herbs need less water than you might think, but they do need to be watered consistently. When the top 1 to 2 inches of soil is dry, it’s time to water. Apply the water around the base of the plant, and try to keep the leaves dry. Water thoroughly, until you see water seeping out of the drainage hole. Avoid overwatering your herbs, and don’t let their roots sit in excess water. To ensure your herb plants continue to produce lots of new leaves for your culinary dishes, feed regularly with Miracle-Gro® Indoor Plant Food, following label directions.

Harvesting and Enjoying Your Herbs

Frequent, light pruning of your herb plants not only means that you get to enjoy them in your cooking but also helps keep your plants compact and growing new leaves. Pruning will help prevent your plants from growing too tall, and harvesting often helps extend the growing period of your herbs. Keep an eye out for flowers. While most herb flowers are edible, sometimes the flavor of the leaves will change, often becoming bitter, once flowers start to form. Many herbs will also stop growing new leaves once they form flowers, so pinch them off just below the bud as soon as you see them appear.

Try Building Your Own Window Platform for Herbs

If you're ready to level up your indoor herb growing, try this quick DIY. A window platform in your kitchen handles clutter and gives your plants a designated space where they can get plenty of sunshine. Plus, your herbs will be right on hand to add flavor to your favorite dishes! 

To figure out how wide to make your platform, decide on the size and number of pots you want. You want the platform to be wide enough to hold your pots, but not so wide that it interferes with things like the movement of the sink faucet or your ability to open and close the window. If there’s room in your window and you don’t mind a blocked view, you can install more than one platform. We recommend leaving at least 12 inches of space so your plants have room to grow taller.

Materials needed:

• Board (real wood, not fiberboard) or scrap wood
• Brackets and screws - choose brackets that will support the weight of your platform plus potted herbs and long enough to support the entire width of the board
• Tools: stud finder, tape measure, pencil, drill, saw, and level
• Paint or stain and brush

Directions:

1. Use a stud finder to locate the studs on each side of the window. Measure from the top of the window as far down as you want the platform, and mark that spot with a pencil. Do the same thing on the other side. Attach the brackets at the marks, making sure they’re on the studs.
2. Measure from one bracket to the other. Cut your board to that length plus another 3 to 4 inches, so the board will extend slightly past the brackets. Put the board on the brackets and use a level to be sure it isn’t slanted.
3. Remove the board and paint or stain it. When dry, put it back on the brackets and attach with screws.
4. Place your plants in the window and let them grow. Turn them from time to time so all sides get the full benefit from the sun. Harvest your herbs often and enjoy!

And that's it! Herbs are great indoor plants that can thrive with proper care. Plus, you get fresh flavors for your cooking. With so many great herbs to try, you're sure to enjoy growing your indoor herb garden.