How to Grow Herbs on a Windowsill

July 09, 2025

How to Grow Herbs on a Windowsill: A Beginner’s Guide

Growing fresh herbs at home is a rewarding and cost-effective way to enhance your cooking while adding a touch of greenery to your space. Even if you don’t have a garden, a sunny windowsill can be the perfect spot for a thriving herb garden.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know—from choosing the right herbs to caring for them properly.

Why Grow Herbs on a Windowsill?

Before diving into the how-to, let’s look at why a windowsill herb garden is a great idea:

✔ Fresh flavors at your fingertips – No more wilted store-bought herbs!
✔ Saves money – A one-time investment that keeps giving.
✔ Improves air quality – Plants naturally purify indoor air.
✔ Decorative & therapeutic – Adds life to your kitchen and reduces stress.

What You’ll Need to Get Started

You don’t need much to begin—just a few essentials:

✅ A sunny windowsill (at least 4-6 hours of sunlight daily, preferably south or west-facing)
✅ Small pots or containers (with drainage holes)
✅ High-quality potting soil (well-draining, not garden soil)
✅ Herb seeds or starter plants (easy-to-grow options listed below)
✅ Watering can or spray bottle
✅ Optional: Fertilizer (organic options like fish emulsion work well)

Best Herbs to Grow on a Windowsill

Not all herbs thrive indoors, but these are foolproof for beginners:

1. Basil

Loves warmth and sunlight
Keep soil moist but not soggy
Perfect for pesto, salads, and pasta

2. Parsley

Grows well in moderate light
Slow to germinate but worth the wait
Great for garnishing and soups

3. Mint

Grows aggressively (best in its own pot)
Prefers indirect light
Ideal for teas, cocktails, and desserts

4. Chives

Easy to grow from seeds or cuttings
Requires moderate sunlight
Adds mild onion flavor to dishes

5. Thyme

Drought-tolerant (don’t overwater)
Needs plenty of sunlight
Enhances roasted meats and stews

6. Oregano

Thrives in bright light
Let soil dry between waterings
Essential for Italian and Mediterranean dishes

Step-by-Step Guide to Planting Herbs

1. Choose the Right Containers

Use pots with drainage holes to prevent root rot.
Small 4-6 inch pots work well for individual herbs.

2. Fill with Well-Draining Soil

Avoid garden soil (it compacts and retains too much moisture).
Opt for a lightweight potting mix with perlite or sand.

3. Plant Seeds or Seedlings

Seeds: Follow packet instructions for depth and spacing.
Seedlings: Gently transplant, keeping roots intact.

4. Water Properly

Keep soil moist but not waterlogged.
Use a spray bottle for delicate seedlings.

5. Provide Enough Sunlight

Rotate pots occasionally for even growth.
If sunlight is limited, use a grow light.

6. Prune & Harvest Regularly

Pinch off tops to encourage bushier growth.
Never remove more than ⅓ of the plant at once.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Overwatering – Herbs hate soggy roots.
❌ Too little light – Leggy, weak growth means they need more sun.
❌ Using poor soil – Heavy soil leads to root rot.
❌ Ignoring pests – Watch for aphids & spider mites (wipe leaves with soapy water).

Final Tips for Success

✔ Group herbs with similar needs (e.g., Mediterranean herbs like rosemary and thyme prefer drier soil).
✔ Fertilize lightly every 4-6 weeks during growing season.
✔ Start with easy herbs like basil and mint before trying fussier ones.

Enjoy Your Windowsill Herb Garden!

With just a little effort, you can have fresh, aromatic herbs year-round. Whether you’re spicing up meals or simply enjoying the greenery, a windowsill herb garden is a small but satisfying project.

Ready to start? Pick your favorite herbs and get planting today! 🌿