How to Grow Fresh Herbs Indoors All Year Long
There’s something magical about snipping a sprig of rosemary or plucking a few basil leaves right from your kitchen window. Growing herbs on your windowsill isn’t just charming—it’s a simple, accessible way to connect with your food, save money, and invite nature into your home.
Why Grow Herbs on Your Windowsill?
Herbs are some of the easiest (and most rewarding) plants to grow indoors. Here's why:
Convenient: Fresh flavor right where you cook
Cost-effective: No more buying $4 packs of herbs that wilt in a day
Low-maintenance: Most herbs thrive with just sunlight, water, and a little love
Wellness-friendly: Many herbs have healing properties for digestion, immunity, and relaxation
Best Herbs for Indoor Growing
Not all herbs love life indoors, but these favorites thrive in small spaces with bright, indirect sunlight:
🌿 Basil – Perfect for salads, pasta, and pestos
🌱 Parsley – Great for garnishes, soups, and green sauces
🌿 Mint – Refreshing in teas, cocktails, and desserts
🌱 Thyme – Aromatic and earthy, ideal for roasted dishes
🌿 Rosemary – Woody and fragrant, wonderful for meats and breads
🌱 Chives – Mild onion flavor for eggs, dips, and baked potatoes
🌿 Oregano – A Mediterranean must-have for sauces and pizzas
How to Get Started
You don’t need fancy tools or lots of space. Just a sunny windowsill (ideally south- or east-facing) and a few simple supplies.
What You’ll Need:
Small pots or containers with drainage holes
Potting soil (look for organic or herb-specific blends)
Herb seeds or starter plants
A saucer or tray to catch excess water
A misting bottle or small watering can
Steps:
Plant seeds or transplants: Fill containers with soil, plant your seeds according to packet instructions, or gently pot young herbs from the nursery.
Water gently: Keep the soil moist but not soggy. Herbs don’t like wet feet!
Rotate weekly: Give each plant even sun exposure by turning pots every few days.
Harvest lightly: Once your herbs are established, snip the leaves you need—but never more than a third of the plant at once.
Camp Wren Tip: Group herbs by watering needs. Basil and parsley love more moisture, while rosemary and thyme prefer drier conditions.
Everyday Ways to Use Your Herbs
Add chopped chives to your morning eggs
Brew fresh mint in hot water for a calming tea
Sprinkle oregano on homemade pizza or roasted veggies
Toss basil into your lunch salad or sandwich
Infuse rosemary in olive oil or homemade syrups
Make a vibrant parsley chimichurri or gremolata for grilled dishes
Growing More Than Greens
Herbs bring beauty and intention into your daily rhythm. Taking a moment to water your plants, smell their leaves, and harvest a few fresh sprigs grounds you in the present—reminding you that nourishment can be simple and joyful.
