Which herbs are easiest for indoor beginners?
Written by
Paul Reynolds
Reviewed by
Prof. Martin Thorne, Ph.D.When establishing your indoor herb garden an essential step is deciding which hardy plants to grow. Basil, mint, parsley, chives, and thyme are great options for new gardeners. These herbs can withstand common errors, such as watering inconsistently. They thrive in any indoor growing environment with minimal effort.
Basil has a rapid growth rate and is very forgiving of watering mistakes. You can quickly see new leaves appear after harvesting. My first basil plant was making pesto every week within a month. It loves to be in a healthy sunny window, and remember to pinch off the flowers so the plant will continue to produce leaves.
*Mints* will still thrive in lower light corners. A profusion of growth will hide the error or mistake you made as a novice. I still remember having my peppermint for the last two weeks before it got watered! Take note to plant each mint variety in its container to manage the spread. Harvest often to encourage bushiness.
Parsley performs aspects of temperature fluctuation better than most. It has steady growth as the seasons change. My curly parsley survived two years on a shaded sill (north-facing). Water regularly (don't allow it to stay too wet).
Basil
- Harvest regularly to prevent flowering
- Requires 6+ hours of bright light daily
- Water when top inch of soil dries out
- Use well-draining potting mix
Mint
- Grows well in partial shade locations
- Keep soil consistently moist but not soggy
- Trim runners to control spread
- Divide plants annually for vigor
Chives
- Cut leaves 2 inches above soil
- Tolerates cooler temperatures well
- Fertilize monthly during growing season
- Harvest outer leaves first
Thyme does not require watering as often as many other herbs! Its woody stems are highly efficient at storing moisture. I left my lemon thyme for two weeks while I was on vacation, and it was still in excellent shape when I returned! Supply your thyme with bright light and good drainage. Harvest sprigs as needed, but avoid cutting too many at once.
Chives are fast-growing and will quickly replenish themselves after harvesting. Chives tolerate repeated cuttings of their grass-like leaves. I use fresh chives almost every day from my kitchen garden. Chives should be divided every spring for continued growth. They provide a mild onion flavor for cooking and can be used for a myriad of dishes.
Start with the five dependable herbs, you won't regret it; they provide consistency and make you feel confident as a gardener. I got started on my windowsill when I planted basil and mint. Once I felt comfortable with them thriving, I began expanding to other plants. These are fresh flavors for you, year-round, with minimal effort!
Read the full article: 7 Essential Indoor Herb Garden Secrets
