Whether you’re trying to save a little money or you just love the idea of fresh, homegrown herbs in your cooking, there is a range of easy herbs to grow indoors from seed that are perfect for beginners. Nurture your tasty and fragrant plants from seed easily to grow your very own herb garden. All you need are a few basic supplies, a sunny windowsill, and a sprinkle of patience. Before you know it, you’ll have fresh basil for pasta, mint for your tea, and thyme to season up that roast.
So, if you’ve been here before or you feel like you’ll never be a plant parent who can grow from seed, fear not. Our beginner’s guide will take you through everything you need to know to proudly nurture your herbs from seed. You can even come back to the guide and skip down to different sections using the links below, depending on where you are in your growing journey.
- Best Herbs to Grow Indoors from Seed
- What You Need To Grow Herbs Indoors
- Step-by-Step Guide to Starting Herbs Indoors from Seed
- Tips for Caring for Indoor Herb Plants
- Challenges when Growing Herbs Indoors
- Using Homegrown Herbs
Why Grow Herbs Indoors from Seed?
Growing herbs indoors from seed has so many perks and everyone should give it a go in our opinion. Here are the tops reasons why you should grow herbs from seed as a new plant parent:
- It’s cost-effective. Have you seen the price of fresh herbs at the grocery store? If you like to cook with herbs it will save you money.
- Growing from seed means you get to watch your little plants come to life right from the beginning. It can feel like you’re watching a mini miracle unfold on your windowsill.
- There are no sneaky pesticides or fertilizers if you don’t want them. So, if you’re into organic or natural gardening, it’s a great way to keep everything chemical-free.
- Indoor growing means you get fresh herbs year-round, and yes that includes winter.
- Taste is so much better and you get that herby fragrance in your kitchen while they grow.
- You can cut your herbs exactly when you need them, ensuring maximum freshness.
Honestly, if you’re thinking about giving this a try, go for it. It’s not just about saving money or avoiding chemicals. It’s also about the little joys of seeing those green shoots pop up and the satisfaction of knowing you grew something from scratch. And most importantly, anyone can do this if you choose the easy herbs to grow indoors from seed.
Best Herbs to Grow Indoors from Seed
Which herbs are easy to grow indoors? If you’re looking for a list of reliable, easy, no-fuss, hardy herbs that will reward you with delicious leaves and flavors, here are the top picks:
Basil
Basil is delicious, fragrant, loves the sun, and is super beginner-friendly. It’s amazing how quickly basil seeds sprout; within only 5-10 days. You can have a basil plant you have grown from seed and can harvest in a month! Basil’s a plant that is easy to look after and keep thriving if you get the conditions right. Basil needs a lot of light so a sunny windowsill is perfect. If you’re low on sunlight, consider getting a grow light. It’s also important not to overwater basil; it likes its soil slightly dry.
Chives
Chives are another great pick. They have a mild onion flavor and grow like weeds. You can snip them straight from the pot and toss them into soups, salads, or scrambled eggs in about 60 days after planting your seeds. They’re low-maintenance and grow well even in lower light. Just make sure not to overcrowd the seeds as they like to have a little space as they grow, ideally about 1cm (1/2 inch) apart.
Parsley
Parsley takes a bit longer to germinate at around 10 -28 days before you see a sprout. You need a bit of patience. But once it gets going, it’s surprisingly hardy. It’s great for garnishes and cooking, adding a fresh pop of flavor. If you forget about your herbs for a day or two, parsley will forgive you. When it comes to watering don’t let it get too dry or too soggy if you want it to thrive.
Mint
Mint is a tough herb and great for those who don’t feel confident in their plant growing ability. You’ll see signs of growth in 7-14 days. It’s aromatic, versatile, and can handle a bit of neglect if you’re forgetful. Mint can grow indoors from seed in low light but likes to take over, so is best in a pot of it’s own.
Cilantro
If you’re a salsa lover, cilantro is a must. It grows quickly and you’ll see it popping it’s head up in just over a week, at around 8-10 days. It does, however, have a short life cycle as it is biennial, meaning it grows leaves in one season and then flowers and dies in a second. This process can take as little as 6 weeks, but expect it to take a few months indoors. Be prepared to replant seeds if you want a continuous supply. It thrives with plenty of light and moderate watering and because of the short lifecycle you can harvest at a height of 10-15cm.
Thyme
Thyme is compact, fragrant, and doesn’t demand much attention. It’s great for adding depth to soups, meats, and veggies. Thyme likes a sunny spot and slightly dry soil, so go easy on the water. You’ll be able to harvest in about 70 -90 days from planting your seed.
Dill
Dill is a light-loving herb with a unique flavor, perfect for pickling or adding a twist to salads. Dill can grow tall, so give it some space if you can. It also doesn’t like drafts. You’ll find your herb takes somewhere between 7-21 days to emerge from the soil and should be ready to harvest in about 6 weeks from then, if not a little less.
What You Need To Grow Herbs Indoors
Having the right setup makes a big difference when you grow herbs indoors from seed, no matter how easy they are to grow.
Containers
You need to choose containers with good drainage. Herbs hate soggy roots and it can lead to root rot if you leave them to stand in water. Aim for pots that are about 4-6 inches in diameter. Terracotta is a solid choice since it helps the soil breathe, and absorbs moisture, but plastic works well, too, as long as it has drainage.
Quality Seeds
Investing in quality seeds is worth it. Cheap seeds that just don’t seem to sprout. Choose reliable seed brands, preferably organic if you’re into that. Fresh seeds are key, as older seeds may struggle to germinate. Purchasing your seeds from a local garden centre or specialist online retailer can get better results.
Soil
Use a well-draining potting mix formulated for herbs or vegetables. Regular garden soil tends to be too dense for pots. Adding a little perlite to your potting mix to keep it light and airy can help with drainage.
Light Sources
Not everyone is lucky enough to have a sunny windowsill. In that case, a simple LED grow light is all you need to replicate the sunlight that most herbs need to thrive. Herbs generally need 6-8 hours of light per day, so keep that in mind when setting up your plants. Go for a full-spectrum LED light as this tends to get the best results.
Watering Tools
A small watering can with a narrow spout is great for controlling water flow. It’s easy to overdo it, especially with herbs that prefer drier soil like thyme or rosemary. You can even use a spray bottle for a more controlled misting.
Step-by-Step Guide to Starting Herbs Indoors from Seed
Starting to grow easy herbs from seed indoors might sound intimidating, but it’s actually pretty simple once you get the hang of it. Once you have the right pot, it’s time to plant your seeds.
Planting Seeds
Plant your seeds according to the packet instructions, but generally, herbs only need to be planted about 1/4 inch deep in the soil. Give each seed a little space to avoid overcrowding. Don’t scatter seeds, try and place them with spacing to encourage them to take. Don’t bury them too deep or apply a lot of pressure when placing them in the soil.
Setting Up Light and Warmth
Seedlings need warmth, so avoid drafty spots, especially in winter. Put them on a sunny windowsill orunder a grow light.
Watering Tips
A light hand with watering goes a long way no matter the herb. Overwatering is one of the biggest mistakes beginners make, and your herbs will get sad with wet feet. Just make sure the soil is damp, not soaked. If in doubt, it’s better to let the soil dry out a bit between waterings. Remember to always check your soil before you water and know what conditions your chosen herbs like by reading up on how to water each specific variety.
Transplanting
Once your herbs get going, you may need to transplant them to larger pots. It’s not always necessary, but if you start with the small starter pots, it’s likely. Giving them room to grow can lead to bigger harvests. Just be gentle when handling their roots as they are delicate.
Tips for Caring for Indoor Herb Plants
Caring for indoor herbs, no matter whether they are grown from seed, involves a couple of things. Watering, lighting, temperature, humidity, harvesting, pruning, and possibly fertilizing.
Watering Schedule
Watering is the biggest task you need to master as a beginner when growing herbs from seed. A good rule of thumb to apply is to wait until the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch before you water again, no matter the variety of herb. Stick your finger about an inch into the soil; if it feels dry then it is time to water, if it feels wet leave it another day or two.
Overwatering is common with indoor herbs because they don’t have the same evaporation rate as outdoor plants. If you have more than one variety of herb, it’s also tempting to just water everything at the same time. This won’t work and you’ll end up with some varieties showing signs of overwatering while others don’t, which can be confusing for a beginner plant parent.
Basil and cilantro, for instance, need slightly more water than hardy herbs like thyme or rosemary. This means they need to be watered at different times. Check your herb garden daily while you get used to parenting your new plants until you get used the watering schedule for each variety of herb.
Lighting Needs
When it comes to light, indoor herbs generally need sunlight every day. Basil, cilantro, and parsley are especially sun-hungry, while mint and chives can tolerate a bit more shade. If you have space move the herbs that prefer shade to the back and allow your light loving herbs to thrive in the sun if you are building a herb garden on your kitchen windowsill.
It’s also a good idea to rotate your herbs in their pots every week or so. This way, all sides of the plant get equal exposure to light, and you won’t end up with lopsided growth. and all your herbs leaning one way as if they have been blown over. This obviously isn’t the same if you have a grow light which will distribute light evenly when set-up correctly.
Temperature and Humidity
Most herbs prefer temperatures between 65°F and 75°F (18°C – 24°C). Luckily, that’s pretty close to average indoor temperatures. Herbs can be sensitive to sudden temperature changes, especially if they’re near drafty windows. So, try to keep your plants away from drafts, radiators, or air conditioning vents.
Humidity can be another issue indoors, especially in the winter when heating systems dry out the air. If your herbs are looking a little crispy around the edges, it might be due to low humidity. Mist them lightly every few days for a simple fix, it’s one that works wonders for mint.
Fertilizing
Indoor herbs need a little extra nutrition sometimes, but don’t go overboard. A balanced liquid fertilizer once a month usually helps increase the size of your plant. Too much fertilizer can lead to rapid, leggy growth, which makes the herbs taste bitter. Fertilizer is not an essential part of growing herbs from seed indoors and it is personal choice as to whether you use it and the type you use.
Pruning and Harvesting
Pruning isn’t just about keeping your herbs looking tidy. Regular pruning actually encourages healthy growth and keeps your plants from getting too leggy. For herbs like basil, snip above a pair of leaves to promote branching. With most herbs, you need to leave a height of at least three inches when pruning, but with chives you can cut them down to about an inch, and they’ll regrow in no time.
The best part of growing herbs is, of course, the harvesting. When harvesting, try not to take more than a third of the plant at once. All herbs needs some leaves to keep growing strong.
Challenges when Growing Herbs Indoors
Indoor herb gardening isn’t always smooth sailing. From pesky pests to mouldy soil, here’s a rundown of the most common issues and some real-life solutions.
Lack of Light
One of the biggest hurdles with indoor gardening is the light situation. Most homes don’t get the kind of direct sunlight that outdoor plants crave. Herbs will start to stretch toward the light, looking a little sad, and growing spindly branches if they don’t have enough light. Adding a grow light is a fix or moving your plants to a south-facing window. East and west-facing can work too, in spring and summer.
Pests
Pests can happen, even when you grow your herbs indoors as houseplants. Aphids are a common problem but a mild soap spray (1 teaspoon of mild soap in a spray bottle of water) will often take care of the problem. Just be sure to rinse the leaves afterward, or you might end up with soapy herbs.
Fungus gnats are another common indoor pest. They tend to appear if the soil is too wet, so keeping a close eye on watering and avoiding soggy soil helps. A simple solution is to place a thin layer of sand on top of the soil to discourage them from laying eggs.
Mould and Mildew
If you notice white fuzz on the surface of your pots you have mould. It’s pretty common indoors, especially in low-ventilation areas. Making sure you circulate the air helps prevent this and keeps your herbs healthier. You can also use a spray of diluted hydrogen peroxide to get rid of the mould.
Overwatering Issues
Overwatering is one of the biggest killers of indoor herbs. Overwatered herbs often show yellow leaves as a warning sign. If that happens, cut back on water and let the soil dry out a bit before the next round. Herbs like thyme, rosemary, and sage prefer drier soil, so they’re perfect for hands-off gardeners.
Limited Space
Running out of space is a real issue, especially if you want to grow multiple herbs. Using vertical planters or stacking pots is a great solution and it looks pretty cool in your home too. It saves tons of counter space, and most herbs like to be grown together. Mint needs it’s own space, but still likes to be near other herbs.
Using Homegrown Herbs
Once you’ve got a lush indoor herb garden full of easy herbs you have grown from seed, you’ll find yourself wanting to use them in everything. Here are some great ways to put your homegrown herbs to good use.
Cook with herbs
Cooking with fresh herbs makes all the difference to the taste of your food. Adding fresh basil to pasta or sprinkling chopped parsley over a finished dish just adds that refined and chef-cooked look. And they say you eat with your eyes. One simple dish to add rosemary and thyme from your herb garden too is roast potatoes, it’s easy, and tastes amazing.
Herbal Teas and Drinks
Fresh herbs make fantastic teas and infusions. Just steep mint leaves in hot water for a refreshing tea, or add a few sprigs of thyme to lemonade for an unexpected twist. Herb-infused water is also a light, flavorful drink for during the day. Just add a handful of fresh herbs to a pitcher of water and let it sit in the fridge.
DIY Herb Bundles and Gifts
Herbs make great gifts too. Bundle a few sprigs of rosemary, thyme, and sage, tie them with twine, and you’ve got a cute, aromatic gift, table decoration, or even scented drawer pouch to make clothes smell fragrant. It’s a nice way to share your harvest if you have more than you can use.
Conclusion
Growing herbs indoors from seed, whether as part of a budget friendly herb garden or as a decorative display of greenery to bring a touch of the outside indoors, is a rewarding and mindful experience. Becoming a plant parent is never without it’s challenges but as you master the care of your herbs these easy options will be sure to thrive. So, whether it’s finding the right light, keeping pests at bay, or figuring out the perfect watering schedule you’ll find herbs easy to grow indoors from seed.
