grow · Grow

How to Grow Herbs in Your Kitchen Garden

Start with basil, parsley, and chives in 6-inch pots on a sunny windowsill or countertop. Use potting mix, not garden soil. Water when the top inch feels dry. Pinch flowers to keep leaves tender. Most herbs need 4-6 hours of direct sunlight and well-draining containers.

Ingredients

Step by step

  1. Choose your herbs. Start with basil, parsley, chives, cilantro, and oregano. These grow fast and forgive mistakes. Avoid rosemary and thyme until you get the hang of it — they need different care.
  2. Get the right containers. Use pots at least 6 inches deep with drainage holes. Plastic, ceramic, or terra cotta all work. Put saucers underneath to catch water. One herb per pot unless you're growing a mixed container.
  3. Fill with potting mix. Buy bagged potting mix, not garden soil. Garden soil gets too heavy and doesn't drain well in pots. Fill containers leaving about an inch of space at the top.
  4. Plant your herbs. If starting from seed, plant according to packet directions. If using transplants, dig a hole the same depth as the root ball. Firm gently around the plant. Water immediately after planting.
  5. Position for light. Place containers where they get 4-6 hours of direct sunlight daily. South-facing windows work best. If light is limited, consider a grow light positioned 6-12 inches above the plants.
  6. Water correctly. Check soil daily by sticking your finger an inch deep. Water when it feels dry. Pour until water drains from the bottom holes. Empty saucers after 30 minutes so roots don't sit in standing water.
  7. Harvest regularly. Start harvesting when plants have 6-8 leaves. Pinch or cut stems just above a leaf pair. This encourages new growth. Always pinch off flower buds to keep leaves tender and flavorful.

Tips & troubleshooting

Variations

Questions

Which herbs are easiest for beginners?
Basil, chives, and parsley grow quickly and handle mistakes well. They also happen to be the herbs you'll use most often in cooking.
How often should I water my herbs?
Check daily, water when the top inch of soil feels dry. In winter, this might be every 3-4 days. In summer, possibly daily. The plant and soil will tell you.
Can I grow herbs without a sunny window?
Yes, with a grow light. Position LED grow lights 6-12 inches above plants and run them 12-14 hours daily. Many herbs actually prefer this consistent light to variable window conditions.
Why do my herb leaves turn yellow?
Usually overwatering or poor drainage. Make sure containers have holes in the bottom and you're not watering too frequently. Yellow leaves can also mean the plant needs more light.
When should I replace my herb plants?
Basil and cilantro are annuals — replace when they get woody or go to seed. Perennial herbs like oregano and chives can last years with proper care. Replace when growth slows significantly.
Can I use herbs that have flowered?
The leaves become more bitter after flowering, but they're still usable. Pinch flowers as soon as you see them to keep leaves tender. If flowers have set, start a new plant.

Further reading