A kitchen herb garden is one of the most practical things you can grow. Fresh herbs are used in almost every cuisine, they're expensive to buy in tiny supermarket pots, and most grow perfectly on a sunny windowsill.
Best Herbs for Indoors
Basil — Loves heat and sun. Grow in summer near a south-facing window. Keep warm (don't let it drop below 10°C).
Mint — Very easy to grow. Keep it in its own pot — it spreads aggressively and will take over a mixed planting.
Chives — Essentially indestructible. Good for dividing and sharing.
Parsley — Slower to establish but reliable. Grows well in medium light.
Thyme and Rosemary — Mediterranean herbs that need maximum sun. Best near the sunniest window; or outdoors in summer.
Coriander — Tends to bolt (go to seed) quickly. Sow successionally every 3–4 weeks for a continuous supply.
Harvesting Tips
Always harvest from the top, cutting stems just above a node. This encourages branching and keeps the plant producing.
For basil, pinch off flower buds as they appear — once basil flowers, it puts all energy into seed production and leaf quality drops dramatically.
Watering
Herbs in small pots dry out fast — check daily in summer. Most herbs prefer to be slightly on the dry side rather than soggy. Ensure all pots have drainage.
Buying vs Growing from Seed
For most herbs, buying young plants from a nursery is faster. Sowing from seed makes more sense for basil (very cheap seed), coriander (often bolts when bought), and chives.
