Planting Indoor Herbs for the Winter

A Practical Guide to Growing Fresh Herbs Indoors All Season Long

As the outdoor gardening season winds down, you don’t have to say goodbye to fresh, flavorful herbs. Herbs grown indoors don’t care what the temperature is outside, whether there’s rain or snow or what season it is.  Growing herbs indoors during the winter is a rewarding and practical way to keep your kitchen stocked with aromatic greens, even when it’s cold outside. This guide will walk you through the essentials of successfully planting and caring for indoor herbs throughout the winter months.

Benefits of Growing Indoor Herbs

  • Fresh, flavorful herbs at your fingertips year-round
  • Cost-effective alternative to store-bought herbs
  • Adds greenery and pleasant aromas to your home
  • Easy and space-efficient for apartments or small homes

Choosing the Right Herbs

Choosing the right herbs is crucial for successful indoor gardening.  First, consider the herbs that you would use the most.  But also consider that some herbs are better suited for indoor growing than others. Avoid herbs with large root systems, such as horseradish (Armoracia rusticana), fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), and lovage (Levisticum officinale). Herbs like tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus) are toxic to dogs and cats and should be avoided in homes with pets. The following herbs are popular choices for winter windowsills:

  • Basil (Ocimum basilicum) : Loves warmth and bright light; choose dwarf varieties.
  • Parsley (Petroselinum crispum): Hardy and easy to grow; both curly and flat-leaf types do well.
  • Chives (Allium spp.): Tolerant of lower light; great for garnishes and seasoning.
  • Mint – Spearmint (Mentha viridis), Peppermint ( piperita): Thrives indoors but keep it in a separate pot to prevent spreading if planted outdoors.
  • Thyme (Thymus spp.): Compact and aromatic; prefers well-drained soil
  • Oregano (Origanum vulgare): Low-maintenance and flavorful; needs good drainage.
  • Cilantro (Coriandrum sativum): Fast-growing; sow seeds every few weeks for a continuous supply.

Getting Started: Supplies You’ll Need

Purchasing plants can provide instant satisfaction, but starting from seed will allow you a wider variety of choices.

  • Small pots with drainage holes (4–6 inches in diameter)
  • High-quality potting mix (not garden soil)
  • Herb seeds or starter plants from a nursery
  • Watering can or spray bottle
  • Grow lights (optional, but helpful for low-light homes)
  • Tray or saucer to catch excess water

Planting Your Herbs

  1. Choose Containers: Use clean pots with drainage holes to prevent waterlogging.
  2. Fill with Potting Mix: Use a light, well-draining potting mix for herbs.
  3. Plant Seeds or Seedlings: Sow seeds according to packet instructions or transplant young plants, gently firming the soil around roots.
  4. Water Thoroughly: Moisten the soil but avoid making it soggy.
  5. Label Each Pot: Especially important if you’re growing several types of herbs.

Light and Location

Most herbs need six to eight hours of bright light daily. Place pots on a sunny south- or west-facing windowsill. If you’re relying on a sunny window, turn the pot every few days to prevent one-sided growth. If natural light is insufficient, supplement with fluorescent or LED grow lights set on a timer for 12–14 hours a day.

Watering and Humidity

  • Water when the top inch of soil feels dry.
  • Use room-temperature water to avoid shocking roots.
  • Increase humidity by grouping pots together or placing them on a tray with pebbles and water (without letting the pots sit directly in the water).

Fertilizing

Fertilize herbs with a low dose of water-soluble fertilizer every 2 weeks. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can reduce flavor and cause leggy growth.

Pruning and Harvesting

  • Pinch back herbs regularly to encourage bushy growth.
  • Harvest up to one-third of the plant at a time, starting with the outer leaves.
  • Use clean scissors to avoid damaging the plant.

Common Issues and Solutions

  • Leggy growth: Increase light exposure.
  • Yellowing leaves: Check for overwatering and improve drainage.
  • Pests (like aphids or spider mites): Rinse leaves with water or use insecticidal soap as needed.

Conclusion

Planting indoor herbs for the winter is a simple and satisfying project that brings life, color, and flavor indoors during the colder months. With the right care, you’ll enjoy fresh herbs for cooking, teas, and garnishes all winter long.

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