Growing Herbs Indoors with Low Light: A Practical Guide for Urban Gardeners

Not everyone has a sunny windowsill or a backyard to grow herbs — and that’s perfectly fine. Many common herbs can thrive indoors even in low-light conditions, as long as you understand their needs and make a few smart adjustments. Whether you're living in a small apartment or dealing with a gloomy winter, growing herbs indoors with minimal light is absolutely possible.

This guide will walk you through the best herbs for low-light conditions, key techniques to help them grow strong, and the most common mistakes to avoid.

Choosing Herbs That Tolerate Low Light

Some herbs are naturally better suited for shade or indirect light. These include:

• Mint: Very forgiving, grows well in partial shade and spreads quickly.

• Parsley: Slow to start but tolerates low light and thrives with consistent care.

• Chives: Hardy and compact, perfect for kitchen counters or windows.

• Cilantro: Prefers cooler, indirect light and performs well indoors.

• Lemon balm: Another low-light tolerant herb that gives off a fresh citrus scent.

Avoid light-loving herbs like rosemary, oregano, or thyme unless you supplement with grow lights, as they require direct sun for several hours daily.

Light Conditions: What “Low Light” Really Means

“Low light” doesn’t mean complete darkness. It refers to areas that receive indirect sunlight or artificial light throughout the day. North-facing windows, shaded corners, or rooms with sheer curtains often fall into this category.

If you can read a book in that space during the day without turning on a lamp, chances are it will support low-light herbs. However, if the area is particularly dim, you may need a small LED grow light to extend the growing window.

Soil and Container Tips

Use a light, well-draining potting mix specifically formulated for herbs or indoor plants. Avoid heavy garden soil, which retains too much moisture and increases the risk of root rot — a common issue indoors.

Choose containers with good drainage holes, and never allow water to sit at the bottom of the saucer. Clay pots help absorb excess moisture and are ideal for small indoor herb gardens.

Watering and Humidity

Herbs grown in low-light settings typically require less frequent watering than those in sunny spots. Check the top inch of soil before watering — if it’s dry, water gently until it drains from the bottom.

Indoor air, especially in heated spaces, can be quite dry. Mist your herbs occasionally or place a shallow tray of water near the plants to maintain humidity. Herbs like parsley and cilantro particularly benefit from slightly more humid conditions.

Feeding and Maintenance

Indoor herbs grow more slowly in low light, so avoid over-fertilizing. A light feeding every 4–6 weeks with a diluted liquid fertilizer is enough to support healthy growth without overstimulating the plant.

Regularly prune your herbs, even if you’re not harvesting often. This keeps the plant compact and encourages new growth. Remove any yellowing or damaged leaves promptly.

Final Thought

Growing herbs indoors with limited light might seem challenging, but with the right herbs, setup, and care, it’s entirely manageable. It’s also a rewarding way to add fresh flavor to your meals year-round, even in small or shaded spaces. Start with just a few pots, observe your plants closely, and adjust your routine as needed — soon, your indoor space will be greener, fresher, and full of life.