How to Grow a Compact Indoor Herb Garden on a Windowsill

Don’t have a backyard or garden? No problem. With just a sunny windowsill and a few supplies, you can grow a thriving herb garden indoors—all year long. A compact indoor herb garden is not only space-saving, but it also adds fresh flavor to your cooking, improves air quality, and brings a touch of green into your home.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to choose the right herbs, containers, lighting, and care techniques to make your windowsill garden a success.

Why Grow Herbs on a Windowsill?

• Space-efficient – Perfect for apartments and small kitchens

• Always fresh – Clip herbs as you cook

• Low-maintenance – Most herbs adapt well to indoor growing

• Stylish & functional – Adds greenery and aroma to your space

Best Herbs to Grow on a Windowsill

Choose herbs that thrive in small containers and don’t need deep soil or constant sun exposure. Some of the top picks include:

• Basil – Loves sunlight and warmth

• Parsley – Grows well in partial sun

• Mint – Tolerant of lower light but needs space to spread

• Thyme – Prefers drier soil and bright light

• Chives – Perfect for clipping regularly

• Cilantro – Short-lived, but grows fast in cool conditions

South-facing windows are ideal, as they offer the most sunlight. East or west can work too, with a bit of adjustment.

Setup: What You’ll Need

• Small pots (4–6 inches wide, with drainage holes)

• Waterproof saucers or trays

• Organic potting mix – NOT garden soil

• Optional grow light – For low-light homes or winter seasons

• Labels – To keep track of what you planted

Pro tip: Group herbs with similar water/light needs together.

Light & Watering Tips

• Most herbs need at least 6 hours of light per day

• Rotate your pots weekly so plants grow evenly

• Water when the top inch of soil feels dry—don’t overwater!

• Mist occasionally to raise humidity indoors

• Fertilize every 2–3 weeks with diluted organic fertilizer

Maintenance & Harvesting

• Pinch off top growth regularly to encourage bushier plants

• Don’t harvest more than 1/3 of the plant at a time

• Remove yellow or wilted leaves to prevent disease

• Watch for pests like aphids or gnats—especially near kitchen sinks

Clean the windows and dust leaves weekly to maximize light exposure.

Decor Ideas for Your Windowsill Garden

• Use matching ceramic pots for a clean aesthetic

• Add a wooden tray for grouping

• Install a narrow shelf to extend your growing space vertically

• Use mason jars or tin cans for a rustic touch (just drill drainage holes!)