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10 Herbs That You Can Grow on a Windowsill For Easy Harvesting

Growing herbs on a windowsill is a fantastic way to enjoy fresh, flavorful additions to your meals without needing a large garden space. These small but mighty plants can thrive indoors with the right care, offering convenience and quick access to culinary delights. As an enthusiastic gardener, I’ve found that having a mini herb garden on my windowsill not only enhances my cooking but also brings a touch of nature indoors.

In this article, we’ll explore ten herbs that are perfect for windowsill gardening. These herbs are easy to grow, require minimal space, and can be harvested regularly to elevate your culinary creations. Let’s dive into these top picks and bring the joy of gardening right into your kitchen!

Basil

basil
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Basil is a versatile and aromatic herb that thrives on a sunny windowsill. Native to tropical regions of Asia and Africa, basil loves warmth and plenty of sunlight. It’s perfect for adding fresh flavor to salads, pasta, and pesto. Regularly pinch off the leaves to encourage bushier growth and prevent the plant from flowering too early.

To grow basil indoors, choose a sunny spot where it can receive at least six hours of sunlight daily. Use well-draining soil and keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged. Basil can be harvested as soon as the plant has enough leaves to spare, and frequent harvesting will promote continuous growth, ensuring a steady supply of this delicious herb.

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Chives

garlic chives
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Chives are an excellent choice for windowsill gardening due to their compact size and ease of growth. Native to Europe, Asia, and North America, chives are known for their mild onion flavor and can be used to garnish a variety of dishes, from soups to baked potatoes. Their purple flowers are also edible and add a decorative touch to salads.

Chives thrive in well-draining soil and need about four to six hours of sunlight per day. They prefer cooler temperatures, making them perfect for an indoor environment. To harvest, simply snip the leaves close to the base, and they will quickly regrow. Regular trimming encourages new growth, ensuring you have a constant supply of fresh chives.

Mint

spearmint
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Mint is a fragrant herb that can quickly become a staple in your indoor herb garden. Native to Europe and Asia, mint is known for its refreshing flavor, making it perfect for teas, desserts, and savory dishes. While mint can be invasive in a garden, growing it in a pot on your windowsill keeps it contained and manageable.

Mint prefers partial shade to bright, indirect sunlight and thrives in moist, well-draining soil. It grows vigorously, so regular harvesting helps control its spread and encourages lush growth. To harvest mint, pinch off the top leaves, and the plant will continue to produce new foliage. Enjoy the invigorating aroma and flavor of fresh mint year-round!

Parsley

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Parsley is a highly nutritious herb that is easy to grow indoors. Native to the Mediterranean region, parsley comes in two main varieties: curly and flat-leaf (also known as Italian parsley). Both types are rich in vitamins and add a fresh, bright flavor to a variety of dishes, from soups and stews to salads and sauces.

Parsley prefers a sunny windowsill with at least six hours of sunlight daily and well-draining soil. Keep the soil evenly moist, but avoid overwatering. To harvest, cut the outer stems at the base, allowing the inner stems to continue growing. Regular harvesting will encourage new growth, providing a continuous supply of this versatile herb.

Thyme

thyme
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Thyme is a hardy herb that adapts well to indoor growing conditions. Native to the Mediterranean, thyme is known for its small, aromatic leaves and woody stems. It adds depth and flavor to soups, stews, roasted meats, and vegetables. Thyme is drought-tolerant and thrives in well-draining soil, making it a low-maintenance choice for windowsill gardening.

Thyme needs about six hours of sunlight per day and should be placed in a bright spot. Water it sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. To harvest thyme, snip the stems just above a leaf node, and the plant will continue to produce new growth. Thyme’s compact size and fragrant foliage make it a delightful addition to any indoor herb garden.

Oregano

oregano
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Oregano is a robust and flavorful herb that is a staple in Mediterranean cuisine. Native to the Mediterranean region, oregano is known for its pungent, earthy taste that enhances pizza, pasta, and grilled meats. This herb thrives in a sunny windowsill and is relatively easy to care for, making it an excellent choice for indoor gardening.

Oregano requires at least six hours of sunlight daily and well-draining soil. Water the plant when the top inch of soil feels dry, but be careful not to overwater. To harvest, pinch off the stems just above a leaf node, and the plant will grow back more vigorously. Regular harvesting helps maintain a bushy and healthy oregano plant, ensuring a steady supply of this flavorful herb.

Cilantro

cilantro seedlings
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Cilantro, also known as coriander, is a fast-growing herb that is popular in many cuisines worldwide. Native to regions spanning from Southern Europe to Western Asia, cilantro is known for its fresh, citrusy flavor that adds a burst of freshness to salsas, salads, and curries. Cilantro can be a bit finicky, but with the right care, it thrives on a windowsill.

Cilantro prefers full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil. It grows quickly and can be harvested as soon as the leaves are large enough to use. Cut the outer leaves first, allowing the inner leaves to continue growing. Cilantro has a short lifespan, so succession planting every few weeks can ensure a continuous supply. Enjoy the bright flavor and versatility of fresh cilantro in your dishes!

Rosemary

rosemary plant
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Rosemary is a woody herb that brings a delightful aroma and robust flavor to your kitchen. Native to the Mediterranean, rosemary is known for its needle-like leaves and woody stems, which are used to season meats, potatoes, and bread. Rosemary thrives in bright light and well-draining soil, making it an ideal candidate for windowsill gardening.

Rosemary needs at least six to eight hours of sunlight daily and should be watered sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. It can be pruned regularly to maintain its shape and encourage bushier growth. To harvest, snip off the sprigs as needed, and enjoy the fresh, piney aroma and flavor of rosemary in your culinary creations.

Sage

sage
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Sage is a perennial herb that adds depth and warmth to a variety of dishes. Native to the Mediterranean, sage has soft, gray-green leaves and a strong, earthy flavor that pairs well with poultry, pork, and hearty vegetables. Sage is a hardy herb that adapts well to indoor growing conditions and can thrive on a sunny windowsill.

Sage requires about six hours of sunlight daily and well-draining soil. Water it moderately, allowing the soil to dry out between watering. To harvest sage, snip the leaves as needed, and prune the plant regularly to prevent it from becoming woody. Sage’s robust flavor and attractive foliage make it a valuable addition to any indoor herb garden.

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Dill

dill flowers
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Dill is a feathery herb that brings a unique, tangy flavor to your kitchen. Native to the Mediterranean and West Asia, dill is commonly used in pickling, soups, and seafood dishes. Dill is easy to grow from seed and can thrive on a sunny windowsill, making it a convenient choice for indoor herb gardening.

Dill prefers full sun and well-draining soil. It grows quickly and can be harvested once the plant reaches about six inches in height. To harvest, snip the outer leaves, allowing the inner leaves to continue growing. Regular harvesting will promote bushier growth and a continuous supply of fresh dill. Enjoy the bright, tangy flavor of dill in your culinary creations!

Cody Medina
Small Scale Farmer
Hi there! I'm Cody, a staff writer here at The Garden Magazine and a small-scale farmer living in Oregon. I've been gardening most of my life and now live on a quarter-acre farmstead with chickens, ducks, and a big garden.