Growing herbs indoors is a fantastic idea, it helps you ensure you always have fresh flavors at your home.
Not only do they add taste to our meals, but they also bring life and health into your food. So, here are 15 best herbs that thrive indoors.
Best Indoor Herbs
This is the list of my 15 best indoor herbs, make sure to tell which one is your favorite in the comments below.
1. Basil
Basil is one of my favorite and for many home cooks. It likes warm, sunny spots so, place it on a south-facing windowsill for best results.
Make sure to water regularly but don’t let the soil get soggy. Fresh basil is perfect for pesto, salads, and Italian dishes.
2. Mint
In my experience, mint grows pretty fast, so it’s best kept in its own pot. It prefers a cool spot with indirect light.
Water it often to keep the soil moist. Mint leaves add a refreshing touch to drinks, desserts, and salads. Plus, its aroma can help get rid of pests.
3. Chives
Chives are quite easy to grow and have a mild onion flavor. They need bright light, so a sunny window is ideal.
Keep the soil damp but not soggy. Make sure to snip the leaves regularly to encourage new growth. Chives are great in soups, salads, and as a garnish.
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4. Parsley
Parsley is very nutritious in my opinion and it does well in both direct and indirect light. Keep the soil consistently moist.
Flat-leaf parsley is preferred for cooking, while curly-leaf parsley is often used as a garnish. Use it in soups, stews, and salads for a better taste.
5. Thyme
Thyme is a hardy herb with small, aromatic leaves, it usually likes a sunny spot and well-drained soil. Make sure to let the soil dry out between waterings sessions.
Thyme is perfect for seasoning meats, stews, and roasted vegetables and it also has antiseptic properties.
6. Cilantro
Cilantro, also known as coriander, is popular in many cuisines. It needs a lot of light, so a sunny windowsill is best. Water it regularly but avoid waterlogging. Cilantro is used in salsas, curries, and salads. The seeds can be harvested as coriander spice.
7. Oregano
Oregano is a very important ingredient in Mediterranean cooking. It’s plant prefers bright light and well-drained soil. Water only when the top inch of soil feels dry.
Its strong flavor is perfect for pizzas, pastas, and marinades and fresh oregano is more potent than dried.
8. Rosemary
Rosemary is a woody herb(which means it grows a wooden stem over-time) with needle-like leaves. It needs a lot of light and prefers a dry environment.
Water sparingly and ensure good drainage.
You can use rosemary in meats, potatoes, and breads, its aroma is also known to improve concentration and memory.
9. Sage
Sage has soft, fuzzy leaves and a strong, earthy flavor, it likes full sun and well-drained soil. Allow the soil to dry out between waterings.
Sage plant is excellent in stuffing, sausages, and teas and it also has medicinal properties, particularly for sore throats.
10. Dill
Dill is a plant which has feathery leaves and a tangy flavor, it needs plenty of light, so place it in a sunny spot. Water regularly but don’t let the soil stay too wet.
Dill is quite great for pickling, salads, and fish dishes. Its seeds can also be used as a spice.
11. Tarragon
Tarragon has slender, aromatic leaves with a licorice-like flavor and it prefers bright, indirect light and well-drained soil, water when the top inch of soil feels dry.
Tarragon is mainly used in sauces, dressings, and chicken dishes. It’s a key ingredient in French cuisine.
12. Marjoram
Marjoram is pretty similar to oregano but has a milder flavor, it likes a sunny spot and well-drained soil. Make sure to let the soil dry out between waterings.
Marjoram is good for soups, salads, and meat dishes. It also has anti-inflammatory properties.
13. Bay Laurel
Bay laurel is a slow-growing herb with glossy leaves and it needs bright, indirect light and well-drained soil. Water moderately and allow the soil to dry out between waterings.
Bay leaves are used to flavor soups, stews, and sauces. They are usually removed before serving.
14. Lemon Balm
Lemon balm has a refreshing, lemony scent and it grows well in partial shade and moist soil. Water regularly to keep the soil slightly damp.
Lemon balm is great in teas, salads, and desserts and it’s also known for its calming effects.
15. Chervil
Chervil is a herb with a mild, anise-like flavor, it prefers cool temperatures and indirect light. Keep the soil consistently moist.
Chervil is used in soups, salads, and as a garnish. It’s a key ingredient in the French herb blend, fines herbs.
Related: Choosing The Best Fertilizers For Indoor Plants
What Are The Benefits of Growing Herbs Indoors
When you grow herbs indoor, it will give you many benefits. It’s convenient and ensures a steady supply of fresh herbs. Here are some of the many benefits:
1. Freshness
Nothing can beat the flavor of freshly picked herbs because tore-bought herbs can lose their flavor quickly. Indoor herbs are always fresh and full of flavor.
2. Cost-effective
Growing your own herbs will saves a lot money. A packet of seeds or a small plant costs less than repeatedly buying fresh herbs, it’s a small investment for a big return.
3. Health Benefits
Fresh herbs are rich with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, they add taste nutrition to your meals. Plus, some herbs have medicinal properties.
4. Aesthetics
Herbs add greenery and beauty to your home, they will brighten up a kitchen windowsill or a living room shelf. Their aroma can also be quite pleasant.
Conclusion
Growing herbs indoors is a pretty rewarding hobby, it brings fresh flavors to your cooking and a touch of nature to your home.
Now, with the right care, these 15 herbs can thrive indoors and provide you with a constant supply of aromatic and tasty leaves.
So, why not start your indoor herb garden today? It’s easy, fun, and beneficial in so many ways.
