In-table herb garden design, allows for cross-table conversation without interruptions from vases or pots.

How to Start Your Indoor Garden?

Starting an indoor herb garden is quite simply a great way to stay healthy, providing more beauty to your space, oxygen and a gratifying activity. One of the greatest benefits is having a fresh supply of herbs to use in home remedies, teas and cooking, which can add flavor and nutrition to your meals. Growing your own herbs can also be a cost-effective way to enjoy fresh herbs, as you won’t need to purchase them as often from the store. To create an indoor herb garden, you will need to follow these basic steps:

  1. Choose the herbs you want to grow: Keep in mind the herbs that you will use most frequently in your cooking, as natural remedies and also the aesthetics of each plant. Some popular indoor herbs include basil, oregano, parsley, cilantro, mint, and thyme. Consider factors such as how much sunlight and space you have available.

  2. Select containers for your herbs. You can use any type of container as long as it has drainage holes at the bottom. Some popular options include terra-cotta pots, plastic containers, and hanging baskets. Grouping plants in sets of odd numbers such as 3, 5, etc. is usually the most natural looking and visually appealing.

  3. Choose the right soil. Herbs prefer rich, well-draining soil. You can use a good quality commercial potting soil, or create your own by mixing equal parts of peat moss, vermiculite, and perlite.

  4. Place your herbs in a sunny location. Many herbs need at least 6 hours of sunlight per day to thrive. A good spot for your plants is usually near a south-facing window. LED plant lights are a great option when your space doesn’t receive adequate sunlight.

  5. Water your herbs properly. Many herbs should be kept consistently moist but not waterlogged. You can check the moisture level in the soil by sticking your finger in the soil, if the first inch of soil is dry, it is time to water. Also, check with your seed provider for specific care to your exact herb.

  6. Provide your plants with proper air circulation. Herbs need fresh air to thrive. Be sure to rotate your plants every few days so that all sides get an equal amount of fresh air and sunlight.

  7. Harvest your herbs regularly. This will encourage bushier growth, better for indoor growing preventing plants from getting too wild.

  8. Keep your herb’s dead leaves trimmed regularly to keep the garden healthy.

Did you know?

A plant physiologist and CEO of Mirai, Shigeharu Shimamura,  has constructed the world’s largest indoor farm at an former Sony factory in Japan. It’s 25,000 square feet of futuristic garden beds nurtured by 17,500 LED lights in a bacteria-free, pesticide-free environment.


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    Different style pots of the same color can add interest to a space.

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    Indoor wall units can provide space for a variety of herbs in a small area.

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    Unique items such as trays, mugs and wood boxes give character to a space.

Ultimately, beginning an indoor herb garden is a great way to stay healthy, provide more oxygen, beauty, natural remedies, flavor, etc. to your space. You will need you to keep an eye on your herbs often. They can be sensitive to lack of light, excessive watering, underwatering and certain types of fertilizers. However, these issues don’t tend to cause any problems if you check on them regularly. Now that you have a good understanding of how to grow an indoor herb garden, click here to get started!