Growing herbs in the kitchen is ideal for beginners and those with a lack of outdoor space. Growing them indoors also means that they are in a controlled environment, and these low-maintenance plants adapt well to indoor conditions.
With proper care, your fresh herbs can be consistently used to add bold flavours to your dishes and will be right at your fingertips, ready for use! Gardening and plants expert Calum Maddock at HomeHow.co.uk has created this ultimate guide for those who want to grow their own herbs.
Here are 10 of the best herbs for growing in your kitchen:
Basil
With its aromatic leaves, this annual herb is widely grown in kitchens. The leaves are used fresh or dried to flavour a variety of dishes such as meats, fish, salads, and sauces, as well as to make basil tea. The plant has a fragrant, sweet smell and peppery taste.
Basil is perfect for beginners who wish to start an indoor herb garden. It thrives in well-lit areas, making it ideal for a sunny spot on your windowsill. Make sure that you plant your herbs in well-drained soil and water regularly – but be mindful of the soil’s moisture levels. Prune regularly to encourage a bushier and healthier plant.
Mint
Known for its fragrant leaves, mint is commonly used in culinary applications, medicinal remedies, and beverages. With its refreshing aroma and ease of growing, it is a delightful herb for beginners and is ideal for kitchen container gardening.
This plant will prefer a sunny to partially shaded spot and thrives in well-drained soil. Avoid letting the soil stay too wet to prevent root rot, and be mindful of how quickly it can grow – regular pruning will be necessary.
Rosemary
Rosemary is a small evergreen shrub belonging to the mint family. It is characterised by its fragrant, needle-like leaves and colourful flowers in shades of white, pink, purple, or blue. It is most commonly used as a culinary herb, becoming a favourite for seasoning meats and in Mediterranean cuisine.
This herb is relatively easy to grow indoors and thrives on sunlight, so a kitchen windowsill is the ideal spot. Plus, it is a perennial, so it will come back every year if taken care of properly! Ensure that your plant gets plenty of air circulation and be cautious with watering – rosemary prefers drier conditions.
Oregano
Another member of the mint family, this herb has flavourful leaves and flowering tops. It is used in various cuisines globally and has both culinary and medicinal uses. Oregano is a fantastic herb to grow in your kitchen, especially if you love Greek or Italian cooking, and is sure to add a Mediterranean feel to your space.
As with many kitchen herbs, oregano thrives in sunny spots, so avoid placing it in overly shaded areas, as this can weaken the plant. Regular but moderate watering is ideal – be cautious of overwatering or overly damp conditions to prevent mildew and root rot.
Chives
Chives are part of the onion family and are most available during the warmer months. They are a green, grass-like plant that, when watered and left to grow, produces a beautiful purple flower that is also edible. Their mild onion flavour is perfect for garnishing a variety of dishes.
These herbs are very easy to grow and don’t require much space, so they are great for smaller kitchens with limited surface area. They do well in full sun to partial shade and prefer well-drained soil and consistent watering without leaving the soil too soggy. Avoid overcrowding the pot to ensure healthy growth.
Parsley
Parsley is a hardy biennial herb of the carrot family. It is native to the Mediterranean regions and has been introduced and naturalised elsewhere in Europe and other areas of the world with suitable climates. The culinary use of parsley leaves as a flavouring and garnish for food goes as far back as the ancient Greeks and Romans and is a popular modern ingredient in a range of soups and salads.
An excellent choice for those new to growing herbs indoors, parsley’s versatile and easy-growing nature makes it a favourite among beginner gardeners. This herb can thrive in both partial shade and full sun, preferring moist, rich soil. Water regularly to maintain soil moisture, especially in brighter light, and avoid letting it dry out completely.
Sage
Sage is an aromatic herb characterised by its woody stems, greyish leaves, and blue-to-purplish flowers. Native to the Mediterranean region, it is widely used in cooking for its strong herbal aroma and earthy flavour, particularly in savoury dishes. It can be used both fresh and dried, making it a versatile ingredient in various cuisines.
In the growing season, sage needs plenty of sunlight, so ensure you place it in a well-lit spot within the kitchen that also has good air circulation. This plant prefers well-drained soil and moderate watering, and don’t forget to prune – regular trimming encourages healthy growth.
Dill
Dill is an annual herb in the parsley family, known for its aromatic leaves and seeds. It is commonly used in cooking to flavour a variety of dishes, including soups, salads, sauces, and pickles. With its slight liquorice flavour, dill is recognised for its nutritional benefits, adding a boost to meals.
This herb thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, preferring cooler growing conditions (so a warm windowsill may not be the best option here). Regular watering is necessary, but allow the soil to dry out slightly between each watering. Overcrowding can hinder dill’s growth, so make sure it has plenty of space within the pot.
Coriander
Coriander is a versatile plant that can be used as both a herb and a spice. Both the leaves (also known as cilantro) and seeds are used in the culinary arts. It is a must-have in Mexican, Thai, and Mediterranean cooking and is rewarding for beginners because of its fast growth and distinctive flavour.
Well-drained soil is essential for growing this herb, and moderate sunlight is ideal, as intense heat can stress the plant. Therefore, whilst it is great for growing as a kitchen herb, make sure that you keep it in an area with cooler temperatures (not right next to the oven!)
Thyme
Thyme is a herb whose small leaves grow on clusters of thin stems. It is used to season all kinds of dishes either by itself or as part of a blend alongside other common herbs like rosemary and sage. This incredibly versatile herb is wonderful for beginners looking to add flavour to a variety of dishes.
Thyme is known for being drought-tolerant, which makes it a great fit for indoor herb gardens where it is easy to control the growing conditions. Watering needs are minimal, so it is the ideal low-maintenance herb for your kitchen. Thyme loves full sun, so placing it on a sunny windowsill will help it to thrive – avoid too much shade, which can hinder growth and flavour.
Final Thoughts
The kitchen environment can be the ideal place for growing herbs as you can control light, water, temperature, and other conditions, and they are right there, ready for culinary use when you need them. Before purchasing any seeds or young plants, think about which will be best suited to your environment and which you will gain the most benefit from in your cooking and other uses.
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