Love the idea of fresh herbs in your meals but don’t have a backyard? No problem! You can easily grow your own little herb garden right inside your apartment. It doesn’t take much space, and it’s a fun way to add a little green to your home (and flavor to your food).
Here’s how to get started in simple, no-fuss steps.
Pick the Right Herbs
First things first: choose the herbs you use the most. Some great apartment-friendly options include:
- Basil: Perfect for pasta, pizza, and salads.
- Mint: Great for teas, desserts, and fresh drinks.
- Parsley: A go-to for garnishing and cooking.
- Chives: Adds a mild onion flavor to almost anything.
- Thyme: Tasty in soups, chicken dishes, and potatoes.
- Cilantro: Ideal for tacos, salsas, and Asian dishes.
- Pick 2–4 to start with—no need to go overboard!
Choose the Right Containers for your Herb Garden
Herbs don’t need big pots. Small containers with drainage holes work just fine. You can use:
- Terra cotta pots
- Small ceramic planters
- Even cute mugs or recycled cans (just make sure you poke a hole in the bottom for drainage)
- Tip: Place a small tray or plate underneath to catch extra water.
Find a Sunny Spot
Most herbs love sunlight—about 6 hours a day. Place your herb pots near a sunny window, preferably south-facing. No good sunlight? Don’t worry! You can use a grow light to give your plants the boost they need.
Don’t Overwater your Herb Garden
Too much love can be a bad thing—especially when it comes to watering. Water your herbs when the top inch of soil feels dry. Stick your finger in the dirt to check. If it’s still moist, wait a day or two.
Trim and Use Your Herbs
The best part of having an herb garden? Using it! Snip off leaves as needed (always from the top, not the bottom). This actually encourages your plant to grow more.
Bonus Tips
- Rotate the pots every few days so all sides get light.
- Label your herbs if you’re growing more than one—some look very similar!
- Avoid drafts from AC units or heaters—they can dry your plants out.
- Small Garden, Big Flavor
Having your own indoor herb garden is easy, fun, and super rewarding. Plus, you’ll save money and skip the sad wilted herbs from the store. Whether you’re cooking a fancy meal or just adding flavor to eggs and toast, your little green friends will always come through.
So go ahead—get your hands a little dirty and bring some life (and taste) into your apartment!