When the outdoor gardening season ends, your love for fresh, homegrown food doesn’t have to. Growing herbs indoors lets you enjoy fresh herbs, no matter the weather. If you’ve been thinking about starting an indoor garden, these easy-to-grow herbs are a great place to begin.
Basil
Basil loves warmth and sunlight, making it perfect for a bright windowsill. Choose varieties like Genovese or African Blue that thrive in containers. Keep basil away from cold drafts in winter, and it will reward you with fresh leaves for months. Harvest regularly by cutting just above a pair of leaves, and pinch off flower buds to keep the flavor strong and encourage new growth.
Mint
Mint grows fast and can easily spread, so keeping it in a container is ideal. Try spearmint or peppermint for classic flavors, or chocolate mint for something different. Mint prefers moist soil and partial light. Pinch off flowers and harvest stems often to promote new, flavorful growth.
Green Onions (Scallions)
Green onions are among the easiest vegetables to grow indoors. You can even regrow them from store-bought bunches by placing the white root ends in water until new roots appear, then transferring them to soil. They grow well in shallow containers and adapt to various light conditions. When harvesting, cut the green tops but leave about an inch above the soil so they can regrow for multiple harvests.
Parsley
Both flat-leaf and curly parsley grow well indoors, though flat-leaf varieties usually have a stronger flavor. Use a container at least six inches deep and place it in moderate to bright light. Parsley grows slowly from seed, so starting with seedlings can save time. Harvest the outer stems first, cutting close to the soil line to encourage new growth.
Cilantro
Cilantro grows quickly but tends to bolt in warm conditions. For best results, choose slow-bolt varieties like ‘Slow Bolt’ or ‘Long Standing.’ Since individual plants don’t last long, sow new seeds every two to three weeks for continuous harvests. Pick outer leaves regularly and use the entire plant before it flowers. If it does bolt, the seeds—known as coriander—can be used in your cooking.
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