10 Herbs to Grow in Your Kitchen Windows

10 Herbs to Cultivate in Your Kitchen Window Throughout the Year

Growing your own fresh herbs opens up a world of culinary experimentation. Purchasing herbs from the grocery store can be costly, especially if you prefer organic options. Cultivating herbs requires patience, but with ample natural sunlight streaming through your windows, you’ll have a readily available supply of herbs for cooking, garnishing, cocktails, and more. At Guardian Windows, we not only offer a diverse range of energy-efficient replacement windows for your home but also provide insights and advice for kickstarting your own indoor garden!

Which Herbs Thrive Best in a Kitchen Window?

Indoor herb cultivation is a breeze, particularly with abundant natural light. Most herbs require six or more hours of direct sunlight to flourish, making a naturally well-lit kitchen an ideal growing environment in your home.

A. Thyme

Thyme, a Mediterranean herb thriving in the summer season, adapts well to indoor cultivation given it receives abundant sunlight and well-draining soil. To ensure proper drainage, it’s essential to allow water to flow out of the planting container without pooling.

B. Parsley

Parsley plants may become “leggy” indoors, particularly in low-light areas where they struggle to receive sufficient sunlight. Often used as a garnish for pasta dishes, grilled vegetables, or roasted potatoes, parsley seeds can also intensify flavor when used in cooking.

C. Chives

Chives, known for their vibrant green hue, sprout rapidly from seeds and offer the best flavor when freshly picked. These versatile herbs can be incorporated into various dishes or used as a decorative garnish.

D. Rosemary

Rosemary, an evergreen aromatic herb, typically thrives outdoors due to its size. Whether used for basting steak, as a garnish, or for burning as incense, rosemary adds a distinctive flavor and aroma to dishes.

E. Mint

Mint, known for its refreshing taste, thrives indoors with consistent moisture. While growing mint from seeds can be tricky due to their sensitivity to moisture levels and sunlight exposure, opting for cuttings or established plants may yield better results.

F. Oregano

Optimal growth for oregano occurs in a south- or west-facing window, ensuring it receives ample direct sunlight throughout the day. The herb’s earthy, warm flavor is most pronounced when its leaves are dried.

G. Basil

Ideal for novice gardeners, basil thrives indoors but should be shielded from cool drafts originating from indoor vents. When utilized in cooking, it’s recommended to add basil last to retain its vibrant flavor.

H. Cilantro

Commonly known as coriander, all parts of the cilantro plant are edible, with its fresh leaves being the most commonly used in culinary dishes. Similar to mint, cilantro thrives in consistently moist soil.

I. Dill

Dill seeds germinate rapidly, necessitating a larger container for planting. Widely utilized in European, Asian, and Middle Eastern cuisines, dill is prized for its distinct flavor.

J. Sage

Sage plants benefit from at least eight hours of direct sunlight daily. It’s advisable to avoid planting sage alongside moisture-loving herbs like mint and cilantro, as sage prefers soil with lower moisture levels.

Tips for Cultivating Herbs Indoors

Before diving into purchasing an abundance of seeds or plants, it’s essential to acknowledge that indoor herb gardening demands a certain level of commitment each week. While cultivating herbs indoors is relatively budget-friendly, it may require some trial and error to discover the optimal balance of sunlight, water, and soil for your herbs to flourish. Here are some fundamental tips to help you embark on your indoor gardening journey.

Space Out Your Herbs

Certain herbs coexist better when grown together, such as basil, cilantro, and parsley. If you opt to plant a variety of herbs in the same container, ensure you research their soil preferences beforehand. Once you’ve identified a suitable herb combination, position the plants several inches apart from each other. Planting your herbs too closely can hinder their growth and lead to heightened competition among them.

Avoid Overwatering

Overwatering your herbs can saturate the soil, increasing the likelihood of plant diseases. Excessively moist soil impedes the herb’s root system from accessing the necessary oxygen for thriving. Rather than adhering to a strict watering schedule, wait until the plant signals its need for water. A useful guideline is to check the soil’s moisture level; if the top inch feels damp, postpone watering for a few days. Remember: a thirsty plant cannot be overwatered.

Individually Pot Your Herbs

Planting specific herb varieties, such as mint and coriander, in separate containers prevents them from overpowering other herbs. Additionally, ceramic pots offer a plethora of patterns, textures, and colors, enhancing both style and personalization to your kitchen window.

Unlocking Your Home’s Potential with Guardian Windows

Ready to infuse your space with increased light and dimension? Explore the possibilities with custom-fit kitchen windows from Guardian Windows. Reach out to us today to schedule your complimentary estimate!