Indoor Herb Gardening: What Works (and What Doesn't) in Kitchen Windows

Most Mediterranean herbs (rosemary, oregano, thyme, sage, lavender) fail indoors—they need outdoor light, wind, and seasonal cues.

Herbs That Tolerate Indoors

• Cilantro – Cool temps, bolts fast. Succession sow.
• Parsley – Biennial, tolerates lower light.
• Chives – Perennial, cut-and-come-again.
• Dill – Short-lived, needs deep pot.
• Mint – Invasive; pot alone. Tolerates shade.
• Basil – Only with 16h grow light + heat.

Setup for Success

• East or south window (unobstructed).
• 12"+ deep pots, quality potting mix.
• Supplemental LED grow light (16h timer).
• Fan for airflow.
• Water when top 1" dry. Feed fish fertilizer monthly.

Resources

Thomas DeBaggio's Growing Herbs from Seed (Amazon) covers indoor specifics. His Roots, Cuttings & Seedlings for propagation.

Rosemary and oregano need 3' diameter outdoors. Don't force them inside—grow the herbs that actually work.