Grow fresh herbs indoors this winter! Check out the 10 easiest herbs to grow in the winter, with simple tips for beginners from Ashley Scott at USA Garden Hub.
Hi there! I’m Ashley Scott, and with 10 years of gardening experience under my belt, I’m excited to share my love for growing herbs indoors with you. Winter can feel like a tough time for gardeners in the USA, with snow and frost keeping us from our outdoor plots. But guess what? You don’t have to stop gardening just because it’s cold outside! Growing herbs to grow in the winter indoors is super easy, fun, and rewarding. Imagine picking fresh basil or mint right from your kitchen while it’s snowing outside—pretty cool, right?
In this article, I’ll walk you through the 10 easiest herbs to grow inside for the winter. These herbs are perfect for beginners and kids, and I’ll give you simple tips to keep them happy all season long. Plus, I’ll share some personal stories from my own indoor gardening adventures to make it even more fun. Let’s get started!
Why Grow Herbs Indoors in Winter?
Before we dive into the list, let’s talk about why growing herbs inside during winter is such a great idea:
- Fresh flavors all year: You’ll have tasty herbs for your meals, even in January.
- Super simple: These herbs don’t need much work, so anyone can do it.
- Small space, big reward: A windowsill or tiny corner is all you need.
- Happy vibes: Plants make your home feel cozy and alive when it’s cold outside.
Now, let’s meet the stars of this winter gardening show—the best herbs to grow in the winter indoors!
1. Basil
Basil is my absolute favorite to grow indoors—it’s so easy and smells amazing! I once kept a basil plant on my kitchen counter during a snowy Ohio winter, and it made every day feel a little brighter.
- Why it’s easy: Grows fast and loves indoor warmth.
- Light: Needs 6 hours of sunlight—put it by a sunny window or use a grow light.
- Temperature: Likes 65-75°F (18-24°C). Keep it away from cold drafts.
- Soil: Use well-draining potting soil.
- Water: Water when the top inch of soil feels dry—don’t soak it!
- Tips: Pinch off the top leaves to make it bushy.
- Harvest: Snip leaves from the top as you need them.
Basil is perfect for pizza, pasta, or even a quick snack with tomatoes. Trust me, you’ll love having it around!
2. Mint
Mint is a tough little plant that grows like a champ indoors. I’ve got a pot of mint that’s been with me for years—it’s practically family now!
- Why it’s easy: Hardy and doesn’t need much fuss.
- Light: Likes bright, indirect light—near an east or west window is great.
- Temperature: 60-70°F (15-21°C) works best.
- Soil: Rich, well-draining soil.
- Water: Keep it moist but not soggy.
- Tips: Grow it alone—it can take over other plants!
- Harvest: Cut stems above a leaf pair.
Mint is awesome in tea, desserts, or even water for a fresh twist.
3. Parsley
Parsley is slow to start but so worth it. I remember planting it with my niece—she loved watching it grow into a big, green bush!
- Why it’s easy: Low-maintenance once it gets going.
- Light: 4-6 hours of sun—south or west windows are perfect.
- Temperature: 60-70°F (15-21°C).
- Soil: Well-draining potting mix.
- Water: Water when the top inch is dry.
- Tips: Be patient—it takes time to sprout.
- Harvest: Cut outer leaves first.
Parsley’s great for soups, salads, or just making your plate look fancy.
4. Chives
Chives are like the superheroes of indoor herbs—small, strong, and always ready to help out in the kitchen.
- Why it’s easy: Needs little space and keeps growing back.
- Light: 4-6 hours of sunlight—a sunny spot is key.
- Temperature: 60-70°F (15-21°C).
- Soil: Light, well-draining mix.
- Water: Water when soil feels dry.
- Tips: They’ll last for years with almost no effort.
- Harvest: Snip leaves near the base.
Chives add a yummy onion taste to eggs, potatoes, or dips.
5. Thyme
Thyme is a tough little herb that doesn’t mind dry air—perfect for winter homes with heaters running.
- Why it’s easy: Loves dry conditions and sunny spots.
- Light: Full sun—south window or a grow light.
- Temperature: 70-80°F (21-27°C).
- Soil: Sandy, well-draining mix.
- Water: Water sparingly—let it dry out between.
- Tips: Don’t overwater it!
- Harvest: Snip stems as needed.
Thyme’s awesome for roasts or soups—it’s a winter cooking must-have.
6. Oregano
Oregano is a sturdy herb that’s been a staple in my indoor garden. It’s so easy, I sometimes forget to check on it!
- Why it’s easy: Tough and forgiving.
- Light: 6 hours of sun—give it a bright spot.
- Temperature: 65-75°F (18-24°C).
- Soil: Well-draining mix.
- Water: Water when the top inch is dry.
- Tips: Pinch it back to keep it full.
- Harvest: Cut stems above a leaf pair.
Oregano rocks in Italian dishes or dried for later.
7. Rosemary
Rosemary’s piney smell reminds me of cozy winter nights. It’s a bit slow but so worth it.
- Why it’s easy: Handles dry indoor air like a pro.
- Light: Full sun—place it where it gets lots of light.
- Temperature: 60-70°F (15-21°C).
- Soil: Well-draining, sandy mix.
- Water: Water when dry—don’t let it sit in water.
- Tips: Give it air to breathe.
- Harvest: Snip stems, but not too much at once.
Rosemary’s perfect for potatoes or holiday roasts.
8. Sage
Sage is a tough cookie that doesn’t need much attention—just my kind of plant!
- Why it’s easy: Loves dry conditions and grows strong.
- Light: 6 hours of sun—bright and sunny is best.
- Temperature: 60-70°F (15-21°C).
- Soil: Well-draining mix.
- Water: Water sparingly—let it dry out.
- Tips: Trim it to keep it fresh.
- Harvest: Cut leaves before it flowers.
Sage is a holiday hero for stuffing or turkey.
9. Cilantro
Cilantro grows fast, which makes it fun to watch. My kids love picking it for taco night!
- Why it’s easy: Quick and compact.
- Light: Bright, indirect light—east or west window.
- Temperature: 60-70°F (15-21°C).
- Soil: Rich, well-draining mix.
- Water: Keep it moist but not wet.
- Tips: Harvest often to stop it from bolting.
- Harvest: Snip outer leaves.
Cilantro’s a star in Mexican or Asian recipes.
10. Dill
Dill is a speedy grower that adds a fun flavor to food. I once grew it just to see how tall it’d get—it was a blast!
- Why it’s easy: Fast and simple.
- Light: 5-6 hours of sun—south window is ideal.
- Temperature: 60-70°F (15-21°C).
- Soil: Light, well-draining mix.
- Water: Water when the top inch is dry.
- Tips: Support it if it gets tall.
- Harvest: Snip leaves or save seeds.
Dill’s great for pickles, salads, or fish.
How to Grow Herbs Indoors in the Winter: Simple Steps
New to this? No worries! Here’s how to grow herbs indoors in the winter in a snap:
- Pick easy herbs: Try the ones from this list.
- Get pots: Use ones with holes so water can drain.
- Use good soil: Grab a mix made for herbs or veggies.
- Give them light: 4-6 hours of sun or a grow light if it’s dark.
- Water right: Check each herb’s needs—usually when the soil’s dry on top.
- Keep them warm: 60-75°F (15-24°C) is perfect for most.
- Harvest often: Snip leaves to keep them growing.
Want more tips? Check out my indoor gardening guide on USA Garden Hub!
Answers to Your Winter Herb Questions
Here are some questions I get a lot about growing plants to grow in winter at home:
Can I grow herbs inside without much sun?
Yes! If your windows don’t get enough light, a grow light works wonders.
How often do I water indoor herbs?
It depends, but usually when the top inch of soil feels dry. Don’t overdo it—wet roots are a no-no!
Do indoor herbs need food?
A little fertilizer every 4-6 weeks helps. Learn more from this University of Maryland guide.
Can I start herbs from seeds?
Totally! Basil, cilantro, and dill are easy to grow from seeds—just follow the packet.
What’s the easiest herb for beginners?
Basil, mint, and chives are my top picks—they’re practically foolproof!
Wrap-Up
Growing herbs to grow in the winter indoors is a blast, and it keeps your green thumb happy even when it’s freezing outside. With these 10 easiest herbs to grow inside for the winter—basil, mint, parsley, chives, thyme, oregano, rosemary, sage, cilantro, and dill—you’ll have fresh flavors all season. They’re so simple, even kids can help out!
Start small, give them light and love, and you’ll be amazed at how easy it is. For more gardening fun, peek at my winter gardening tips on USA Garden Hub. Happy growing!