Fresh herbs can transform everyday meals—and growing your own is easier than you think, even in a small apartment. Whether you’re working with a windowsill, balcony, or countertop, you can cultivate flavorful herbs like basil, cilantro, and mint with just a few simple tools and a little sunlight. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help beginners get started with a low-maintenance indoor herb garden.

Step 1: Choose the Right Herbs
Start with herbs that thrive indoors and are easy to manage:

• Basil – Loves warmth and sunlight; great for pesto, pasta, and salads.
  
• Mint – Very low-maintenance; perfect for teas, dressings, and desserts.
  
• Parsley – A kitchen staple for soups, sauces, and garnishes.
  
• Cilantro – Best for tacos, curries, and chutneys (needs slightly cooler temps).
  
• Thyme and Oregano – Hardy Mediterranean herbs that do well in small containers.
  

Step 2: Select Containers With Drainage
Use pots or planters with drainage holes to prevent water from pooling and causing root rot. Self-watering planters or window boxes can be great for forgetful waterers.

Step 3: Use the Right Soil
Choose a high-quality organic potting mix formulated for container gardening. Avoid using garden soil, which may be too dense for pots and lacks proper aeration.

Step 4: Find the Best Light
Most herbs need at least 6 hours of sunlight per day. A sunny windowsill is ideal. If natural light is limited, consider using a grow light. The Back to the Roots Organic Indoor Gardening Kits offer built-in lighting options that are great for beginners.

Step 5: Water Smartly
Overwatering is a common mistake. Let the top inch of soil dry out before watering again. Mint prefers slightly more moisture, while thyme and oregano need less frequent watering.

Step 6: Harvest Regularly
Frequent trimming encourages growth. Use clean scissors and snip leaves above a leaf node. Never cut more than one-third of the plant at a time.

Step 7: Learn by Watching
New to gardening? Try beginner-friendly videos from YouTube gardening channels, such as Epic Gardening or Garden Answer, which offer tutorials tailored to small spaces and container setups.

Starter Kits Worth Trying

• Back to the Roots Variety Pack – An all-in-one, organic-certified kit with basil, mint, and cilantro.
  
• AeroGarden Harvest – A hydroponic option with built-in LED lights for countertop growing.
  

Bonus Tip: Combine Flavors Into One Pot
Herbs with similar sunlight and water needs—like thyme, oregano, and basil—can be planted together in a larger container to save space.