If you’re new to gardening, you might wonder whether to start with seeds or seedlings. Some herbs, like rosemary, can take a long time to grow from seeds. Opting for seedlings with established roots ensures faster growth and a quicker harvest. You’ll have a fresh supply of herbs ready to use in just a few weeks.

Fortunately, there are plenty of options when it comes to indoor-friendly herbs. Choose from thyme, chives, sage, and mint, just to name a few. Ultimately, the choice is about which of your favorites will do well indoors. For example, basil is delicious and versatile, but it's a tough one to grow inside because it needs compost-rich soil and direct sunlight.

Most herbs require about six to eight hours of sun each day, which can be a challenge in the winter months. If you don’t have south-facing natural light, you need grow lights. These are LED or fluorescent lights that provide the necessary intensity in the absence of natural sun. Turn to a simple clamp light affixed to a counter over the plant, or go all-in with a system that holds multiple plants.

Watering your herbs can be tricky since it depends on soil type, climate, and other factors. Instead of waiting for droopy leaves, try the finger test: insert your finger into the soil up to your first knuckle. If it feels dry, it’s time to water. This method helps maintain consistent moisture for healthier plants.

When choosing a container for edible plants, make sure it has a drainage hole at the bottom. Also, put pebbles in the bottom of the pot. This allows the water to run through and not get bogged down in the soil, helping prevent root rot. You’ll also need a good potting soil that isn’t too compact and won't smother the roots. Finally, choose a planter that’s porous, like terra-cotta, because it helps with continuous aeration.

Temperature is something to consider, especially if you’re keeping your herb plants by the window. The temperature at that location can be more intense than inside the house, especially with the glass acting as a magnifier for some sunlight. If you’re dealing with more sensitive herbs, having the leaves touch the glass can damage them. In addition to rotating the plant so that all sides get light, remember to bring it back from the window once in a while, or permanently if you notice damage.

Indoor herbs need to be fed consistently to ensure they grow healthy and robust. Once a month is a good fertilizing cadence. Just add some liquid fertilizer to water and feed them this upgraded mixture every 30 days or so. Make sure that you choose a grow-type fertilizer and not one that's for blooming, as you want foliage, not flowers.

Indoor herb gardens are less prone to pests, but problems can still occur, especially if other plants nearby are affected. Aphids are a common nuisance, but you can remove them by rinsing leaves with cold water or using safe organic pesticides designed for edible plants.

As with pests, diseases are less likely with an indoor garden, but issues can still arise. A few herbs, particularly lemongrass, thrive in soggy soil, but the majority don't. Overwatering can lead to root rot, which can cause your plant to collapse. Drooping or dull foliage that turns yellow or brown is the most obvious sign of this. If you're growing mint, watch out for the rust fungus, which causes leaves to turn brown and fall off. Apart from ensuring that plants have good drainage, it's vital to remove diseased leaves, so infection doesn't spread.

Once your herb plant is lush and ready, you can start harvesting. Be careful not to remove more than a third of the plant’s leaves at one time, as this can hinder its recovery. For basil, pluck individual leaves at the stem, while herbs like thyme should be trimmed a few inches from the base.