How to Create a Window Herb Garden

Select which herbs you want to grow in your garden. Some of the most commonly grown herbs include parsley, basil, dill, sage, cilantro, mint and chives. Select herbs you are familiar with or try some new ones. Plant peppermint and chamomile herbs if you plan to dry your herbs and brew them into tea.

Locate your window garden where it will receive at least six hours of sunlight each day. Ideally, your garden will be housed in your kitchen windowsill to provide easy access when cooking.

Decide if you want to grow your herbs in small, separate flower pots or in a single large container. Your containers should have holes in the bottom to allow excess water to drain. Place a plastic drip tray under the pots to capture any runoff and protect your windowsill from water damage.

Fill your flowerpots or container with a soil-based potting soil. This type of planting medium retains moisture and keeps your herbs from getting too dry. Pre-water the soil before you plant your herbs.

Decide if you want to start growing your herbs from seeds or transplant small plants. If you are starting from seeds, plant them shallowly. Refer to the seed’s packaging for exact depths and spacing requirements for each herb. If you want your herbs to grow more quickly, purchase small herb plants from your nursery. Small plants will also have instructions for planting depths and spacing.

Water your herbs when the surface of the soil feels dry. Avoid overwatering your plants because herb gardens generally do not require much water to grow well.

Feed your plants a half-strength liquid fertilizer every month. Follow the directions on the container for specific feeding instructions.

Use a spray bottle to lightly mist under the leaves of herbs planted outside to discourage infestations of red spider mites and white flies; indoor herb gardens usually do not have problems with pests. However, if your plants do develop an infestation, only use an organic, vegetable-friendly pesticide to kill the pests.

Harvest your fresh herbs as needed. Add them directly to your meals or store them in the refrigerator to keep them fresh.