Grow fresh herbs in your kitchen window to cook with

“I planted my first herb garden on my kitchen windowsill three springs ago with no particular plan — just a basil plant from the grocery store and good intentions. The basil died in two weeks. I replanted. It died again. On the third attempt, I finally understood why: my kitchen window faces northeast and basil needs more sun than that. The grow light was the solution I resisted for a full season because it seemed like an overcorrection for what should be a simple project. It wasn’t an overcorrection. It was the missing piece. Once I added a small Barrina fixture under the upper cabinet, the basil grew, the chives thrived, and the parsley I added later became the most-used ingredient in my kitchen. Fresh parsley clipped directly into pasta, grain bowls, eggs, and salads is a genuinely different ingredient than the dried version — and having it on the counter means I actually use it, which is the whole point.”

“My kitchen herbs are doing great now that they are in self watering pot. They are actively growing and doubled in size in 2 months. I tried herbs several times in a regular trough planter but until I made it self watering, it wasn't working...the herbs would stay alive but not grow. I also have a grow light from Lowes (2000 lumens). Apparently, 2000 lumens is the bare minimum for herbs and I plan on grabbing one more when they are in stock. Also, you have to choose the right herbs. Parsley does not work for me but basil, thyme, oregano, and dill are doing great. Rosemary is looking good but not growing and the mint is a little sketchy/leggy but enough for a mojito when I am in the mood.”

“I'm not a gardener either but I had success with my windowsill planter growing herbs. Luckily, I have a south-facing kitchen window with barely enough windowsill upon which to perch the planter I had bought. I grew the usual suspects...basil, oregano, chives, thyme. They all did quite well. I don't think zone really matters when it comes to indoor plants since your indoor temperature stays within a certain comfortable range. Exposure to the sun and making sure they're watered was all it took for my little garden to prosper.”