Living in an apartment doesn’t mean you have to give up on gardening. In fact, starting an apartment herb garden can be fun, easy, and super rewarding — even if you’ve never planted anything before.
With just a few small pots, a bit of sunlight, and a little care, you can grow herbs like basil, mint, or rosemary right in your kitchen window or balcony. It’s a great way to save money, add flavor to your meals, and bring some green life into your home.
Why Start an Apartment Herb Garden?
Having an apartment herb garden gives you fresh, tasty ingredients without needing to run to the store. It’s perfect for small spaces because herbs don’t need much room to grow. Plus, gardening — even just a few plants — can help reduce stress and make your space feel more alive.
Here’s why it’s worth it:
- You always have fresh herbs on hand
- It saves money over time
- Herbs grow well in small containers
- Great for beginners and kids
- Adds beauty and calm to your home
What You Need to Start Your Herb Garden
You don’t need anything fancy to get started. Most things are affordable or already in your home. Here’s a simple list:
- Small pots or containers (with drainage holes)
- Potting soil (light and good for herbs)
- Herb seeds or small starter plants
- A spot with sunlight (like a windowsill or balcony)
- Watering can or spray bottle
That’s it! You can start small and grow more later if you want.
Best Herbs for Apartment Gardens
Not all herbs grow the same way, so here are a few that are easy and work great indoors:
Basil
- Loves warmth and sunlight
- Perfect for pasta, pizza, and sauces
- Grows quickly — you’ll see leaves in weeks
Mint
- Grows fast and spreads wide
- Great in tea or desserts
- Needs regular trimming to stay tidy
Parsley
- Can grow in low light
- Rich in flavor and nutrients
- Easy to regrow after cutting
Rosemary
- Needs more sun, but very strong
- Adds amazing smell to your kitchen
- Great for cooking meats and veggies
Chives
- Thin, grass-like herb
- Grows well in small pots
- Perfect for eggs, potatoes, and soups
Where to Place Your Herb Garden
Light is the most important thing for your herbs. Find a spot in your apartment that gets at least 4–6 hours of light per day. If you don’t have a sunny window, you can still grow herbs using a small grow light.
Great spots include:
- Kitchen windowsill
- Balcony or fire escape (if safe)
- Near a sliding glass door
- Under a grow light on a shelf
Keep your herbs close to where you cook — you’ll use them more often and care for them better.
Step-by-Step Guide to Starting Your Herb Garden
Here’s how to start your garden in the simplest way possible:
Step 1: Choose Your Herbs
Pick two or three herbs you use the most. Don’t start with too many — it’s better to keep it simple at first.
Step 2: Pick the Right Containers
Make sure your pots have holes at the bottom so water can drain. You can use store-bought planters or reuse items like mugs, jars, or cans — just drill or poke a hole at the bottom.
Step 3: Add Potting Soil
Use fresh, light soil that lets water flow through easily. Fill the container about 3/4 full, leaving space at the top.
Step 4: Plant Seeds or Starter Herbs
If you’re using seeds, follow the package directions. If using small plants, gently loosen the roots before placing them in the soil.
Step 5: Water Lightly
Water until the soil is damp but not soggy. Too much water can rot the roots. Most herbs like to dry out a little between waterings.
Step 6: Give Them Light
Place the containers where they can get natural light. Rotate them every few days so they grow evenly.
Step 7: Trim and Use Often
The more you use your herbs, the better they grow! Snip off the top leaves regularly and add them to your meals.