4 Essential Tips for Growing Herbs Indoors
Last Updated: January 31, 2026
Herbs are generally quick to grow and easy to maintain. Almost all herb plants are best grown indoors—oregano, thyme, basil, and sage to name a few. If you’re interested in raising your own herbs at home, here are some important reminders to keep in mind.
First off, the sunlight. Herb plants absorb sunlight and convert it into energy through photosynthesis. Most herbs need around 5-6 hours of sun in order to thrive indoors, and this brings us to the second point: location. Be sure to place your herbs in a sunny spot at home so they can get enough natural light for their survival. Putting them by a window that faces east or west is advisable.
The third tip deals with light spectrum. Light varies in energy frequencies. In order to help your herbs regulate their growth, you can use use a blue light since it has the highest frequency.
Finally, the fourth tip is about letting your plants rest. Herbs need a break from growing so you’ll want to allow them some time for respiration. You can do this by simply turning off the lights when your herbs have already received enough light during the day.
For more awesome tips on indoor herb growing, go ahead and read this infographic below. Feel free to share this blog post with your friends on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest today!
Image Source: thegrowers-exchange.com
Related Herb Gardening Resources
Chart & Reference Guides
- The Best Cheat Sheet to Herb Gardening
- Herb Gardening Chart: 8 Most Popular Garden Herbs and How to Grow Them
- Herb Cooking Guide
- Herbs 101: A Quick Guide to the 19 Most Essential Herbs
Growing Guides
- 7 Steps to Growing Herbs from Seeds
- How to Grow Your Own Herbs from Seeds
- Top 7 Herbs That You Can Grow in the Shade
- Top 5 Herbs to Grow in Spring
- Top 3 Best Herbs for Starters
- 5 Best Herbs to Grow in Your Kitchen Garden
- Grow a Successful Herb Garden Today!
Indoor Herb Gardening
- The Ultimate Guide to Indoor Herb Gardening
- 4 Essential Tips for Growing Herbs Indoors
- 6 Easy Tips for Growing Herbs Indoors
- Need Help Maintaining Your Indoor Herb Garden?
Tips & Best Practices
- 7 Good Reasons to Grow Your Own Herbs
- Top 5 Mistakes That Herb Gardeners Should Avoid
- 4 Creative Ways to Use Your Homegrown Herbs
- Make Your Fresh Herbs Last Longer With These Easy Tips!
- Want to Know the Quickest & Easiest Way to Dry Herbs?
Health & Culinary
- Herbs and Their Amazing Health Benefits
- Spice Up Your Meals With These 17 Special Herbs & Spices!
- Wanna Have a Healthier Garden? Start Growing Herbs Today!
DIY Projects
- Easy Steps to Making a DIY Hanging Herb Garden
- Vertical Herb Garden: How to Build a Vertical Herb Planter Box
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the 4 most important things for growing herbs indoors successfully? The four essentials are adequate light (6-8 hours daily or grow lights), proper watering (checking soil moisture regularly), good drainage (pots with holes), and appropriate temperature (60-70°F for most herbs). Master these four elements and your indoor herbs will thrive.
Can I grow herbs indoors without a sunny window? Yes, with grow lights! LED grow lights positioned 6-12 inches above plants for 12-16 hours daily provide excellent results. This is especially useful in winter, for north-facing homes, or in rooms without windows. Many successful indoor herb gardeners rely entirely on artificial lighting.
Why do my indoor herbs keep dying? The most common causes are overwatering, insufficient light, poor drainage, or temperature extremes. Check that pots have drainage holes, soil dries slightly between waterings, plants get 6+ hours of bright light, and aren't near heating vents or drafty windows.
What's the biggest mistake people make with indoor herb gardens? Overwatering is the #1 killer of indoor herbs. Indoor plants need less water than outdoor ones because there's less air circulation and evaporation. Always check if the top inch of soil is dry before watering, and ensure pots have drainage holes.
