These Easy-to-Grow Indoor Herb Garden Kits Will Brighten Up Your Kitchen

Nothing beats sprinkling fresh herbs on a plate of home-cooked food. Herbs like basil, dill, and mint add an aromatic boost to any dish, earning rave reviews from the whole family. Sure, dried ones are just fine, but you’ll miss out on most of the nutritional value (and bright flavors) of just-picked herbs—and when you can easily create your own indoor herb garden, why settle?

Kits and planters can transform kitchen counters and windowsills into mini-gardens, even if you don’t have much space to spare. “Indoor herb gardening is one of the most diverse approaches to gardening due to its endless creativity opportunities,” says Jasmine Jefferson, gardener and founder of Black Girls With Gardens.

How to make an indoor herb garden

On top of adding personality to home-cooked meals and takeout alike, planting can also do wonders for your mental health, says expert gardener Melinda Myers. “Fresh herbs, even those grown indoors, taste better and have greater nutritional value,” she says. “And gardening indoors or out helps reduce stress, elevate our mood, and improve focus.”

A 2015 study even found that interacting with indoor plants significantly reduced both physical and mental stress—a lifesaver in the age of working from home. You might even want to keep the herbs at your desk; a 2020 study found that looking at and tending to a plant for just three minutes during the workday can decrease anxiety and pulse rate. Here’s how to get an herb garden going, with or without a green thumb.

Focus on light. Jefferson explains that the key to growing an indoor herb garden is light, whether from the sun or LEDs—that’s why a windowsill is one of the best spots to grow herbs indoors. “Regardless of method you choose, make sure you water only when needed, provide as much as light possible, and have fun exploring and watching your herbs grow,” she says. Plant grow lights are particularly helpful for rooms or locales that don’t get much sunlight, especially during the winter.

Find the features you need. Opt for kits and planters that have drainage holes and maybe even a grow light. Some indoor herb gardens come with all the essentials, while others are meant for more experienced gardeners. If you’re a complete newbie, hydroponic gardens can do the hard work for you; some of them even connect to apps that optimize the growing cycle.

Pick your favorites. When you finally put your mini-garden together, choose only the herbs you’re most likely to use, like basil, thyme, or mint. (Good news: These herbs are some of the easiest to grow.) If you enjoy the process, branch out and try new flavors.

Read on to find all the supplies you’ll need to transform your kitchen windowsill into a tiny greenhouse.