If you’ve been thinking about growing some herbs in your kitchen, you’re probably wondering, “What are the best herbs to grow indoors?” Well, all herbs are not created equal. Some work splendidly in a kitchen garden. Other herbs do not do well indoors at all.

The best herbs to grow indoors are annuals. Annuals are plants that have a life cycle of one season. After they are done producing leaves, they die. It is possible to keep some annuals alive for a longer period of time by growing them in a controlled indoor environment. However, they still will not last for years and years. Basil, dill, marjoram, parsley, and cilantro are all good annual herb choices for your kitchen garden.

Even though perennial herbs (herbs that live for many seasons) are not especially the best herbs to grow indoors, it is still possible to have healthy, happy indoor plants. Mint, sage, thyme, and rosemary are all good container plants, inside or out. They will do much better if you place them outside during the warm part of the year than if you try to grow them indoors year round. Their growing needs are much more demanding than their annual cousins.

One thing you will want to keep in mind while you are searching for the best herbs to grow indoors is the potential size of the plant. Many indoor gardeners prefer to choose the more compact herb varieties when growing them indoors. Think “windowsill” size. If you do choose to grow the larger varieties, give them plenty of room to grow and breathe. Good air circulation is important for healthy plants.

The most important thing to remember about growing herbs indoors is that they will need at least 6-8 hours of sunlight. If you are unable to provide this, you will need to supplement it with grow lights. Believe me, I’ve tried to grow indoor herbs indoors without enough light and ended up with very sickly, yellow, spindly plants. It just doesn’t work. Even if you choose the very best herbs to grow indoors, you will not have success. Pay attention to plant spacing and be sure that the larger herbs don’t block the sun, or light, of the smaller plants. Placing the larger plants at the back will help as will keeping them clipped.

Another fool-proof option is to grow your herbs using a hydroponic gardening system. After my disappointing experience with my spindly herbs, I decided to purchase and AeroGarden. It works like a dream. Even the most difficult herbs are easy to grow using this system. There are other systems available as well. If you’re ambitious, you can even set up a homemade system.

Growing a kitchen herb garden is a very rewarding experience. Not only is it fun to watch the plants grow, but it’s wonderful to have fresh herbs at your fingertips. Happy indoor herb gardening folks!

Look at this delicious caprese sandwich topped off with fresh basil grown in my aerogarden! Learn more about growing your own fresh herbs here.