Living in a small apartment doesn’t mean you have to give up on growing fresh herbs. With the right approach, you can cultivate a thriving herb garden even in limited space. Whether you have a sunny windowsill, a small balcony, or just a countertop, you can successfully grow flavorful and aromatic herbs for cooking, tea, or decoration.
This guide will walk you through the best herbs to grow in small spaces, how to set up an indoor herb garden, and tips for keeping your plants healthy and productive.
Choosing the Best Herbs for Small Apartments
Some herbs adapt better to indoor and small-space gardening than others. The best choices are compact, easy to maintain, and thrive in containers.
Best Herbs for Indoor Growing
- Basil – Grows well in containers and loves warmth.
- Mint – Very resilient and thrives indoors with minimal care.
- Parsley – Grows well in pots and does not need direct sunlight all day.
- Chives – Compact and ideal for windowsills or small planters.
- Thyme – Requires little space and prefers drier conditions.
- Oregano – Small, bushy, and great for apartment gardening.
- Rosemary – Hardy and works well in containers with good drainage.
- Cilantro – Needs moderate light and regular watering.
Herbs to Avoid in Small Spaces
- Dill – Grows too tall and requires deep soil.
- Fennel – Has deep roots and takes up too much space.
- Bay Laurel – A small tree that requires more room than most apartments allow.
Finding the Right Location for Your Indoor Herb Garden
Choosing the best spot for your herbs is key to their success. Herbs need light, air circulation, and proper temperature control to grow well in small spaces.
1. Use Natural Light
Most herbs need at least 6 hours of sunlight per day. The best locations include:
- A south-facing window (best for full-sun herbs like basil and rosemary).
- An east- or west-facing window (suitable for parsley, mint, and chives).
If natural light is limited, consider using LED grow lights to supplement.
2. Maximize Vertical Space
When floor or counter space is limited, use vertical solutions:
- Wall-mounted shelves – Perfect for holding multiple small pots.
- Hanging planters – Great for trailing herbs like oregano and thyme.
- Stackable planters – Allow you to grow multiple herbs in one compact space.
3. Use Your Balcony or Fire Escape (If Allowed)
If your apartment has a small balcony or fire escape, use railing planters or small raised beds to grow herbs outdoors. Just check your building rules before placing plants outside.
4. Grow Herbs in the Kitchen
Placing herbs near the kitchen window allows easy access when cooking. Basil, parsley, and chives do especially well in kitchen conditions.
Choosing the Right Containers for Small-Space Herb Gardening
The right pots help herbs grow well in tight spaces while keeping your apartment neat and organized.
Best Containers for Apartment Herbs
- Small ceramic or terracotta pots – Great for individual herbs and look stylish.
- Self-watering pots – Ideal for busy apartment dwellers who may forget to water.
- Mason jars or repurposed containers – Good for herbs like mint, chives, and basil.
- Hanging baskets – Help save counter space and add greenery to your walls.
- Rectangular window boxes – Fit multiple herbs in one container for space efficiency.
Drainage Considerations
- Always use pots with drainage holes to prevent root rot.
- If using decorative pots without holes, place a layer of gravel at the bottom.
Best Soil and Watering Practices for Apartment Herbs
Indoor herbs need the right soil and watering routine to stay healthy.
Choosing the Right Soil
- Use light, well-draining potting soil designed for herbs or vegetables.
- Avoid heavy garden soil, which compacts too much and retains too much water.
- Add perlite or sand to improve drainage.
Watering Indoor Herbs Properly
- Check soil moisture before watering by sticking a finger 1 inch deep.
- Water only when the top inch of soil feels dry—overwatering is the most common cause of indoor herb problems.
- Use a watering can with a narrow spout to avoid spills in small spaces.
Avoiding Common Watering Mistakes
- Do not let water sit in saucers under pots—empty them after watering.
- Do not mist leaves excessively, as this can encourage mold in humid apartments.
How to Keep Your Apartment Herb Garden Thriving
1. Rotate Herbs for Even Growth
- If growing herbs in a window, turn the pots every few days so they grow evenly toward the light.
2. Prune and Harvest Regularly
- Frequent trimming encourages bushier growth and prevents herbs from getting leggy.
- For herbs like basil and mint, cut just above a pair of leaves to promote new shoots.
3. Use Natural Pest Control
Even indoor herbs can attract pests like aphids and fungus gnats. To prevent problems:
- Rinse leaves with water if you notice pests.
- Use neem oil spray for aphids or spider mites.
- Let the soil dry slightly between waterings to prevent fungus gnats.
4. Fertilize Sparingly
- Use a diluted liquid fertilizer once a month for slow, healthy growth.
- Avoid over-fertilizing, as it can lead to excessive leaf growth with weak flavors.
5. Control Humidity and Airflow
- If your apartment is dry, use a small humidity tray under the pots (a tray with pebbles and water).
- If your apartment is humid, ensure good air circulation to prevent mold.
Creative Ideas for Small-Space Herb Gardens
1. Magnetic Herb Garden on the Fridge
- Attach small pots with magnets to your refrigerator for an ultra-space-saving solution.
2. Vertical Hanging Herb Wall
- Use a wall-mounted planter with multiple pockets for a decorative and functional herb garden.
3. Compact Indoor Hydroponic Herb Garden
- A small hydroponic system is great for growing herbs indoors without soil.
4. Over-the-Sink Hanging Herb Planters
- Install a hanging rod over your kitchen sink and attach small planters for easy access.
Best Herbs for Different Apartment Conditions
| Apartment Condition | Best Herbs to Grow |
|---|---|
| Low Light | Mint, parsley, chives |
| Small Windowsill | Basil, thyme, oregano |
| Dry Air | Rosemary, sage, thyme |
| High Humidity | Cilantro, mint, basil |
| Busy Lifestyle (Low Maintenance) | Chives, oregano, rosemary |
Conclusion: Enjoy Fresh Herbs in Any Apartment
No matter how small your apartment is, you can grow fresh herbs with the right setup and care. By choosing compact herbs, using vertical space, providing adequate light, and maintaining proper watering, you can enjoy homegrown flavors all year round. Whether in a kitchen, balcony, or a DIY hanging garden, apartment herb gardening is an easy and rewarding way to bring greenery into your home.