Window Herb Garden
Fresh herbs. No yard needed.
Easiest herbs to grow
- Basil — fastest, summer herb.
- Mint — practically indestructible (use own pot, spreads).
- Chives — perennial, easy.
- Parsley — slow start but reliable.
- Rosemary — drought tolerant.
- Thyme — small plants, fragrant.
- Cilantro — cool weather.
Setup in 30 min
- South-facing window best (most sun).
- 4-inch pots minimum.
- Drainage holes essential.
- Saucers under (protect window sill).
- Quality potting soil (not garden soil).
- Buy starter plants ($3-5 each) easier than seeds.
- Plant. Water. Done.
Care
- Water when top of soil dry.
- Don't overwater — kills more herbs than under.
- Rotate pots weekly (even sun).
- Pinch off flowers (keeps leafy).
- Trim regularly = bushier plants.
- Replant if rootbound.
North-facing? Use grow light
- Cheap clip-on grow light $30.
- Window has too little sun? Add light.
- 14 hrs/day with timer.
- Plants grow faster + bushier with extra light.
- Or use AeroGarden (see /tools/aerogarden-for-seniors).
Save $ vs store herbs
- Store basil bunch: $4 for 2 oz.
- One basil plant: $3, produces months.
- 5-6 plants = endless herbs all summer.
- Fresher = better flavor.
- Pesticide-free.
- Pick exactly what you need.
- Saves $200-500/year.
Best window planters
Window-mounted herb planter — IKEA + Amazon $30. Sits in window frame. Mason jar wall hanging — DIY look. AeroGarden Sprout — $50 hydroponic for window. Self-watering pots — $15-30 each. Many beautiful options.