10 Amazing Indoor Herb Garden Ideas to Bring Green Inside

“Fresh herbs really belong anywhere you put them.”- Alex Guarnaschelli

Whether you’re a beginner learning how to boil water or prepare eggs or an expert with many recipes under your belt, fresh herbs will make your cooking better. There’s no denying that fresh herbs give your food an intense flavor that blooms in the food for an explosive medley in your mouth.

Growing herbs indoors is the easiest way to start incorporating fresh herbs into your cooking. You just need to figure out the best way to grow those herbs in your kitchen. These indoor herb garden ideas will help you take your dishes to the next level.

1. Simple and Budget-Friendly DIY Herb Garden

You don’t have to spend a lot of money or build an elaborate setup to have fresh herbs growing in your kitchen. All you need to do is create a simple DIY herb garden. You could use some old glass jars and fill them with dirt and add your herbs. You could use jars of different sizes to match plants that may vary in size. For a uniform look, you could collect your jars over time so they all match.

Kitchen windowsill with potted herbs labeled parsley, thyme, cilantro, basil, and oregano in blue cans — Source: @chelsea.ambre_ via Instagram

Five potted plants on a windowsill, including herbs and a large pink vase, with a garden visible outside the window — Source: @happyhealthyhevs via Instagram

Green onions regrowing in mason jars with water and soil, using a DIY indoor gardening method for fresh herbs at home — Source: @jennguyen_eats via Instagram

Wall-mounted mason jar herb garden with parsley and thyme growing near a bright window, creating a space-saving indoor garden — Source: @littlestardesignsgb via Instagram

Four mason jars with parsley, oregano, cilantro, and chives placed in a white wooden tray with chalkboard labels — Source: @maplemain via Instagram

Indoor herb garden with basil and other herbs growing in upcycled colorful cans on a wooden shelf, adding greenery to a modern wall display — Source: @mckill_426 via Instagram

Jars with plants labeled on a wooden hanging shelf by a window, suspended with ropes — Source: @our.pink_.house_ via Instagram

A metal "Flowers & Garden" pot filled with various herbs, placed on a wooden table with two decorative pears beside it — Source: @whitefencefarms via Instagram

Another option is to save several cans and use them as your planters. If you have more coffee mugs than you know what to do with, why not use them for your herbs?

Whatever you decide to use, consider labeling your herbs. You should also consider decorating your DIY planters to mask their original purpose and turn them into decor. You could wrap them in fabric, paint them, or slide a fancy sock over each one. Use fancy sticker labels that you write each herb’s name on and then stick to your planter. Or buy small plant stakes that you can write the herb’s name on and stick in the soil.

2. Creative Hanging Herb Garden for Small Spaces

If you don’t have a lot of counter or wall space, you’ll have fewer options in where you can set your plants down, so it’s time to get creative. A hanging herb garden eliminates the need for a flat surface. You can put your herb planter anywhere as long as there’s a ceiling.

Wall-mounted herb garden with white hanging planters filled with rosemary, chives, and other fresh herbs against a brick wall — Source: @sand.and_.sea_ via Instagram

Hanging plants and upcycled bottles in a window display, with herbs and foliage in rustic pots against a shingled wall — Source: @sophiathayer via Instagram

Two black planters with green plants and a modern wall-mounted lamp hanging on a white wall — Source: @white_interior_design via Instagram

Hanging shelves with potted herbs: dill, cilantro, parsley, rosemary, basil, lavender, mint, thyme, oregano on a light wall — Source: @xomellyp via Instagram

Kitchen window herb garden with macrame-hanging planters and potted plants on the sill, creating a cozy and functional indoor space — Source: @yallli via Instagram

Four small white pails with green plants hanging on hooks by a window — Source: @cruzship302 via Instagram

Hanging and potted plants decorate a sunlit window in a café, creating a lush, green atmosphere with reflections seen on the glass — Source: @floraluna_apothecary via Instagram

Hanging herb garden in terracotta pots suspended by ropes in a kitchen window, with various plants in two rows — Source: @gardenersontheinside via Instagram

Wall-mounted herb garden with tiered wooden shelves and terracotta pots, adding greenery to a cozy dining nook with black chairs — Source: @hillside_farmhouse via Instagram

A hanging shelf with potted herbs in a bright room by the window, featuring macramé ropes and green plants in terracotta pots — Source: @lemontwiststudio via Instagram

Hanging plants and string lights on a window, creating a cozy ambiance against a backdrop of an urban skyline at dusk — Source: @petraaxlund via Instagram

Colorful hanging herb garden with potted basil, rosemary, and parsley suspended by a wooden rack near a bright kitchen window — Source: @potnotch via Instagram

Why not have flavorful herbs within arm’s reach by hanging a planter next to your stove or workspace? You could have a solid board with notches that you hook your pots onto. They stay in place by counterbalancing against the board. Or you could have multiple baskets that connect by chains or rope.

If you have empty wall space, you could mount several bars or a rack. Then hang individual pots from it. Try to match the style and materials to the rest of your kitchen’s style and decor.

3. Innovative Hydroponics and Aquaponics for Herb Gardening

Not all plants need potting soil to grow. If you aren’t crazy about the idea of having dirt in your kitchen, why not try hydroponics? There are several kits that will make it easy to start growing your own herbs in water. However, this isn’t your only option.

Indoor herb garden in colorful jars on a shelf under a hanging light — Source: @b.a.gorgie via Instagram

Indoor herb garden with thyme, basil, parsley, and rosemary under grow lights above a fish tank, seedlings in front — Source: @druid.witchelf via Instagram

Potted herbs, including basil and oregano, in green glass containers with cork lids, arranged on a wooden tray — Source: @fourstorelondon via Instagram

Mason jars with plants growing in hydroponic setups, using clay pebbles and water — Source: @homesteadingbutnot via Instagram

A kitchen sink with a double basin and drainer, underneath a wall-mounted hydroponic system growing plants in a tube with LED lights — Source: @jonocane via Instagram

You can easily build your own hydroponic DIY indoor herb garden. You’ll create a mason jar herb garden where the jars are full of water, with small baskets in the top that hold the plants. Skip the herb seeds for this one. This growing method is best for clippings or when you’re growing from the stalk of an old plant, such as chives.

There are some things to watch out for with your water garden. You want the roots to grow into the water, but you’ll need to watch for root rot. This is when the roots see too much water. Another problem is when you don’t maintain the right water level, and the plant dries out. Algae is another common problem that develops with this type of gardening. It occurs when your water sits stagnant for long periods of time.

4. Kitchen Herb Garden as Decorative Accents

Your indoor garden can be more than just a place to grow perennial herbs. You can turn it into the decor. The natural greenery will enhance the look of your kitchen and give it a natural warmth. Look for a place that you can arrange your herb garden to create a decorative accent while also being a good spot for your plants to grow.

Three mason jars filled with soil and growing plants placed on white plates by a sunny window, scissors resting beside one jar — Source: @ashleyywillis via Instagram

Modern hanging herb garden with white pots holding chives, basil, and parsley, suspended above a kitchen sink for easy access — Source: @colouringinmynewbuild via Instagram

Herb plants in labeled pots on a windowsill, including parsley, basil, and rosemary — Source: @dreamygarden2000 via Instagram

Vertical wooden pallet wall decor with hanging plants, metallic pots, and a green container, adorned with autumn leaves and vines — Source: @milestone_cottage via Instagram

Rustic kitchen herb garden with potted and hanging plants by a sunny window, featuring a 'GROW' sign and cozy farmhouse decor — Source: @perfectlydestressed via Instagram

Kitchen herb garden with potted basil, rosemary, and thyme on a wooden shelf above the sink, adding freshness to a rustic space — Source: @simplyhollishomedecor via Instagram

Herbs and plants growing in a wooden planter by a window, with flowers in a vase nearby and a soap dispenser visible — Source: @thedakins_at_51 via Instagram

Choose a planter that will complement the rest of your kitchen design. A rustic kitchen could have a vintage tin planter. A farmhouse kitchen would look cute with a shallow basket holding a few porcelain or ceramic jars.

For those with a modern kitchen, you could choose a sleek glass or black planter with a square shape and crisp corners. Earthy or bohemian kitchens will look right at home with terra cotta pots. The idea is to create a garden that’s both decorative and functional for growing herbs.

5. High-Tech Modern Herb Planter for the Tech-Savvy Gardener

If you love technology and innovation, consider buying a modern herb planter. These are more than just pots. They are a complete growing system. What makes them stand out is that many come with a grow light. This lets you enjoy the hobby of indoor gardening, no matter what kind of light your kitchen has.

Indoor hydroponic garden with various herbs growing under LED lights on a wooden surface — Source: @keeks.wanderer via Instagram

Indoor hydroponic garden with various herbs and plants under a purple LED grow light, set near a window — Source: @onneena via Instagram

Indoor hydroponic garden on a countertop, growing leafy greens and herbs under LED lights — Source: @rajabweightloss via Instagram

Indoor hydroponic garden with young green plants growing under a small light, set on a kitchen counter near electrical outlets — Source: @the_no_waste_farmer via Instagram

A white AeroGarden with various herbs and plants growing, placed on a kitchen counter — Source: @thepinnacleteam via Instagram

Look for herb garden ideas that will work with the design of your kitchen. You could have a small modern planter that sits on the counter and grows a handful of small herbs. Or you could have a full-sized planter that sits on the floor and grows many herbs and plants.

There are other modern planters that take the guide work out of caring for your herbs. They have a double-walled design that suspends the plant above the water level. Then if you over water the plant, you won’t drown it. If you forget to water it for a while, the plants can still reach the reservoir and pull from the excess water.

6. Diverse Planter Ideas for Unique Herb Gardens

Your options are limitless when it comes to creating your kitchen garden. Sure, you could have your standard windowsill planter where you plant herbs in several small pots and line them up on a shelf. Or you could have a single trough-style planter that you place several herbs inside of.

Indoor herb garden in a black metal planter decorated with travel stickers, growing basil and parsley for a fresh kitchen setup — Source: @jax_home_cooking via Instagram

Rustic vertical herb garden made from a wooden pallet, featuring mason jar planters, metal pots, and cascading greenery for a cozy look — Source: @milestone_cottage via Instagram

Herb plants in wicker baskets are lined up on a windowsill by a kitchen sink — Source: @ourgypsyvibes via Instagram

Three potted plants on a wooden table with books and a framed abstract art piece in the background — Source: @paperandstitch via Instagram

Windowsill herb garden with basil, sage, and thyme in colorful hand-painted pots, adding a fresh and decorative touch to the space — Source: @peace_garden_farm via Instagram

Potted plants on a wooden shelf by a window, with sunlight streaming in — Source: @sawdustandsmoke via Instagram

Jars with various plants lined up on a wooden shelf against a beige wall with blue backing — Source: @tayyrayyyyy via Instagram

If you’re handy, you could build your own planter to fit the exact size of the space you have available. Use some spare wood you have lying around and attach a few pressure clamps. Then you can adjust their size to hold a pot suspended in place.

Another cute idea is finding a vintage milk bottle carrier to place mason or other glass jars inside. You can then move the carrier about with the handle. This makes it easy to move your herbs about the kitchen or house to get the ideal amount of light.

Look for ways you can customize your garden. Maybe there’s a sign on it with your name or an inspirational saying that speaks to you. Don’t forget to add the herb labels as the finishing touch.

7. Create a Thriving Herb Oasis in Containers

If you decide to put your herbs in pots, make sure you set them up for success by planting them correctly. You’ll want to use the right type of soil or potting mix. Not all herbs enjoy rich dirt. Some prefer a more arid and sandy composition.

Windowsill herb garden with potted rosemary, mint, and other fresh herbs, overlooking a scenic river and city view at sunset — Source: @chefrichardhebson via Instagram

Elegant indoor herb garden with potted rosemary, mint, and an olive tree near a vintage window, complemented by a cozy table lamp — Source: @leahs_renewell via Instagram

White wicker cart with terracotta potted plants, a watering can, decorative tray, and a small plant in a blue pot by a window — Source: @lindseyreganthorne via Instagram

Wicker plant stand with potted herbs, placed in front of a window — Source: @most_lovely_things via Instagram

Potted herbs on a windowsill include rosemary and parsley, with sunlight streaming through the window — Source: @savedtogether via Instagram

Multiple potted herbs, including mint, rosemary, and parsley, are arranged on a sunny windowsill with small chalkboard labels — Source: @vaughnhillhome via Instagram

Small wooden table with two potted plants on each shelf under purple grow lights, placed in a corner on dark tiled floor — Source: @whytehouseproject via Instagram

You’ll also want to have proper drainage for your herb plants. You can achieve this with a hole in the bottom of the pot. If this isn’t possible, create a layer of rocks on the bottom. This will create drainage space under the soil for the water to drain away from the roots. However, it doesn’t completely remove the water, so if you forget to water your herbs, the roots can still reach the excess moisture.

Place your potted herbs in an area where they will get as much natural light as possible. This will help them to grow with plenty of leaves.

8. Maximizing Space with Vertical Herb Garden Designs

The beauty of herbs is they don’t need a lot of space. These aren’t like the plants outside in your landscaping or garden; you only need small herb plants to have plenty of fresh seasoning for your cooking. If you lack square footage, then the only solution is to create a vertical garden.

Vertical indoor herb garden with stacked orange planters growing rosemary, chives, and other fresh herbs by a sunny window — Source: @_joykyla_ via Instagram

Indoor herb garden with potted parsley, basil, and other fresh greens arranged on a vintage tiered plant stand near a sunny window — Source: @allisonshaer via Instagram

Wooden pallet herb garden with various plants, labeled "HERBS," on a crate with a small blue watering can beside it indoors — Source: @doughmisol via Instagram

Three-tier indoor plant stand with various herbs in white containers, placed near a window — Source: @droolinwithpoulin via Instagram

Modern kitchen with a built-in wooden shelf displaying potted herbs in white planters, blending greenery with sleek white cabinetry — Source: @elena___c via Instagram

Indoor herb garden on a white shelf with various herbs in black pots under soft lighting — Source: @indoor_and_outdoor_garden via Instagram

Vertical wall planter with pockets, holding green plants like basil and dill against a white wall — Source: @lovingthechase_ via Instagram

Triangular planter with healthy green seedlings growing in dark soil, placed by a window — Source: @noels_wicked_kitchen via Instagram

Shelves with wine bottles, potted plants, and decorative cans create a cozy and vibrant atmosphere in a bar setting — Source: @publicpizzaridgehill via Instagram

Indoor herb garden with rosemary, mint, and other plants in fabric wall planters and pots on stands — Source: @steph_wemet via Instagram

These indoor gardens use the often unused vertical space in your kitchen to grow your plants. You could put this garden idea to practice in your kitchen by hanging a vertical planter on your wall. If you don’t have the wall space, there are tower planters that can hold multiple herb plants on various levels.

To make your vertical planter a success, place the plants that like drier soil on the top and plants that prefer more water on the bottom. Then place the plants that enjoy the sunlight towards the light and those who prefer indirect light on the other side.

9. Wall-Mounted Herb Garden for a Modern Twist

The traditional method for growing herbs and other plants is in pots or planters. However, herb pots aren’t your only option. Instead, you could grow your favorite herbs in a wall hanging. Some planters have multiple spaces for growing several herbs. They are sometimes made from cloth or fabric but can also be wood or plastic.

Farmhouse-style kitchen with a wall-mounted herb garden in metal pots, adding fresh greenery above a white shiplap backsplash — Source: @1bedflat.homedecor via Instagram

Minimalist kitchen with a wall-mounted herb garden in metal pots, adding fresh greenery above a modern tiled backsplash — Source: @bungalowrenovation via Instagram

Cozy living space with a wall-mounted herb garden in terracotta pots above a decorative fireplace, adding warmth and greenery — Source: @design_central_project via Instagram

Farmhouse-style indoor herb garden with labeled wooden planters for parsley, sage, rosemary, and thyme, adding charm to a cozy living space — Source: @home_sweet_homedecor via Instagram

Modern kitchen with a sleek white countertop, wall-mounted herb garden, and hanging glass pendant lights adding warmth and greenery — Source: @inside_no_8 via Instagram

Vertical herb garden with nine small pots on a wooden board, mounted on a gray wall next to a window — Source: @unlockusbornewithjordan via Instagram

Herbs in pots labeled oregano and rosemary on a wooden wall shelf — Source: @zaks_hh_warman via Instagram

Mount the wall hanging planter on a blank space on your wall. Then dedicate each compartment to an herb plant. You could have parsley, lemon balm, and basil, to name a few. This keeps all of your plants contained in one easily maintained planter. The separate compartments also ensure that one plant doesn’t infringe on any of the others.

Another option for your wall hanging is to mount bars on your wall. They might look similar to a towel rod. Then hang small pots on hooks from the bar. Ikea has kitchen organizational kits that make this idea easy to implement in your kitchen.

10. Grow a Windowsill Herb Garden

Just like all other plants, your herbs will enjoy the sunshine. If you want your indoor plants to flourish, consider building a windowsill herb garden. The easiest way to do this is by building a single trough for planting different herbs in. This gives you one pot to maintain and water. The downside of this garden is that you risk one plant taking water and nutrients from another.

Six small potted herbs on a windowsill, each plant labeled and soaking up sunlight through a window — Source: @4thcourse via Instagram

Three potted herbs labeled Basil, Chives, and Parsley sit on a windowsill with a view of a garden outside — Source: @at_home_with_rosy via Instagram

Windowsill herb garden with fresh parsley, basil, and cilantro growing in a copper planter, adding greenery to a cozy kitchen space — Source: @home_on_hamiltonroad via Instagram

Windowsill herb garden with potted sage, parsley, basil, and mint, bringing fresh greenery to a bright kitchen space with red blinds — Source: @katy_hippycrystalvibes via Instagram

Potted herbs hanging on a window rail, including rosemary and parsley, with sunlight streaming in — Source: @kikajunqueira.com_.br_ via Instagram

Potted plants on a windowsill with a stained glass ornament, a small cactus, and a white cat figurine — Source: @rifefarming via Instagram

A wooden planter with herbs on a white stand by a window, surrounded by decorative items and books — Source: @ronniloganinteriors via Instagram

Bright kitchen with white cabinets, potted plants on the windowsill — Source: @sunlitmountainhome via Instagram

Your other option is to build a shelf on which you can place several pots. This gives you the freedom to move the plants around as needed to find the perfect growing spot for each one. You can also easily bring the pot with the herb you want to cook with over to your workspace. This eliminates making several trips back and forth as you’re cooking.

If your kitchen faces the wrong direction, your window may not get enough light. You could compromise by putting your herb garden in a different windowsill that does get the right amount of light.

Which herbs grow best indoors?

The best herbs to grow indoors are basil, oregano, parsley, and rosemary. These are perennial herbs that you can get from your local hardware store or garden center. You could even grow many of them from a clipping taken from a more mature plant.

Which herbs can be potted together?

You can grow sage, thyme, rosemary, marjoram, and oregano together. This makes sense since they are all Mediterranean herbs that you see used together when cooking. Basil and parsley grow well together because they prefer similar growing conditions. Mint should always be by itself.

How do you keep herbs alive indoors?

The most important things to consider are proper watering and sunlight. Create adequate drainage so that the roots don’t rot. Then water them just enough to make them happy. Place the herbs in an area of your kitchen that gets plenty of natural sunlight. Then, learn how to harvest your herbs correctly so that you don’t damage the plant when taking your clippings.