How-to Guide
Growing Herbs Indoors
The short answer
Herbs grown indoors need plenty of light: a south-facing window with several hours of direct sun, or a grow light, since most herbs want around six to eight hours of direct light (or about twelve hours of artificial light) each day. Too little light produces spindly, thin growth. Herbs grown under fluorescent or LED lights can perform as well as those on a sunny windowsill.
Water to each herb's preference; some like slightly moist soil while many prefer to dry out a bit between waterings, so check the soil before watering. If your home air is dry, group plants or use a pebble tray to add humidity.
Light
Give herbs a bright, sunny window or supplement with a grow light. About twelve hours of artificial light daily suits most indoor herbs.
Water and humidity
Check the top of the soil before watering; many herbs prefer to dry slightly between waterings. Water when the soil feels dry about a half inch below the surface, depending on pot size.
✔ Grouping several herb pots on a shallow pebble-and-water tray adds humidity in dry indoor air.
Sources
Reviewed 2026-07-18. We cite university Extension, government, and established horticultural sources — and never invent pesticide rates or dangerous treatments.
- University of Minnesota Extension — Growing herbs in home gardens — Herbs under fluorescent or LED lights perform as well as on sunny windowsills.
- Iowa State University Extension — Growing Herbs Indoors — Indoor herbs need strong light and appropriate watering; about twelve hours of light.
- University of Maryland Extension — Growing Herbs in Containers and Indoors — Light, container, and watering guidance for indoor herbs.