Discover the best herbs to grow in a small kitchen with tips on container selection, sunlight, and care. Expert guide by Ashley Scott for indoor herb gardening in 2025.
Hi, I’m Ashley Scott, and I’ve spent over ten years growing herbs, flowers, and succulents across the USA. If you want fresh herbs in your cooking without a big garden, growing them in a small kitchen is simple and rewarding.
In this guide, I’ll share the best herbs to grow in limited space, how to care for them, and tips for using jars, small pots, or indoor containers.
Why Grow Herbs in a Small Kitchen
Growing herbs indoors saves money and ensures you always have fresh flavors on hand. Benefits include:
- Herbs take very little space and can thrive on windowsills.
- You can grow multiple herbs in mason jars or small pots.
- Indoor herbs are chemical-free and accessible year-round.
For detailed indoor herb-growing tips, see the University of Minnesota Extension guide on growing herbs indoors.
Top Herbs for Small Kitchen Spaces
Here are the herbs I recommend for small kitchens based on growth habits, light requirements, and flavor:
1. Basil
- Loves sunlight and warmth.
- Easy to grow in a small pot or jar.
- Use in pasta, salads, and pesto.
2. Mint
- Spreads quickly, so container planting prevents overcrowding.
- Grows well in low-light kitchens.
- Great for teas and desserts.
3. Parsley
- Thrives in indirect sunlight.
- Compact growth makes it perfect for small spaces.
- Adds fresh flavor to almost any dish.
4. Chives
- Slow-growing and upright, ideal for windowsills.
- Regular pruning encourages new growth.
- Use in eggs, soups, and garnishes.
5. Thyme
- Low-maintenance and aromatic.
- Prefers dry soil and a sunny spot.
- Perfect for seasoning meats and roasted vegetables.
6. Oregano
- Hardy and grows well in small containers.
- Needs moderate sunlight.
- Works well in Italian dishes.
7. Rosemary
- Slow-growing and fragrant.
- Needs at least 6 hours of sunlight.
- Compact varieties are best for indoor kitchens.
For tips on growing herbs indoors successfully, check University of Illinois Extension – Indoor Herbs.
Best Containers for a Small Kitchen Herb Garden
Choosing the right container ensures your herbs thrive in tight spaces:
- Mason jars – Great for water propagation or soil-based herbs.
- Small terracotta pots – Porous and prevents overwatering.
- Recycled containers – Clean yogurt cups or small glass jars.
- Seed trays – Perfect for starting multiple herbs at once.
For more container ideas, see Gardening Know How – Indoor Herb Gardening.
Sunlight and Placement
Most herbs need 4–6 hours of sunlight daily. Tips:
- Place jars or pots on south-facing windows.
- Rotate containers every few days for even growth.
- Use a small LED grow light if sunlight is insufficient.
The Penn State Extension guide on indoor lighting explains how to light herbs in low-sun kitchens.
Watering and Care Tips
- Water when the top inch of soil is dry.
- Avoid letting soil sit in standing water.
- For herbs grown in water jars, replace water weekly and add a few drops of liquid fertilizer.
- Prune herbs regularly to encourage bushier growth.
For more detailed herb care, visit Iowa State University Extension – Indoor Herb Care.
Hanging and Space-Saving Ideas
If your kitchen counter is limited, try:
- Hanging mason jar herb gardens
- Wall-mounted shelves for small pots
- Tiered plant stands near a sunny window
These options let you grow multiple herbs without taking up valuable counter space.
My Experience Growing Herbs in Small Kitchens
I started my indoor herb garden with basil, mint, and parsley in mason jars on my kitchen windowsill. By trimming regularly and keeping the jars rotated toward the sun, my herbs thrived for months.
This small-scale approach lets you enjoy fresh, homegrown herbs without needing a full garden.
Quick Tips for Small Kitchen Herb Gardening
- Start with 2–3 herbs and expand gradually.
- Use compact containers and jars.
- Ensure enough sunlight or supplement with grow lights.
- Keep herbs trimmed and well-watered.
- Label each jar to track different herbs.
Recommended Resources
- University of Minnesota Extension – Growing Herbs Indoors
- University of Illinois Extension – Indoor Herbs
- Iowa State University Extension – Indoor Herb Care
- Gardening Know How – Mason Jar Herb Garden
- Penn State Extension – Indoor Plant Lighting
Growing herbs in a small kitchen is easy and practical. With the right selection of herbs, containers, and sunlight, your kitchen can be filled with fresh flavors all year.
For more indoor gardening ideas, check my How to Start a Kitchen Herb Garden in Jars.
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