How to Start a Windowsill Herb Garden Before Winter

As the days get shorter and the weather starts to cool down I love having some plants inside to tend to.

One of the things I love most about farmhouse living is finding simple ways to bring a little bit of the outdoors inside. Whether it's fresh flowers on the kitchen table, a bowl of apples on the counter, or a few herbs growing in the windowsill, those little touches make a house feel so warm and welcoming.

And just because the outdoor gardening season is coming to an end doesn't mean we have to stop growing things!

Starting a windowsill herb garden is such a simple way to keep a little piece of the garden going throughout the colder months. You don't need a greenhouse, a big backyard, or even much space. Just a sunny window, a few small pots, and some of your favorite herbs.

It's also a wonderful little project to do with the kids, and there's something really satisfying about snipping fresh herbs right from your own kitchen when you're making dinner.

Today, I'm sharing how to start your own indoor herb garden before winter, even if you've never grown a thing before.

Why I Love the Idea of a Windowsill Herb Garden

One of my favorite things about growing our own food is knowing that even the smallest harvest can be useful.

You might not have room for a big vegetable garden, but a few little pots of herbs can still bring fresh flavor into your kitchen.

Fresh parsley for homemade soup, chives for baked potatoes, or thyme for a cozy chicken dinner are all wonderful little additions.

And I love that an indoor herb garden can be both practical and beautiful.

A few simple terracotta pots or neutral ceramic planters lined up along a sunny kitchen window fit so naturally into that classic modern farmhouse look.

Best of all, it's something you can enjoy throughout the year.

The Best Herbs to Grow Indoors During Winter

If you're just getting started, I recommend choosing three or four herbs you already use in your cooking.

There's no need to grow everything at once!

Here are a few wonderful options for a beginner's windowsill herb garden.

1. Parsley

Parsley is a great place to start because it's so versatile.

You can use it in homemade soups, chicken dinners, roasted vegetables, sauces, and so many other everyday meals.

It can tolerate slightly less sunlight than some other herbs, making it a helpful choice for indoor growing.

2. Chives

Chives are another wonderful option, especially if your family enjoys potatoes, eggs, or creamy homemade dips.

They grow in thin, grass-like leaves that are easy to snip with kitchen scissors.

They're also a nice option for children who want to help harvest something they've grown.

3. Mint

Mint is one of those herbs that can be used in so many little ways.

It's lovely for homemade tea, fresh lemonade, and adding flavor to water.

Mint can grow quickly, so I recommend keeping it in its own pot rather than planting it with other herbs.

4. Thyme

Thyme is wonderful for farmhouse cooking, especially roasted chicken, homemade soups, and savory vegetables.

It's a pretty little herb with delicate leaves, and it looks beautiful growing in a simple terracotta pot.

Just remember that thyme appreciates good drainage and plenty of sunlight.

5. Rosemary

Rosemary has such a lovely, woodsy fragrance and pairs beautifully with roasted potatoes, chicken, and homemade bread.

It's a beautiful addition to a farmhouse kitchen, although it can be a little more particular about light and watering.

If your kitchen doesn't receive plenty of direct sunlight during winter, rosemary may need a grow light to stay healthy.

Lindsey's Tip: If this is your very first indoor herb garden, I'd start with parsley, chives, and mint. They're useful in the kitchen and generally a little more forgiving than rosemary.

What You'll Need to Start a Windowsill Herb Garden

You don't need many supplies to get started, and you might already have some of them at home.

Supplies

• 3–5 small pots, approximately 4–6 inches wide, with drainage holes

• Quality indoor potting mix

• Herb seeds or small starter plants

• A shallow tray or individual saucers to catch excess water

• A small watering can

• A sunny windowsill

• Plant markers or small wooden craft sticks (optional)

• A grow light if your window doesn't receive enough sunlight

I love the look of simple cream-colored pots, natural terracotta, and little wooden plant markers.

They make such a pretty addition to the kitchen without feeling cluttered or overly decorated.

And if you already have suitable pots around the house, this can be a really affordable little project.

How to Start Your Windowsill Herb Garden

Prep Time: Approximately 20–30 minutes
Difficulty: Beginner-friendly
Best Time to Start: Fall or anytime you can provide enough indoor light
Space Needed: A sunny windowsill or small table near a window

Step 1: Find the Sunniest Window in Your Home

Before you start planting, take a look around your home and find the window that receives the most direct sunlight.

A south-facing window is often a great choice, although a bright west-facing window can also work.

Most herbs do best with at least 6 hours of strong light daily, and many appreciate even more.

During winter, natural sunlight can be limited. If your herbs aren't getting enough light, a small full-spectrum LED grow light can make a big difference. Many indoor herb gardens benefit from approximately 12–16 hours of supplemental light each day.

Try to keep your plants away from cold drafts and heating vents, which can dry them out or expose them to sudden temperature changes.

Step 2: Choose Your Herbs

Pick a few herbs your family will actually use.

I think it's so much more rewarding to grow something you know you'll be reaching for when you're cooking.

If you want something you can harvest sooner, purchase small herb plants from a local nursery.

Starting from seeds is another wonderful option, especially if you enjoy watching the whole growing process with your children.

Just remember that seedlings take time to grow before they're ready to harvest.

Step 3: Prepare Your Pots

Fill each pot with fresh indoor potting mix, leaving a little room at the top for watering.

Make sure every pot has a drainage hole.

This is especially important because herbs generally don't like sitting in soggy soil.

If you're using decorative ceramic planters without drainage holes, place a smaller nursery pot inside them and remove it when watering so excess water can drain away.

Step 4: Plant Your Herbs

If you're using small starter plants, gently remove each plant from its nursery container and loosen any tightly circling roots.

Place the plant in its new pot at approximately the same depth it was growing before.

Fill around the roots with potting mix and gently press everything into place.

If you're starting from seeds, follow the planting depth and spacing directions on the seed packet.

Give each type of herb its own container so you can adjust watering and care as needed.

Step 5: Give Everything a Good Drink

Once your herbs are planted, water them gently until excess water begins to drain from the bottom.

Allow the pots to drain completely before putting them back on the windowsill.

Going forward, check the soil with your finger before watering.

Parsley, chives, and mint generally appreciate more consistent moisture, while thyme and rosemary prefer their soil to dry a little between waterings.

You want moist soil when the plant needs it, not constantly wet roots.

Step 6: Add a Few Simple Farmhouse Touches

This is the fun part!

Arrange your little herb pots along the windowsill, keeping enough room between them for air to circulate.

Add simple wooden plant markers or little handwritten labels so everyone knows what's growing.

I especially love the look of natural terracotta mixed with soft cream-colored pottery.

You really don't need much to make it beautiful.

Sometimes the simplest arrangements are the prettiest.

How to Care for Your Indoor Herbs All Winter

Once your little herb garden is planted, keeping it healthy is really about paying attention to a few simple things.

Check the soil before watering. Indoor herbs can be easy to overwater, especially when they're growing more slowly during winter. Don't water simply because it's a certain day of the week.

Turn your pots occasionally. Plants naturally lean toward sunlight. Rotating the containers every few days can encourage more even growth.

Watch for signs of too little light. If your herbs begin looking pale, thin, or unusually tall and spindly, they may need more sunlight or supplemental lighting.

Trim your herbs regularly. Once plants are established and growing well, harvest a little at a time. Avoid taking more than about one-third of a plant at once, especially during winter.

Keep an eye out for pests. Check the undersides of leaves for tiny insects and inspect new plants before placing them near your existing houseplants.

And remember, don't get discouraged if something doesn't grow perfectly.

Gardening is a learning experience, whether you're growing a big vegetable garden outside or three little pots of herbs on your kitchen windowsill.

A Simple Activity to Do With the Kids

If you have little ones at home, starting a windowsill herb garden can be such a sweet activity to do together.

Let them help scoop potting mix into the containers, gently water the plants, and make their own little plant markers.

You can even give each child a small herb pot to care for.

It's a wonderful way to introduce children to where some of our food comes from, how plants grow, and why caring for living things takes a little patience.

And when the herbs are finally ready to harvest, let them help snip a few leaves to add to dinner.

There's something special about being able to say, "We grew that ourselves!"

Be sure to supervise younger children around potting mix, tools, and small supplies, and have everyone wash their hands after gardening.

Easy Ways to Use Fresh Herbs in Your Farmhouse Kitchen

One of the best things about having fresh herbs close by is how easy they are to work into everyday meals.

You don't need complicated recipes to enjoy them.

Here are a few simple ideas:

• Fresh Parsley: Sprinkle over homemade chicken soup, roasted potatoes, or pasta.

• Chives: Add to scrambled eggs, mashed potatoes, or homemade sour cream dip.

• Mint: Steep in hot water for a simple tea or add to a pitcher of cold water with lemon.

• Thyme: Add to roasted chicken, vegetable soups, or homemade gravy.

• Rosemary: Use a little in homemade bread, roasted potatoes, or baked chicken.

Just a small handful of fresh herbs can bring wonderful flavor to a simple homemade meal.

And the best part is knowing those little green leaves came right from your own kitchen window.

Can You Grow Herbs Indoors All Year?

Absolutely! Many herbs can be grown indoors throughout the year when they receive the right care.

The biggest challenge during winter is usually having enough light.

Herbs also tend to grow more slowly during the colder, darker months, so don't expect the same big harvests you might get from an outdoor summer garden.

But with enough light, proper drainage, and a little patience, a windowsill herb garden can provide fresh greenery and small harvests for your kitchen throughout the year.

When spring comes around, you can even move some of your established herbs outdoors after gradually getting them accustomed to the outdoor conditions and waiting until temperatures are suitable.

Bringing a Little Farmhouse Living Into Every Home

One thing I really love about this lifestyle is that you don't have to live on a big farm to enjoy it.

You don't need acres of land, a beautiful greenhouse, or a huge vegetable garden.

Sometimes country living is as simple as making dinner from scratch, growing something in a little pot, or finding a way to slow down and enjoy the everyday moments.

And I think that's something anyone can do, no matter where they live.

A windowsill herb garden might seem like such a small thing, but it can bring a little bit of nature, freshness, and simple joy into your home during a season when everything outside feels a little quieter.

From Our Farmhouse to Yours

I hope this inspires you to find a sunny little spot in your home and try growing a few herbs of your own this winter.

You don't have to start big, and you certainly don't have to get everything perfect.

Just start with a couple of plants, give them a little care, and enjoy watching them grow.

Sometimes it's those simple little projects that make a house feel the most like home.

For more farmhouse recipes, simple homemaking ideas, gardening inspiration, and country living favorites, visit Blue Willow Farm.

With love from our farmhouse,

Lindsey