Herbs & Spices Growing Guide
Fresh herbs year-round, grown in your kitchen or in a dedicated indoor space. From a single pot of basil under a desk lamp to a full T5 rack of culinary herbs, GrōHaus has the gear for every scale.
What You Need to Grow Herbs Indoors
Grow Lights
Most herbs thrive under T5 fluorescent or low-wattage LED lighting. They don't need high PPFD — a simple strip LED or compact fluorescent provides enough intensity for healthy growth.
- Fluorescent / T5 — reliable and proven for herbs
- LED Grow Lights — more efficient, runs cooler
- Seedling & Clone Lights — compact panels for small herb setups
Hydroponics
Hydroponic herb growing produces bushier, faster-growing plants than soil in most cases. Small NFT systems, Kratky reservoirs, and countertop DWC units all work well for herbs.
Nutrients
Herbs are light feeders. Use nutrients at 50–75% of the recommended dose for leafy herbs. Basil and mint benefit from slightly higher nitrogen. Mediterranean herbs (rosemary, thyme, lavender) prefer less water and lighter feeding.
Potting Mixes
A well-draining, lighter potting mix works better than dense garden soil for container herbs. Add perlite to improve drainage — especially for moisture-sensitive herbs like rosemary and lavender.
Pots & Containers
Most culinary herbs do well in 1–2 gallon containers. Compact herbs like thyme and chives can be grown in 4–6 inch pots. Use pots with drainage holes.
Propagation & Cloning
Mint, basil, and rosemary propagate easily from cuttings. Use a rooting gel and a propagation tray with dome to root new plants from your existing stock.
Popular Herbs to Grow Indoors
Easy: Basil, Mint, Chives, Green Onion
Fast-growing, productive, and tolerant of beginner mistakes. Basil and mint benefit from regular harvesting — pinch growing tips to encourage bushier growth.
Moderate: Rosemary, Thyme, Oregano, Sage
Mediterranean herbs prefer bright light, well-draining soil, and limited watering. Avoid overwatering — these plants prefer to dry out between waterings.
Requires More Light: Cilantro, Dill, Parsley, Lavender
These herbs bolt (go to seed) quickly under low light. Give them 14–16 hours of moderate to high-intensity light and keep temperatures on the cooler side (60–68°F) to extend the vegetative phase.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I grow herbs in a kitchen window?
A south-facing window with 6+ hours of direct sun can support basil, mint, and chives through summer. Most other herbs — especially in winter — will stretch and become leggy without supplemental LED or fluorescent lighting.
How often should I harvest herbs?
Regular harvesting keeps herbs productive. For leafy herbs like basil and mint, harvest once the plant has 6+ pairs of leaves and has established itself. Never remove more than 1/3 of the plant at once. Pinch off flower buds as they form — once an herb flowers, leaf production slows dramatically.
Why are my herbs turning yellow?
Common causes: overwatering (the most common), insufficient light, nutrient deficiency, or root-bound plants. Check that pots have drainage holes and that soil is drying between waterings. Yellow lower leaves on a healthy otherwise-green plant often indicates normal leaf senescence.
What's the best hydroponic system for herbs?
The Kratky method (passive, no pump, no electricity) works well for basil, lettuce, and mint. It involves a reservoir with nutrient solution, net pots, and no moving parts. For larger herb production, an NFT or DWC system with better control over nutrients and pH produces faster growth.
How do I grow herbs from seed indoors?
Use a seedling tray with dome and a heat mat for germination. Fill cells with seed-starting mix, plant 2–3 seeds per cell, water gently, cover with dome, and place under a seedling light. Thin to 1 plant per cell after germination. Transplant to larger containers once roots develop.