How to Keep Herbs Alive Indoors: Winter Herb Garden Tips

Last Updated on April 11, 2024 by Veronica Sparks

When you’re passionate about growing food, the allure of having a flourishing countertop herb garden is undeniable. Not only do herbs add flavor to your culinary creations, but they also bring a touch of greenery to your indoor space. However, as winter rolls in, many herb enthusiasts find themselves facing a common conundrum: How to keep herbs alive indoors when the frosty weather sets in.

Let’s explore the challenges of maintaining indoor herbs during the winter months and provide you with practical tips to ensure your herb garden thrives throughout the season.

Table of Contents

Common Problems With Indoor Herbs

Before diving into some practical tips for keeping herbs alive indoors, let’s take a closer look at the common problems that can plague your tasty plants during the winter.

Wrong Type of Soil

One of the most frequent mistakes indoor herb gardeners make is using the wrong type of soil. Herbs require well-draining soil that mimics their natural habitat. If your soil retains too much moisture, it can lead to root rot, a common killer of indoor herbs.

Insufficient Light

During the winter, the days are shorter, and natural sunlight can be scarce, especially if you live in a northern climate. Insufficient light can cause your herbs to become leggy and weak. In extreme cases, they may wither away due to lack of photosynthesis.

Wrong Sized Containers

Choosing the right-sized containers for your herbs is crucial. If your pots are too small, the herbs may become root-bound, stunting their growth. On the other hand, excessively large containers can lead to overwatering, as the soil will retain moisture for longer periods.

Drainage Issues

Proper drainage is essential for your herb’s survival. Herbs despise sitting in stagnant water, which can lead to root rot and other diseases. Without effective drainage, your indoor herbs are at risk.

Low Humidity

Indoor environments tend to have lower humidity levels, especially when heating systems are running during the winter. Many herbs originate from regions with higher humidity, and they may struggle in dry indoor conditions.

Hard, Soft, or Treated Water

The quality of water you use can impact your herb’s health. Hard water, soft water, or water treated with chemicals like chlorine and fluoride can all affect the pH levels of the soil and hinder nutrient absorption.

How to Keep Herbs Alive Indoors in Winter: 6 Tips

Now that we’ve identified the common problems, let’s dive into solutions to keep your indoor herbs alive and thriving throughout the winter months.

1. Choose the Right Soil

When you’re planting your indoor herbs, try using a starter mix to ensure your seeds can root properly. To ensure proper drainage for seedlings and older plants, opt for a well-draining potting mix specifically designed for herbs.

You can even make your own mix by combining potting soil with perlite or sand to improve drainage.

2. Provide Adequate Lighting

Since natural light may be insufficient during winter, invest in a grow light to supplement the illumination for your herbs. Place the light source about 6-12 inches above the herbs for approximately 12-16 hours a day to mimic the sun’s cycle.

3. Use Properly Sized Containers

Select containers that are appropriately sized for your herbs. Ensure they have drainage holes at the bottom to prevent waterlogging. If you’re repotting, choose a pot that is one size larger than the current one.

4. Prioritize Drainage

Elevate your herb pots with saucers or pot feet to improve drainage. Water your herbs thoroughly but allow excess water to drain away. Empty the saucers after watering to prevent herbs from sitting in stagnant water.

5. Increase Humidity

To combat low indoor humidity, mist your herbs regularly or place a humidity tray filled with water and pebbles near them. You can cover the herbs with plastic bags to trap in some of the humidity.

Grouping herbs together can also help create a microclimate with higher humidity.

6. Watering Matters

Use filtered or dechlorinated water to avoid harming your herbs with harsh chemicals. If you’re using tap water, let it sit at room temperature overnight to allow some of the chemicals to dissipate.

Always allow the top inch of the soil to dry out between watering sessions, as herbs prefer slightly drier conditions.

Herbs That Grow Well Indoors (And Some That Don’t)

While many herbs can thrive indoors with proper care, some are better suited for the cozy environment of your home during the winter months. Here’s a list of herbs that tend to do well indoors:

Basil
Mint
Chives
Thyme
Parsley
Oregano
Rosemary
Sage

On the other hand, some herbs are more challenging to grow indoors due to their specific requirements or size. These herbs may struggle to adapt to indoor conditions:

Dill
Cilantro
Fennel
Tarragon
Lavender

Medicinal Herbs that Grow Well Indoors

If you’re compiling an indoor medicinal herbs list for various health benefits, consider these indoor-friendly options:

Aloe Vera: Known for its soothing properties for burns and skin irritations.
Lavender: Valued for its calming and relaxation-inducing effects.
Echinacea: Used to boost the immune system and fight off colds.
Peppermint: Excellent for digestive issues and headaches.
Chamomile: Known for its calming properties and as a sleep aid.

Ready for Healthy Indoor Herbs?

Maintaining a thriving indoor herb garden during the winter months is possible with the right knowledge and care. By addressing these common issues, you can learn not only how to keep herbs alive indoors in winter, but also make them thrive throughout the season. With dedication and the right approach, your countertop herb garden can be a source of fresh flavors and wellness all year round.