How to Create a Windowsill Herb Garden

Our Herb Garden guide has more tips on growing herbs at home.

Create Windowsill Herb: What You Need

Herb seed collection — basil parsley chives coriander
Terracotta herb pots — set of 3 pots with drainage
Organic plant food — liquid fertiliser for herbs
Gardening gloves — protect your hands

A windowsill herb garden brings fresh flavours within arm’s reach every time you cook. You don’t need a garden — just a sunny windowsill, a few pots, and the right herbs. This guide shows you how to create a productive herb garden on any UK kitchen windowsill.

Best Herbs for a Windowsill Garden

Basil is the star of any windowsill garden — it loves warmth and sun. Parsley is unfappable and tolerates partial shade. Chives are incredibly easy, coming back year after year. Coriander bolts quickly in heat, but on a cool windowsill it performs better. Mint is best in its own pot — it spreads aggressively.

Setting Up Your Windowsill

South-facing windows are ideal — aim for at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight. East or west-facing work too, just with slower growth. Use pots with drainage holes to prevent waterlogging. A shallow tray beneath catches water and protects your windowsill.

Sowing and Planting

Fill pots with multi-purpose compost, leaving 2cm at the top. Sow basil and coriander seeds thinly on the surface, cover lightly with compost, and keep moist. Parsley seeds are slower — soak overnight before sowing to speed germination. Chives can be grown from seed or from divisions of existing plants.

Care Through the Year

Water when the compost feels dry — typically every 2-3 days in summer, less in winter. Feed fortnightly with a dilute liquid fertiliser from spring through summer. Don’t let water sit in saucers — herbs hate wet roots. Turn pots weekly so all sides get equal light.

Harvesting

The cut-and-come-again method keeps herbs productive. Cut leaves from the top, never removing more than a third of the plant at once. This encourages bushy regrowth. Regular harvesting also prevents herbs from flowering and going to seed, which makes the leaves bitter.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which herbs grow best on a north-facing windowsill?
Mint, parsley, and chives tolerate shade. Basil and rosemary need more sun.

Why is my basil dying on the windowsill?
Overwatering is the most common killer. Basil likes moisture but not wet roots. Also check it’s not touching cold glass in winter.

Can I grow herbs from supermarket pots?
Yes, but they’re often crowded and short-lived. Better to sow fresh from seed or buy healthy young plants.

How do I keep herbs alive in winter?
Move pots away from cold glass, reduce watering, and stop feeding. Hardy herbs like parsley and chives overwinter on a cool windowsill without problems.

A windowsill herb garden takes 15 minutes to set up and rewards you with fresh flavour for months. What are you waiting for?

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Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to do this?

The best time depends on your climate zone and what you are growing, but generally early morning or late afternoon when temperatures are cooler works best for most garden tasks.

How often should I check on my garden?

Regular attention is key — check your garden every few days during the growing season. This helps you catch problems early before they become serious.

Can beginners do this?

Absolutely! Start with a few simple tasks and build up gradually. Most garden jobs are beginner-friendly with the right guidance.

What is the most important thing to remember?

Consistency matters more than perfection. Little and often beats occasional marathon sessions. Even 10-15 minutes of daily attention yields great results.