7 No-Fail Tips for Growing Herbs in Pots at Home! Learn how beginners can easily grow fresh, healthy herbs on balconies, windowsills, or in small spaces at home in pots.

Herbs are our everyday needs. Be it pasta, noodles, grilled chicken or fish, chicken curry, soup, or pizza, almost every dish gets better with herbs.

No matter which part of the world you reside in, whether you’re carnivorous or herbivorous, or omnivorous, there’s almost no dish that doesn’t work without a dash of fresh herb flavor and aroma.

So if you want fresh herbs year-round, this guide will teach you 7 No-Fail Tips for Growing Herbs in Pots at Home! – Perfect for both new and seasoned gardeners.

This guide breaks down everything you need to know about growing herbs in pots at home: which herbs to choose, the best potting soil, watering hacks, mistakes to avoid, as well as making use of grow lights if you don’t receive enough sunlight at home.

So if you’re a beginner gardener or just want to save money and eat fresh, growing herbs in pots is a simple way to have fresh, chemical-free herbs at your fingertips, 365 days a year. So start your herb garden now!

Related reads:

Why You Should Start Growing Herbs in Pots?

Why growing herbs in pots is a game changer (especially in India):

Why is growing herbs in pots such a game-changer, especially here in India? Because it makes fresh, homegrown flavor possible for literally anyone.

No garden? No problem.

Whether you’re in a city apartment or a small town, a few pots on your windowsill can bring basil to your pasta, mint to your chai, or coriander to your curry—without a trip to the market. And the best part? You control how it grows, what goes into the soil, and when you harvest.

It’s fresh, it’s easy, and once you start, you won’t want to stop.

7 Proven Tips for Growing Herbs in Pots Successfully

1. Pick the Right Herbs to Start With

When growing herbs in pots, especially as a beginner, start with herbs that are easy to grow and fast to harvest (but that’s your choice), and make sure to plant herbs that are well-suited for your climate.

Here are six beginner-friendly options to start with:

Basil – Basil grows quickly in warm weather. It requires 5-6 hours of sun and thrives in summer.
Coriander (Dhaniya) – A cool-season herb. Coriander grows best in early winter or shaded balconies during the monsoon season.
Mint (Pudina) – Before you go for mint, know that it has a strong scent. That said, mint spreads rapidly. It prefers partial sun and is very forgiving of humidity.
Thyme – Thyme prefers drier conditions. It is perfect for pots with well-drained soil.
Rosemary – Rosemary is quite a popular herb due to its multitude of uses and benefits. Apart from cooking, it is especially famous for its beauty, scents, oils, and medicinal properties. It’s a woody Mediterranean herb that thrives well in well-drained soil and full sun.
Chives – Chives is a hardy herb that grows well in pots, needs moist soil, and tolerates partial shade.

Tip: Start with 3 to 4 herbs to first understand their care and maintenance. It’ll help you know their water and light needs before expanding your herb garden. Native herbs like coriander and mint adapt better to Indian climates and are more resistant to local pests and fungal issues.

2. Use the Right Pot Size & Material

Note: The success of growing herbs in pots often depends on the type and size of the container.

So, how do we go about selecting the correct type and size of the pot (container) for our herbs at home?

A minimum pot depth of 6-8 inches is ideal for most herbs. Deeper pots are better for root-heavy plants like lemongrass and rosemary.
Use terracotta or unglazed ceramic pots – They’re porous and allow air circulation, helping your plants prevent root rot.
Please ensure the pot you’re using has at least one drainage hole to allow excess water to escape. Otherwise, you’ll herb will die from root rot.
Avoid black plastic pots in full sun as they overheat especially on Indian balconies which can dehydrate the roots.

Did you know? Terracotta pots are good for gardening as they help regulate soil moisture naturally, making them a smart and eco-friendly choice during high-humidity monsoon seasons.

3. Choose a High-Quality Potting Mix

So, when growing herbs in pots, soil quality is crucial. Regular garden soil alone is too compact and may harbor pests and fungal spores.

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When growing any plant outdoors or indoors, choosing the right potting mix is crucial for the plant to thrive.

Try this DIY potting mix for herbs:

40% Cocopeat – Lightweight, retains moisture, and improves aeration.

30% Compost – Provides essential nutrients

20% Garden Soil – Adds body but must be sieved.

It helps clear out stones and weeds from your soil, making it much finer and smoother.

Fine soil is ideal for planting seeds, as it prevents them from struggling against heavy clumps or rocks, giving them a better chance to sprout and grow.

10% Sand – Enhance drainage and prevent compaction.

Enhancers:

You can even add the following to improve the quality and performance of your soil:

Neem cake powder (3 tbsp per 5kg mix) – prevents fungal infections and deters gnats.

Cinnamon powder (1 tbsp) – Natural anti-fungal booster

Avoid using just clay-rich soil alone, as it clogs the drainage and leads to root suffocation. This soil recipe is recommended by both HomeCrop India and Urban gardening educators like Gardenup.

Related reads:

4. Sunlight is Non-Negotiable Unless You Go for Grow Lights

Light is the lifeline of plants (including herbs, coz they’re also plants XP). When growing herbs in pots, inadequate sunlight is the number 1 reason for weak growth and disease-prone plants.

Most herbs need 4-6 hours of direct sunlight daily.
For Indian households, south-facing balconies or windows provides the best exposure.
Avoid placing herbs in constantly shaded or north-facing spots.
If growing herbs in pots indoors and you don’t get enough sunlight indoors through a bright window or balcony, then you can definitely use Grow lights, like LED grow lights (15-20W full-spectrum) to mimic natural sunlight. Place them 12-18 inches above the plants.

According to The Spruce, basil, rosemary, and thyme require the most light, while mint and parsley can tolerate partial shade.

5. Watering: Don’t Drown Your Herbs!

One of the biggest mistakes when growing herbs in pots is overwatering. Especially in humid weather, overwatering can be fatal for your plants growing in containers.

Here’s how to make sure you’re watering right:

First, start by testing the soil. It’s important to know if the soil is dry or moist before watering.

Insert your finger or any clean tool 1 inch into the soil to check for dryness.

If it’s dry, then water. If it’s moist, then wait and don’t water.

Use a water can with a narrow spout or a spray bottle to water gently and avoid soil disturbance.

Avoid watering the leaves – this invites powdery mildew and leaf spots.

Always empty saucers after watering to prevent stagnant water gnats.

Remember: Herbs like rosemary and thyme prefer slightly dry soil, while basil and mint need more frequent watering. Adjust your watering accordingly.

Related reads:

6. Pruning Keeps Herbs Productive

Before I really got into gardening, I had no idea how important pruning was. I thought people just did it to keep the plant or tree in shape, but turns out it’s a lot more important than just shaping a plant or tree.

Pruning is the secret sauce to growing plants, including growing herbs in pots, that are full, bushy, and productive.

So, regularly pinch off new flower buds, especially in basil and mint. Once herbs flower, they tend to stop producing new leaves so keep that mind.

When pruning your herbs use sharp scissors or just your fingers to harvest the top 2-4 inches of growth.

this encourages the plant to grow sideways and bush out.

For herbs that are fast-growing, like coriander, harvest outer stems, leaving the center intact to allow regrowth.

According to the University of Illinois Extension, regular pruning extends the life of annual herbs and prevents legginess in container herbs.

7. Keep Pests Away Naturally

When growing herbs in pots, especially in the monsoon season, pests and fungi can appear even indoors. And since we want clean herbs grown chemical-free, to avoid chemical sprays, let’s opt for the following natural remedies to keep pests away:

Neem oil spray (organic) – First, you can easily purchase neem oil online, and be sure to read the directions before using it or any other oil, spray, or powder you purchase.

Usually, you mix 2-4 ml of oil plus 1 tsp of liquid soap in 1 L of water. Spray this solution every 7-10 days if you happen to see pest or fungal attack on your herbs.

Cinnamon Powder: Sprinkle a small amount on the soil surface to prevent white mold and soil fungus.

Garlic Spray: Crush 4 to 5 garlic cloves, soak them in warm water overnight, strain, and spray on the leaves to repel aphids and mites.

Companion Plating Tip: Grow basil near tomatoes or mint near cabbage family plants. Their strong scents repel pests like aphids, whiteflies, and cabbage worms.

For best results, monitor your herbs weekly, adopt care-based plant behavior, and adjust your plant care according to the weather.

Best Herbs to Grow in Pots in Indian Homes

When it comes to growing herbs in pots, not all herbs behave the same. They’re like any other plant out there, having their own requirements, be it soil, sunlight, watering, and temperature.

Some herbs are water-loving, some enjoy the sun, and some just need a cozy, shaded spot.

My family is what you all food enthusiasts (not overeaters but explorers), and we love to explore all kinds of cuisines from all around the world, especially Indian cuisine. And herbs are an integral part of Indian cuisines (especially coriander and curry leaves).

Today, culinary knowledge is expanding globally, thanks to social media and increased awareness of diverse cuisines, cooking techniques, and flavors. As a result, people around the world are learning more about various herbs and how to use them creatively in their cooking.

Even in India, there’s a growing interest in experimenting with Western dishes or blending Indian flavors with global influences to create exciting fusion recipes.

That’s why I’ve created this curated list of herbs that thrive in pots—so whether you live in India, Malaysia, or anywhere else, you can start your own indoor herb garden and cook with fresh, flavorful ingredients from around the world.

Top 10 Herbs to Grow in Pots Perfect for Indian Kitchens

Herbs	Growth Needs	Why It’s Great in Pots
1. Coriander	Full sun, moderate watering	Fast growing, must-have for Indian cooking
2. Mint (Pudina)	Partial shade, moister soil	Spreads well, survives humidity easily
3. Basil (Italian or Tulsi)	Full sun, good drainage	Loves heat, grows back after pruning
4. Rosemary	Full sun, dry soil	Low-maintenance, thrives in warm climate
5. Thyme	Full sun, dry soil	Great aroma, tolerates less water
6. Parsley	Partial sun, moist soil	Slower to grow, very flavorful and decorative
7. Lemongrass	Partial sun, moist soil	strong fragrance, grows big quickly
8. Fenugreek (Methi)	Full sun, rich soil	Quick sprouter, grows well in shallow pots
9. Oregano	Full sun, slightly dry soil	Drought-tolerant, perfect for pizzas and pastas
10. Chives	Partial sun, regular watering	Easy to grow, doesn’t take much space

Be sure to rotate the pots occasionally, as this helps promote even growth if your sun exposure or grow light is uneven.

Growing fresh herbs in pots in an indoor garden

Common Mistakes in Growing Herbs in Pots

When growing herbs in pots, beginners often make a few critical missteps that cost them their time, plant health, and harvest. Here I have listed the most common mistakes you should avoid making when growing herbs in pots at home.

Avoid These Common Mistakes When Growing Herbs in Pots

1. Overwatering

Herbs are like any other plants. They have their own dry or moist soil requirement, but generally, herbs need moist soil but not soggy soil. Overwatering causes root rot, especially in monsoon.

Solution: Always check the top 1-2 inch soil for moistness before watering your herbs.

2. Using a regular garden soil alone

Since regular garden soil is meant for in-ground use, it can cause poor drainage for potted plants.

Dense garden soil retains water and compacts easily, starving your potted plant of essential nutrients and air in the root area.

Solution: Instead use a loose, well-draining potting mix with compost and cocopeat.

3. Not pruning or harvesting

When left uncut, herbs grow tall and leggy or flower early, reducing new leaf growth.

Solution: Harvest your herbs regularly to encourage bushier growth.

4. Insufficient Light

Lack of sunlight makes herbs grow thin, pale, and weak.

Solution: Provide 4 to 6 hours of direct sunlight or install grow lights indoors.

5. Mixing incompatible herbs

As I said, some herbs need dry soil (like rosemary), and others love moisture (like mint). Mixing them and planting them in one pot can lead to a mess.

Depending upon the dryness/moisture of the soil in the pot, if you plant them in one pot, you’ll have growth in one, and the other will have difficulty surviving.

Solution: Group herbs by their water and sunlight needs and plant them accordingly in one or separate pots. Save yourself the time and heartache.

6. Ignoring drainage

No drainage means waterlogged roots (roots sitting in soggy soil), and this means the death of your plants (herbs in this case).

Solution: So, ensure that all your pots have a drainage hole to let out excessive water, and don’t ever let water pool in trays under your pots.

Conclusion

Growing herbs in pots is one of the most rewarding things you can do at home. Whether you’re in an apartment in Bangalore or a suburban home in California, even if you don’t get enough sunlight in your place, you don’t need a massive garden or a balcony full of sunshine.

You just need a few pots, some space to place the pots, seeds or saplings of your desired herbs, sunlight or grow lights, and a little care to grow your own herb garden at home!

It’s affordable. It’s fresh. And it’s a lifestyle shift towards sustainable and chemical-free living.

Want more expert guides on container gardening tips, soil mix recipes, and balcony plant ideas?

Explore more at journeyment.com – your go-to resource for authentic home & garden for beginners.

Reference

RHS – Royal Horticultural Society – The RHS is the UK’s gardening charity, helping people and plants to grow
University of Illinois Extension – Is a trusted source providing much information on Growing herbs
ICAR (Indian Council of Agricultural Research) – Indian Herbs and Medicinal Plants
University of Maryland Extension – Herb Watering Basics
“Choosing the Right Container” by Gardeners.com
“Small space vegetable gardening tips” by TheSpruce.com
Urban Gardening Resources – Explains cocopeat, compost, and neem cake usage for safe homegrown edibles.
GardenUp (YouTube – Ekta Chaudhary, PhD) – She shares beginner-friendly soil recipes for herbs and balcony plants.
Terrace Gardening India (YouTube) – Covers tips and mistakes for urban herb growers in Indian cities.

FAQ

2 Comments

Alfonso Wehner says:

October 28, 2025 at 10:18 am

I just wanted to express my gratitude for the valuable insights you provide through your blog. Your expertise shines through in every word, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to learn from you.

1. Sam says:
  
  October 31, 2025 at 4:21 pm
  
  Thank you so much for your kind words! But just like you, I am also still learning 🙂

7 No-Fail Tips for Growing Herbs in Pots at Home!

Why You Should Start Growing Herbs in Pots?

Why growing herbs in pots is a game changer (especially in India):