A row of herbs on the windowsill does two jobs: it brightens the kitchen and keeps fresh basil, mint, and chives within arm’s reach. Setting it up takes less time than a trip to the store.
Why this works
Herbs grow best with bright light and good drainage, so the windowsill is the right place. Uniform pots make a tidy row, while mixed pots look more collected.
What you’ll need
Materials at a glance: Three small pots with drainage; Potting soil; Nursery herb plants; Tray or saucer; Small watering can. Plan on about 20 min and a budget of under $25. The full materials list and numbered steps are in the project card below.
How to do it
Choose three herbs you cook with most, plant them in pots with drainage holes, and set them on a tray to catch water. Water when the top of the soil feels dry and pinch the tips regularly to encourage bushy growth.
Styling tips
- Pick herbs with similar water needs and keep them together.
- Rotate the pots every few days so growth stays even.
- Pinch off flower buds to keep leaves tender.
A Fresh Herb Windowsill in Twenty Minutes
Set up a small kitchen herb garden that adds green to the room and flavor to your cooking.
Materials
- Three small pots with drainage
- Potting soil
- Nursery herb plants
- Tray or saucer
- Small watering can
Steps
- Fill each pot about two-thirds with potting soil.
- Gently loosen the roots of each herb and set it in its pot.
- Add soil around the roots and press lightly.
- Water until it drains from the bottom, then place the pots on the tray.
- Set the tray on the brightest windowsill in your kitchen.