This post may contain affiliate links.
A shallow window box might be your best bet for growing fresh herbs if you live in a small space, such as an apartment with limited gardening options. Windowsills offer a practical and space-efficient way to grow certain plants.
Window boxes are compact and easy to maintain, but they also offer the added benefit of portability, letting you move your herbs to optimize sunlight exposure. A well-placed window box can become a mini herb garden, bringing greenery and fresh flavors within arm’s reach.
Many herbs thrive in shallow soil, making them perfect candidates for these confined spaces. Plus, if you enjoy cooking, there’s nothing like snipping fresh herbs from your window garden.
Here are 12 herbs that will flourish in a window box!
Grow 15 organic herbs with this high-quality variety pack, featuring 2,500+ non-GMO, heirloom seeds perfect for indoor, outdoor, or hydroponic gardens. With a high germination rate and an included online grow guide, these sustainably sourced USA seeds
Mint (Mentha)
Mint is a hardy, fast-growing herb perfect for a window box garden. Its fresh flavor makes it a great addition to teas, drinks, salads, and a variety of dishes. Mint is easy to grow and low-maintenance, so it is a great choice for beginners looking to start an herb garden. Just be sure to give it its own space, as it can spread quickly.
Rosemary
Rosemary isn’t just a favorite in the kitchen; it’s also a natural mosquito repellent, thanks to its potent fragrance that helps keep these pests out of your garden. You can quickly grow rosemary by propagating fresh sprigs purchased from the grocery store, making it a convenient addition to your window garden. Rosemary flourishes best in full sun with plenty of daylight exposure.
Chives
Chives are one of the few perennial vegetables that can thrive in nearly all kinds of soil and weather conditions. These hardy plants are known for their slender, grass-like leaves and delicate onion-like flavor. They are a perfect addition to creamy potato dishes, providing a subtle and fresh onion taste. Add them to your windowsill garden and you won’t be disappointed.
Parsley (Petroselinum Crispum)
Parsley is great for window gardens. It is a beginner-friendly plant that is more forgiving than other herbs and can grow easily in many conditions. You won’t regret adding it to your window garden.
Oregano
Oregano is quite popular among lovers of Italian cuisine and can easily be grown in your window box garden.
Basil
Basil is a very popular ingredient in many cuisines so it’s no wonder its a top choice for your window vegetable garden. It is also one of the first herbs that home gardeners begin with and kicks off a love of growing and cooking with fresh herbs. Basil is a fast-growing plant that can be taken from seeds to a full harvest in as little as 3 to 4 weeks.
Dill
If you are a big fan of
Chamomile
Struggling to get a good night’s sleep? Grow chamomile to help with that. Chamomile tea has long been used to promote relaxation and improve sleep quality. Chamomile makes the perfect addition to a window herb garden. It enjoys full sun but can tolerate light shade.
Thyme
Thyme is a low-growing perennial herb that’s a great addition to any window box garden. Its small flowers attract beneficial insects that help with pollination and natural pest control. Beyond the garden, thyme is valued for its antibacterial properties and is often used to soothe coughs and sore throats. It can be enjoyed in teas, added to soups, or even made into a salve for natural remedies.
Tarragon
Tarragon is known for its earthy flavor and aroma, which people adore. It adds a new flavor to your dishes, especially when fresh from the garden.
Sage
Sage is a great herb to keep on hand to add flavor to homemade dishes. You can also make a beautiful tea with it, which helps to ease a sore throat and aid in colds.
Sweet Marjoram
Sweet marjoram grows well in small containers, making it perfect for your window box. As long as it gets the right growing conditions, sweet marjoram will do just fine. Sweet marjoram loves warmth and requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. A south- or west-facing window works best.
