Being able to grow herbs indoors means you can grow your own herbs all year long, not just what they're in season. That means not only will you save money at the supermarket, but your home will be filled with the aromatic fragrance of herbs like rosemary, basil, sage, or lemongrass, and you'll have the convenience of cutting off a sprig or two whenever a recipe calls for it. To grow herbs indoors, you need a sunny window, a pest-free plant (inspect seedlings carefully before buying), a selection of herbs that grow well indoors, and a little knowledge about each plant’s needs. Here are the best herbs to start your indoor garden. Here are 16 herbs you can grow indoors all year long. 01 of 16 Basil (Ocimum basilicum) Whether it is to make pesto or a tomato-based sauce, many gardeners who love cooking Italian food find sweet basil a must to grow. As a bonus, this annual can have ornamental features, too. Some types sport a deep purple foliage color and/or leaves that are ruffly. As soon as your basil reaches 6 inches tall, start pinching it often to keep it from blooming and fulfilling its life mission. Grow basil in a large, deep pot. A large pot is especially important if you will be growing multiple basil plants in the pot: Basil is susceptible to fungal diseases, which can be controlled by providing good air circulation through sufficient spacing (12 inches). For the same reason, avoid overhead watering. A deep pot will allow you to strike the required balance between good drainage and moisture retention. Mature height: 18-24 inches tall and wide Sun exposure: south-facing window in winter Soil needs: Basil needs good drainage, but not so sharp that water drains through immediately; it likes evenly moist soil. Use high-quality potting soil. Feed it with an all-purpose fertilizer. 02 of 16 Catnip (Nepeta cataria) When selecting plants to include in an herb garden in the home, do not forget the needs of the family cat. Catnip, a perennial which grows like a weed outdoors, is also easy to grow indoors (much easier than basil, for example). Once catnip puts on some height, pinch it early and often to prevent flowering, and give the pinchings to your grateful feline friend. Mature height: 2-3 feet tall and wide Sun exposure: west-facing or south-facing window in winter Soil needs: good drainage; minimal fertilization needed; low to average water needs 03 of 16 Chives (Allium schoenoprasum) The chive plant, another easy-to-grow perennial, has a light onion flavor. Indeed, It is related to the common onion. Its grass-like leaves are popular in soups and salads. It also has one of the more attractive flowers among the culinary herbs. Chives will multiply over time. When your chives form a good-sized mass, consider dividing them. If you dig underneath them, you'll find bulblets and a dense mass of roots. You can easily break off a clump (consisting of three or four plants) and transplant it to another pot. Mature height: 10-15 inches tall and wide Sun exposure: can survive in a west-facing window in winter Soil needs: good drainage; feed with an all-purpose fertilizer; average water needs 04 of 16 Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis) Added to soups or salads, lemon balm gives them a citrusy flavor. Or use it in potpourri to scent your home naturally. Susceptible to fungal diseases, care for this perennial as you would for basil. Mature height: 1-2 feet tall, 1-3 feet wide Sun exposure: south-facing window in winter Soil needs: good drainage; minimal fertilization needed; average water needs 05 of 16 Oregano (Origanum vulgare hirtum) A classic seasoning for Italian dishes, sandwiches, and pizza, this drought-resistant perennial is easy to grow indoors, but err on the side of giving it more, rather than less sunlight than you think it may need in winter. Not as fussy about humidity as rosemary, oregano can still profit from having a little extra humidity. An easy answer is to place its pot on a tray filled with moistened pebbles. Mature height: 2 feet tall, 18 inches wide Sun exposure: south-facing window in winter Soil needs: good drainage; use an all-purpose fertilizer; low to average water needs 06 of 16 Parsley (Petroselinum crispum neopolitanum) Parsley, a biennial, falls into two categories. The curly type, P. crispum, has more ornamental value. But the flat-leaf type, P. crispum neopolitanum, has more culinary value, lending a stronger flavor to your Italian dishes. Mature height: 9-12 inches tall and wide Sun exposure: can survive in a west-facing window in winter Soil needs: Parsley needs good drainage, but not so sharp that water drains through immediately; it likes evenly moist soil. Use a high-quality potting soil. Minimal fertilization required. 07 of 16 Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus) This drought-tolerant perennial becomes relatively large and woody over time, so give it a big pot. Its harvested leaves are commonly used in dips and drinks. Like basil, rosemary is just a bit fussier to grow indoors than most of the other selections here. This is mainly because it likes high humidity, a condition that many northern homes lack in winter. To address this challenge, build a tent around your rosemary to trap moisture. Simply install (at a height greater than that of the plant) stakes in the pot, and drape clear plastic over the stakes. Lift up the plastic to gain access when watering, then replace the plastic. As the water evaporates, the tent will trap it and increase humidity. Mature height: 2-6 feet tall, 2-4 feet wide Sun exposure: south-facing window in winter Soil needs: sharp drainage; minimal need for fertilizer; low to average water needs 08 of 16 Sage (Salvia officinalis) Known for its use in poultry stuffing, in particular, this perennial is related to the Salvia flowers with which you are familiar from shopping at garden centers, such as Salvia sylvestris 'May Night.' There is also an ornamental sage (Salvia officinalis 'Tricolor') that sports three colors on its foliage. Sage has only moderate moisture needs, so be sure not to overwater it. Mature height: 2-2.5 feet tall, 2-3 feet wide Sun exposure: south-facing window in winter Soil needs: sharp drainage; minimal need to fertilize 09 of 16 Spearmint (Mentha spicata) Herbs in the mint family are especially easy to grow, even indoors. Known for its use in flavoring drinks, teas, and jelly, this perennial likes its soil to be kept evenly moist. An extra benefit of growing this herb indoors, rather than outdoors in the garden, is that it is invasive. Being contained in a pot on your windowsill, it has nowhere to go. Mature height: 18-36 inches tall, with a narrower spread Sun exposure: west-facing window in winter Soil needs: good drainage; minimal fertilization needed 10 of 16 Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) Thyme is great for flavoring a variety of types of meat. In addition to the kinds of thyme used mainly for culinary purposes, there are also versions of this perennial used in landscaping as a ground cover. Under the right conditions, red mother of thyme (Thymus serpyllum 'Coccineum'), so-named for its flower color, can be quite showy. Thyme is the opposite of rosemary in one respect: It likes low humidity. So save the windowsill in the kitchen (a room that tends to be more humid than most) for your rosemary and find a sunny windowsill in a drier room for your thyme. Thyme is drought-tolerant and can actually be harmed if it gets too much water. You can also dry thyme to use in dishes. Mature height: 6-12 inches tall and wide Sun exposure: south-facing window in winter Soil needs: sharp drainage; minimal fertilization needs 11 of 16 Bay Laurel Bay laurel also known as bay leaf is used to season soups, stews, sauces, and stocks to release its flavor and then removed before serving. Dried bay leaves have a floral and herbal flavor while fresh leaves have stronger, eucalyptus-like notes. In landscapes, bay laurel can be grown as shrubs or large trees in warm climates, and in cooler climates, it can be grown in containers and brought indoors during the winter months. Place it near a sunny window or door and keep it away from cold and hot drafty air. Mature height: 4-8 feet tall Sun exposure: south-facing window in winter Soil needs: good drainage, general-purpose potting mix; minimal fertilization needs 12 of 16 Lemongrass The stalks of lemongrass are used in soups, curries, sauces, marinades, teas, and cocktails for its zingy, lemony-ginger flavor. Native to Sri Lanka and India, lemongrass is a fragrant, ornamental grass that can grow up to 4 feet tall and 3 feet wide. Hardy to zones 10-11, it can also be grown as an annual in cooler climates. Place it in a bright, sunny location indoors and keep it watered regularly. Mature height: 2-4 feet tall, 2–3 feet wide Sun exposure: south-facing window in winter Soil needs: good drainage, keep evenly moist; use high quality potting soil 13 of 16 Marjoram Marjoram is related to oregano, but has a more sweet and floral flavor, and is used in soups, stews, and meat dishes. To grow indoors, it should be planted in well-draining soil in a pot at least 6 inches wide and 6 to 8 inches deep with a drainage hole. Marjoram doesn’t need a lot of humidity, but it will need a lot of light and consistent temperatures. Mature height: 1–2 feet tall and wide Sun exposure: south-facing window in winter Soil needs: good drainage; keep evenly moist; minimal fertilization needed 14 of 16 Cilantro Cilantro is a tasty herb that brightens up dishes with a fresh, citrusy flavor. Used in recipes across the globe, from chimichurri to zhoug, it's a highlight in salsas, sauces, pestos, and dips. Cilantro is a fast-growing herb that will last a few months indoors, due to its tendency to bolt; once it flowers, it turns bitter. Cilantro's life can be extended by pinching it back regularly. Plant cilantro in a plastic pot, about 18-inch wide and 12-inch deep, which helps retain moisture and humidity, and place it in a spot that’s very bright or provides morning sun. Mature height: 1–2 feet tall, 1–1.5 feet wide Sun exposure: morning sun in an east-facing window or a window with very bright light Soil needs: good drainage, evenly moist, acidic 15 of 16 Dill Not only is dill a signature ingredient in pickled foods, it’s bright and grassy with a celery and fennel like flavor that adds punch to salads, soups, sauces, and creamy dips and dressings. Choose a dwarf variety like ‘Fernleaf’, which is ideal for containers, and keep it near a sunny window with evenly moist soil. Like cilantro, dill is a fast growing plant. When it flowers and goes to seed, it will stop producing leaves. Harvest the seeds, also used to season dishes and pickling spice mixes, once they start to turn brown. Mature height: 3-5 feet tall, 2-3 feet wide Sun exposure: south-facing window in winter Soil needs: good drainage; rich, loose, 16 of 16 Chervil Chervil is a delicate herb related to parsley that’s used in egg, fish, and poultry dishes, soups and salads. Common in French cooking it’s often referred to as French parsley and has a light anise flavor. Keep chervil by a sunny window and keep the soil evenly moist. Pinch back and deadhead this plant often to promote growth and prevent bolting. Mature height: 2 feet tall Sun exposure: south-facing window in winter Soil needs: good drainage; keep evenly moist; minimal fertilization needed Tip If you decide to try growing herbs indoors, know that it is best to plant them in separate pots, such that your basil, for example, can grow in its own area apart from your thyme; the latter wants a lot less moisture than the former. By growing them in separate pots, you can gear your care to the specific needs of each herb. What Do You Need to Grow Herbs Indoors? To grow herbs indoors, you first need a spot that suits their light requirements. A rule of thumb is that herbs native to a warm region need a south-facing window in the winter, while herbs that like it a little cooler can survive in a west-facing window in winter. If you don't have adequate light, you can also use an indoor grow light. You'll also need an indoor potting mix that will have the right nutrients to make up for not being planted outside, or you can plant a hydroponic herb system that is soilless and water-based instead. How to Grow Herbs Indoors Growing herbs indoors from cuttings or seeds takes just a few simple steps. Start your herbs indoors in early spring. Whether you're transplanting cuttings or growing from seed, spring is the best time to plant herbs since that's when they'll be in their busiest growing season. Prepare the container with indoor potting mix and by placing it in a sunny window. Plant your seeds or transplant cuttings that have grown roots in water. Consider covering the container with a lid or plastic to create a humid environment during the first few weeks. Make sure the soil stays moist. Once they've grown two sets of leaves or the cuttings have firmly rooted in the soil, you can graduate them from their greenhouse setting and move them to their permanent spot.

When the rest of the garden is starting to go dormant, jewel-like toad lilies are just starting to shine. Learn how to grow these exotic, yet deceptively easy to care for, fall-blooming perennials with biologist and garden enthusiast Lindsay Miller. The origins of the common name “toad lily” is under much speculation. It is likely a reference to this plant’s spotty petals, which resemble the patterns found on toads. Or perhaps it pertains to the three warty nectaries at the base of the flower (nectaries are special tissues that produce nectar). Toad lilies also appreciate plenty of moisture, much like toads and frogs, so maybe that’s it. In any case, the beauty of this plant far surpasses its rather unglamorous name. Toad lilies are little hidden jewels in the garden. Unassuming clumps of gently arching stems bearing simple green foliage fill the garden from spring through fall. Come autumn, as all the other woodland perennials seem to be closing up shop for the season, ornately speckled, orchid-like flowers burst open. Don’t be fooled by the delicate, exotic blooms of this plant. They’re hardy to USDA zones 4 or 5, depending on the variety, and require little coddling or maintenance. These flowers are relatively new to the North American gardening scene, having only been introduced in the 1990s. Their hardiness, exceptionally beautiful flowers, and ability to grow happily in mostly shade should elevate this plant’s status to “must have.” Read on and learn how to grow and care for this remarkable little plant. Overview What Is It? Toad lilies are a group of herbaceous perennials with exotic, jewel-like flowers that open late in the season. There are 16-20 species of Tricyrtis spp., however, just two are readily available for home gardeners. Even before the flowers appear in the fall, the foliage of this perennial provides lovely cover in the shade garden. Stems are upright or elegantly arching. Narrow leaves that resemble those of a small hosta or Solomon’s seal emerge on alternating sides of the stem. Leaves are usually solid medium green. However, some varieties like ‘Variegata’ or ‘Samurai’ have yellow or cream-colored striping. The star-shaped flowers resemble orchids, with six tepals (the botanical term for when a flower has similar inner petals and outer sepals) that unfurl in late summer or early fall. Most often, the tepals are white with purple or dark burgundy splotches, although there is some variation in the coloring depending on the species or cultivar. Toad lilies continue to flower vigorously until the first hard frost, a time when not much else is in bloom. As a fall-blooming perennial, toad lilies are a valuable source of food for pollinators. Bees and hummingbirds easily access the nectar found deep inside the tubular toad lily flowers. Native Area These exotic flowers are native to Asia, from the Philippines north to China, Taiwan, and Japan, and east towards the Himalayas. They primarily grow along shady streambanks, ravines, and woodland edges, where the tree canopy gives way to thickets and open grass areas. Planting Toad lilies thrive in shady beds and borders, where they receive a bit of protection from direct, all-day sun. The fine details and intricate patterns of the flowers are incredibly unique and best observed up close, so place toad lilies along walkways or towards the front of a border, where they can be easily admired. Toad lilies pair beautifully with other shade-loving perennials like ferns, lungwort, coralbells, astilbe, and Siberian bugloss. Most of these plants bloom in the spring through early summer, leaving a gap later in the season that this fall-flowering species fills beautifully. A backdrop of shade-tolerant evergreens, like rhododendrons or a yew, provides a lovely contrast to the pale blooms of the toad lily. You can grow it in containers, provided the pot has plenty of drainage. Note that toad lilies spread slowly via creeping rhizomes and will need regular repotting if it outgrows its container.

Herb gardens are a staple for many gardeners. Not only are herbs fairly easy to grow, but you also get the added benefit of being able to harvest them on a regular basis for your cooking—and say goodbye to wasted store-bought herbs that go off in your fridge. But if you're considering adding mint to your garden—or are already growing it—you may want to think twice. We talked to expert gardeners to find out why you should never grow mint in the garden, and what to grow instead. Why You Shouldn't Grow Mint in the Garden Gardeners say you shouldn't grow mint in your garden because it can spread rapidly. "The main reason to not grow mint is that it tends to be very invasive and difficult to get rid of once it has become established," says Edwin Dysinger, co-founder of Seedtime. Anna Hackman, farmer and managing member at The Naked Botanical, agrees, and says mint can very easily crowd out other plants so they don't receive enough water, soil, nutrients, or even sunlight. Want more gardening tips? Sign up for our free gardening newsletter for our best growing tips, troubleshooting hacks, and more! Can You Still Grow Mint at Home? If you still want to grow mint at home, you have some options. First, Hackman suggests having dedicated beds for your mint, which is something she does herself in her own garden. "I have dedicated beds for my mints and each mint is separated so one doesn't push the other out," she says. Hackman also says if you do want to grow mint but are worried about it taking over your garden, there's an easy answer: grow it in containers, but don't plant the container in the ground. "You will need to pull out some of the mint periodically, so it doesn't choke itself," she says. "I made the mistake thinking I could contain it in a container buried in my garden bed and mint found its way out." Alternatives to Growing Mint Hackman has a self-professed "mint addiction," and grows several varieties like pineapple mint, green apple mint, spearmint, peppermint, and chocolate mint. She also suggests a couple of alternatives, if you like the aroma and appearance of mint but would rather grow something less invasive in your garden. "If you want to grow a mint-like plant, I recommend mountain mint or lemon balm," she says. "Lemon balm will self-seed but you can cut it before it flowers. It generally stays in the same vicinity and doesn't get that large." Mountain mint, she says, is pollinator-friendly and will attract lots of bees, but is a larger option and can grow up to 40 inches. Hackman says there are a range of varieties of mountain mint to fit your needs.