Think your kitchen’s too small for a garden? Think again. With a little creativity and the right setup, you can grow fresh, fragrant herbs right in your compact cooking space. Whether you’re working with a narrow windowsill, a countertop corner, or even a wall, a tiny herb garden is completely doable—and incredibly rewarding.
Here’s how to make it happen, step by step.
1. Choose the Right Herbs
Select herbs that are easy to grow indoors, don’t require a lot of space, and match your cooking habits.
Best herbs for tiny kitchens:
- Basil – Loves sun and warmth, perfect for Italian dishes
- Mint – Great for drinks and desserts (but keep it in its own pot)
- Parsley – A compact and hardy garnish herb
- Thyme – A low-growing herb that thrives in containers
- Chives – Mild onion flavor and grows quickly
- Cilantro – Fast-growing and great in tacos, soups, and salads
- Oregano – Ideal for Mediterranean dishes and easy to prune
2. Pick the Perfect Spot
Herbs need plenty of light to thrive—at least 4–6 hours of sunlight daily.
Ideal kitchen locations:
- A sunny windowsill, preferably south- or west-facing
- Under a cabinet-mounted grow light
- On a countertop near a window
- On a wall-mounted shelf with good airflow
If natural light is limited, consider a small LED grow light to keep herbs healthy year-round.
3. Choose the Right Containers
Look for:
- Small pots with drainage holes
- Self-watering planters for less frequent watering
- Wall planters, mason jars, or hanging containers to save space
Tip: Use a tray or saucer underneath pots to catch any excess water and keep your counters clean.
4. Use Quality Potting Mix
Skip garden soil. Instead, use a well-draining potting mix formulated for indoor plants. Consider mixing in a little perlite or sand to improve drainage.
5. Water Wisely
Overwatering is the biggest mistake in indoor herb gardening. Most herbs prefer soil that’s moist but not soggy.
- Check soil with your finger—water when the top inch feels dry
- Water at the base, not on the leaves
- Ensure pots drain completely to prevent root rot
6. Harvest Often and Correctly
- Snip the top leaves first to encourage bushier growth
- Never cut more than 1/3 of the plant at a time
- Regular trimming keeps herbs productive and flavorful
7. Keep It Tidy
In a tiny kitchen, clutter adds up fast. Keep your herb garden neat by:
- Grouping pots together on a tray
- Labeling each herb
- Using hanging or tiered planters to free up counter space
8. Bonus: Grow From Cuttings
Once your kitchen herb garden is thriving, you can expand it by propagating herbs from cuttings like basil, mint, or oregano—just place a stem in water until roots form, then pot it.
Tiny Space, Big Flavor
A small kitchen doesn’t mean you have to give up on growing your own herbs. With just a little light, care, and clever planning, you can enjoy the freshness of homegrown herbs at your fingertips—whether you’re garnishing a dish or brewing a cup of mint tea.
