Choose Your HerbsGood choices include basil, cilantro, dill, oregano, rosemary, sage, and thyme. You can start herbs from seed or purchase small plants. Annual herbs are especially easy to start from seed; most perennial herbs take longer to germinate and grow so it's easier to start with plants.
Choose ContainersUse individual pots for each plant so you can give each herb the specific care it needs. Be sure containers have drainage holes and waterproof saucers.
Fill Your Container with Potting MixIf you're starting seeds, use a commercial seed-starting mix, such as Miracle-Gro® Moisture Control Potting Mix, or a 50:50 combination of the two. Avoid using garden soil, which tends to be heavy and may contain disease organisms. Sow seeds, checking the seed packet to determine planting depth.
Place Containers in a Sunny, South-Facing WindowWater to keep soil moist but not soggy, and drain saucers after watering. Fertilize every two weeks with an all-purpose fertilizer, such as Miracle-Gro® Water Soluble All Purpose Plant Food.
A sunny, south-facing window is adequate for most herbs, although supplemental fluorescent lights will help in winter. Don't allow foliage to touch cold windows. If you want to plant multiple types of herbs in a single container, make sure they have the same cultural requirements. Learn what conditions each herb prefers. For example, basil prefers warmth, while sage and rosemary like cooler temperatures.
