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Many gardeners think they can’t grow herbs indoors unless they have a bright, sunny kitchen window. I used to believe the same until I started experimenting with herb pots in a windowless apartment kitchen years ago. What I discovered is that light is the limiting factor, not space, and with the right setup, herbs can thrive beautifully even in a kitchen with zero natural light.
This guide walks you through what actually works in real homes not idealized greenhouse conditions so you can grow fresh basil, mint, parsley, chives, and more right where you cook.
Why Growing Herbs Without a Window Is Possible
Plants don’t need sunlight they need the light spectrum that sunlight contains. Modern grow lights are designed to mimic this spectrum closely enough for herbs to carry out normal photosynthesis.
What matters most is:
- Right type of light
- Right distance from the plant
- Right watering rhythm
- Good air circulation
- Stable indoor temperatures
Indoor kitchens usually check all these boxes except the light so once you solve that, herbs grow surprisingly well.
What Actually You’ll Need
You don’t need an elaborate setup. Here’s what I’ve used successfully in small apartments:
- A compact LED grow light (clip-on or strip style)
- Pots with drainage holes
- A tray to catch water
- High-quality potting mix (not garden soil—drains too slowly)
- Organic fertilizer (low‑odor, since it’s for the kitchen)
- A small fan or open doorway for air movement (optional but helpful)
Budget-friendly alternatives:
- A basic full‑spectrum LED bulb in a desk lamp
- Recycled containers with added drainage holes
Eco-friendly note: Organic potting mixes and low‑salt fertilizers keep indoor air fresher and reduce nutrient buildup.
Best Herbs to Grow in a Kitchen With No Window
These herbs have consistently done well for me under indoor lights:
Excellent Performers
- Mint – very forgiving, quick growth
- Parsley – slow start but very reliable
- Chives – one of the easiest
- Oregano – likes warm, dry indoor conditions
- Thyme – thrives under steady light
More Challenging but Doable
- Basil – grows well but needs stronger light
- Cilantro – bolts quickly if light is weak
- Rosemary – needs good airflow and careful watering
All can grow indoors, but some need better lighting than others.
Step‑by‑Step: How to Grow Herbs in a Kitchen Without a Window
1. Set Up Your Light Source
Use a full‑spectrum LED grow light. Place it:
- 6–12 inches above the herbs
- On for 12–16 hours per day
In my experience, basil and cilantro prefer the 16‑hour side; thyme and oregano are fine with 12.
Tip: Use a timer so you don’t have to think about it.
2. Choose the Right Pots and Soil
Use:
- Pots with drainage holes
- Light, airy potting mix (not heavy soil)
Herbs indoors rot quickly if the soil stays wet which is why good drainage matters more than most beginners realize.
3. Plant or Transplant Your Herbs
You can start:
- From seed
- From nursery transplants
- From grocery-store herbs (mint and basil adapt well)
If using store-bought herbs, split oversized clumps into smaller pots so air and light reach the stems better.
4. Water Correctly (The Most Common Mistake)
Indoor herbs need:
- Moist, not soggy soil
- Water only when top inch feels dry
- A saucer to catch excess water empty it after watering
In windowless kitchens, humidity can be high. I’ve learned to water herbs less often than outdoor plants.
5. Feed Lightly
Use a gentle, organic liquid fertilizer every:
- 2 weeks for fast growers (basil, mint)
- 4 weeks for slow growers (rosemary, thyme)
Overfeeding makes herbs leggy and weak under artificial light.
6. Give Plants Airflow
Even in kitchens, stagnant air encourages mildew.
You can:
- Leave the kitchen door open
- Run a tiny fan on low
- Space pots so leaves don’t touch
Air movement makes a bigger difference than most beginners expect.
Expert Tips & Real‑World Best Practices
- Rotate pots weekly so stems grow evenly.
- Raise the light as plants grow to maintain the 6–12 inch distance.
- Harvest lightly and regularly to keep herbs compact.
- Avoid overwatering—the #1 killer of indoor herbs.
- Start with easy herbs until you get used to light cycles.
- If herbs get leggy, move the light closer.
- Don’t crowd the shelf—air circulation prevents fungus gnats.
From my experience, the most successful indoor herb setups are the ones kept simple, consistent, and well-lit.
FAQ
Can herbs really grow without any natural light?
Yes. Herbs don’t require sunlight specifically they need the wavelengths that full‑spectrum LEDs provide.
How long should grow lights stay on for herbs?
12–16 hours per day. Outdoor sun is stronger, so indoor lights need longer exposure.
Why is my indoor basil getting leggy or pale?
The light is too far away or too weak. Move the grow light closer.
What herbs grow best in a windowless kitchen?
Mint, chives, parsley, thyme, oregano, and oregano are the most forgiving.
Can I use a regular desk lamp instead of a grow light?
Yes if you replace the bulb with a full‑spectrum LED bulb. Regular warm-white bulbs are too weak.
Why does my indoor rosemary keep dying?
Usually overwatering or lack of airflow. Rosemary prefers drier soil.
When This Method Might Not Work
Avoid growing herbs in a windowless kitchen if:
- Temperatures exceed 85°F frequently (herbs wilt)
- The kitchen gets extremely humid (risk of mold)
- You cannot run a grow light for 12+ hours daily
- You dislike visible lights on the counter
In these cases, grow herbs:
- In another room
- Under a stair light
- In a hallway with a mounted grow light shelf
Alternative Ways to Grow Herbs Indoors
1. Hydroponic Countertop Units
Pros: Fast growth, fun for beginners Cons: Costly, ongoing pod replacements
2. Shelf‑Mounted LED Strips
Pros: Great for renters, expandable Cons: Requires a bit of setup
3. DIY Grow Light Lamp
Pros: Cheapest method Cons: Only works for 1–2 small pots
4. Aerated Mason Jar Setups
Pros: Low maintenance Cons: Works best for mint and chives only
Conclusion
Growing herbs in a kitchen without a window is absolutely possible once you solve the light problem. With a small LED grow light, good soil, careful watering, and steady airflow, herbs like mint, parsley, chives, thyme, and basil grow beautifully on kitchen counters even in completely sunless spaces.
Start simple, keep the light close, water sparingly, and you’ll have fresh herbs year‑round without stepping outside.