Introductions
Growing herbs indoors is a fun and easy way to enhance the flavor of your food and enjoy gardening. Many people think that herbs need direct sunlight to grow, but that’s not true! Even if you live in a place that doesn’t get much sunlight — like an apartment, basement, or a room with small windows — you can still grow healthy herbs.
This guide will teach you how to grow herbs indoors using special lights, the right soil, and proper care. Whether you’re just starting out gardening or already know something, you’ll learn how to keep your herbs fresh and healthy without the need for sunlight!
Choosing the Right Herbs
Not all herbs can grow indoors without sunlight, so it’s important to choose the right ones. Some herbs can grow well in low light, while others need special lights to stay healthy. Here are some of the best herbs to grow indoors without natural sunlight.
Best herbs for low-light conditions
These herbs can grow even with a little sunlight or artificial light:
- Mint – grows quickly and does well in shade.
- Parsley – can grow in low light, but it grows slowly.
- Chives – hardy and easy to grow indoors.
- Cilantro – can grow with little light but needs extra care.
- Lemon balm – grows well in shade and smells like lemon.
Herbs that need artificial light.
Some herbs need more light, but can also be grown indoors if you use LED grow lights or fluorescent lights:
- Basil – needs bright light but grows well under special lights.
- Thyme – likes more light but can adjust to growing indoors.
- Oregano – grows better with a grow light.
- Rosemary – needs strong light but can grow well with proper care.
Tips for choosing the right herbs
Think about your space – if you don’t have a lot of space, choose smaller herbs like chives or parsley.
Choose the herbs you’ll use – grow herbs you want to cook with, like basil for pasta or mint for tea.
Check how easy they are to grow – some herbs, like rosemary, require more care, while others, like mint, grow easily.
Alternative Light Sources for Growing Herbs Indoors
Herbs need light to grow, but if you don’t have access to sunlight, you can use special lights instead. These lights work like the sun and help herbs grow stronger and healthier. Here are some of the best lights you can use to grow herbs indoors.
LED Grow Lights
LED lights are great because they give plants the right kind of light. They don’t get too hot, so they won’t burn your herbs.They use less electricity, so they last longer.
Best for: Basil, Rosemary, Oregano, Thyme
Fluorescent Lights (CFL or T5 Bulbs)
Fluorescent lights are inexpensive and work well for herbs. They give off bright, soft light that helps plants grow.Perfect for small spaces like kitchen counters or shelves.
Best for: Parsley, chives, cayenne pepper, mint
Full Spectrum Grow Lights
These lights emit blue and red light, just like the sun. Blue light helps herbs grow leaves.Red light helps herbs grow flowers.These are the best lights if you want strong, healthy plants.
Best for: All types of herbs
Incandescent Lights (Not Recommended)
Incandescent bulbs are what we use at home, but they’re not good for plants. They don’t give off the right kind of light. They get too hot and can damage plants. It’s better to use LED or fluorescent lights instead.
Setting Up an Indoor Herb Garden
Now that you’ve chosen the right herbs and lights, it’s time to start your herb garden! A good setup will help your plants grow strong and healthy. Here’s what you need to do:
1.Find the perfect location.
Although your herbs don’t need sunlight, they still need a safe and comfortable place to grow. Here are some good spots:
Kitchen counter – It’s easy to grab herbs while you’re cooking.
Windowsill – Some indirect light can help.
Shelf or rack – Saves space and keeps plants neat.
Under a cabinet – A great place for small grow lights.
2.Choose the right pots.
Your herbs need the right type of pots to grow well. The best pots have:
Drainage holes – allow excess water to drain out so the roots don’t rot.
The right size – Small herbs need smaller pots. Fast-growing herbs need larger ones.
Different materials – Plastic, clay, or ceramic pots all work well.
3.Use the right soil.
Herbs need light, well-draining soil to grow indoors.
Use potting mix – holds water but drains well.
Avoid garden soil – it’s too heavy and holds too much water.
Add perlite or sand – this helps water drain faster.
4.Water your herbs properly.
Don’t overwater! Herbs need moist, but not soggy, soil.
Test the soil – if the top inch is dry, it’s time to water.
Use room temperature water – cold water can shock the plants.
Use a spray bottle – this is great for gently watering small herbs.
5.Set up grow lights.
Since your herbs don’t get sunlight, they need artificial lights to grow.
Place grow lights 6-12 inches above the herbs.
Keep the lights on for 12 to 16 hours a day.
Use a timer – this automatically turns the lights on and off.
Caring for Herbs Indoors
Once your herbs are growing, you need to take care of them so they stay healthy and strong. Here are some easy tips to keep them happy!
Water your herbs
Don’t overwater! Herbs like moist soil, but not too wet.
Test the soil – stick your finger in the soil. If the top feels dry, add water.
Use room temperature water – cold water can shock the plants.
Water gently – a spray bottle or a small watering can works best.
Give them plenty of light
If using grow lights, place them 6-12 inches above the herbs. Leave the lights on for 12-16 hours each day.Use a timer so the lights turn on and off automatically.
Trim and Prune
Trim your herbs often to encourage more leaves. Don’t cut too much! Take only ⅓ of the plant at a time. Use clean scissors to keep your herbs healthy.
Feed your herbs
Use a liquid fertilizer every 2-4 weeks to help them grow.Don’t overdo it! Too much fertilizer can damage the plant.
Keep them healthy
Watch for yellow leaves – this could mean too much water.
Check for insects – if you see small insects, wipe the leaves with a damp cloth.
Give them fresh air – open a window occasionally or use a small fan to move the air.
Conclusion
Growing herbs indoors without sunlight can be fun and easy if you follow the right steps. Choose herbs that grow well in low light, use artificial lights, and take good care of them. With the right setup, your herbs will stay healthy and strong even without sunlight.
Water them properly, prune them often, and watch for any problems to help them grow well. With a little effort, you can create a beautiful indoor herb garden and enjoy fresh herbs in your meals every day!
FAQs
Can I grow herbs indoors without sunlight?
Yes! Many herbs can grow indoors with artificial lights like LED grow lights or fluorescent bulbs. Some herbs, like mint and parsley, can grow even in low light.
What are the best herbs to grow indoors without sunlight?
Some good herbs to grow indoors include mint, parsley, chives, cilantro, lemon balm, basil, thyme, oregano, and rosemary.
What type of light should I use for indoor herbs?
LED grow lights and fluorescent lights (CFL or T5 bulbs) are the best choices because they help plants grow well. Full-spectrum grow lights are best for strong, healthy plants.
How many hours of light do indoor herbs need?
Herbs need 12-16 hours of light each day. A timer can help turn the lights on and off automatically.
How often should I water my herbs?
Water your herbs when the top inch of soil feels dry. Be careful not to overwater, as too much water can cause root rot.