Even if you don’t have an outdoor gardening space, there are plenty of herbs that you can successfully grow indoors on a sunny windowsill. Add that ‘just picked’ taste to your meals – even when the rain is pelting against the kitchen window – by growing herbs indoors over winter.

Chives

winter herbs

Easy to grow, chives pack a lot of flavor for their compact size, complementing many dishes of numerous cuisines from breakfast to dinner.

Sun: 4 – 6 hours

Temperature: Average room temperature. Will withstand temperature fluctuation of 13 – 24 degrees.

Soil: All purpose potting mix

Water: Twice a week when the soil surface feels dry. The tips of the foliage will turn yellow if the plant is too dry.

Oregano

winter herbs

A staple in households, used most frequently in Italian dishes and as a pizza topping.

Sun: 6 – 8 hours

Temperature: Average room temperature. Will withstand temperature fluctuation of 13 – 24 degrees.

Soil: Well-drained, sandy soil mix.

Water: Water when soil surface feels dry, about once a week. Oregano is susceptible to root rot so do not over water.

Rosemary

winter herbs

A native of the Mediterranean region and member of the mint family, rosemary is a lovely, easy-to-grow plant with great culinary and ornamental value.

Sun: 6+ hours

Temperature: Average room temperature. Will withstand temperature fluctuation of 7 – 21 degrees in winter.

Soil: Well drained sandy soil mix.

Water: Allow the top 5 – 7cm or so of soil to dry out between waterings, then water thoroughly.

Thyme

winter herbs

The intense flavour of thyme complements most meats and works extremely well in winter crockpot stews or roasts.

Sun: 6+ hours

Temperature: Average room temperature. Will withstand temperature fluctuation of 10 – 24 degrees in winter.

Soil: Well drained sandy soil mix.

Water: Allow the top 2.5cm or so of soil to dry out between waterings, then water thoroughly.

Parsley

winter herbs

More than just a garnish, parsley adds a light, fresh flavour and burst of colour to many dishes.

Sun: 6+ hours

Temperature: Average room temperature. Will withstand temperature fluctuation of 13 – 24 degrees in winter.

Soil: All purpose potting mix.

Water: Water twice a week when the soil surface feels dry.