How to start growing herbs in your apartment: a complete guide for beginners

Fresh basil for dough, mint for tea, parsley for soup – everything at your fingertips.

 

Photo: Various types of plants in modern flower pots. Source: freepik.com

Most people think that growing herbs is difficult – that you need a garden, green fingers, and hours of time. But the reality is completely different. You can grow herbs in your apartment even if your cactus dies.

In this guide, I'll show you how to get started even without a garden or balcony. You'll learn what you really need, which herbs are best for beginners, and how to avoid the most common mistakes that all newbies make.

⚠️ Warning: 90% of people make the same mistakes that cause their herbs to die after just a week. If you want to know what you're doing wrong, read the article at the end to see how to proceed.

 

 

WHY GROW HERBS IN YOUR APARTMENT?

You might think that herbs from the store are enough. They are cheap, readily available, and there is no work involved. But the reality is different:

·      Fresh herbs whenever you need them – no running to the store on Sunday night, no wilted leaves in the fridge.

·      Saving money – fresh basil costs €2-3 in the store and lasts a few days. A home-grown plant will last you months.

·      Better quality than from the supermarket – no pesticides, no chemicals, just pure taste.

·      Lively kitchen decor – greenery in the apartment is not just aesthetic. It supports air quality and psychological well-being.

Reality: Most people give up after the first failure. Basil turns yellow, rosemary withers, mint starts to rot. If this has happened to you, you are not alone. And most importantly – you are not a bad grower. You are just making the same mistakes as everyone else.

 

WHAT YOU NEED TO GET STARTED

Photo: A woman in a red apron transplants basil seedlings. Source: freepik.com

You don't need any special equipment, no courses, or experience. Just follow a few basic principles.

 

 

Light

Light is everything. Without it, you can have the best soil and pot, but your herbs will end up weak, pale, and lackluster. Most herbs need 6-8 hours of light a day.

Solutions:

·      South-facing window – ideal if you have a lot of natural light.

·      LED grow light – if you have north or northwest facing windows, use artificial lighting. The price of such lighting ranges from €15.

❌ Common Mistake: People put herbs in a north-facing window and wonder why they die. Lack of light is the #1 reason plants fail.

The right flower pot

A flower pot is not just a design accessory. Its function is crucial for the health of the plant.

·      Drainage is essential – every pot must have holes for water to drain. Without this, there is a risk of waterlogging and root rot.

·      Size according to the type of herb – mint needs a larger pot (it grows), basil has a smaller root system.

·      Material: ceramic vs. plastic – ceramic is stable and aesthetically pleasing, plastic containers are light and cheap.

❌ Common mistake: A pot without drainage holes = plant death. Water stagnates at the bottom, the roots rot. This is the #3 reason why your herbs die.

Substrate and nutrition

Soil from the garden is not suitable. It contains pests, mold, and has poor drainage.

·      Don't underestimate the quality of the soil - buy a quality substrate from a gardening store.

·      Recommended medium: Vermiculite or peat – provide proper moisture and drainage.

·      Fertilization: once every 2-3 weeks during the growth phase - herbs are not demanding, but regular fertilization will promote their growth and fragrance.

❌ Common mistake: Classic garden soil is too dense for flower pots. After watering, it becomes a hard crust - this is the #6 reason why plants suffocate their roots.

Watering

The most common mistake: overflowing. Most people kill herbs by giving them too much water.

·      Rule of thumb: Check the moisture with your finger or a moisture meter. If the soil is damp, do nothing.

·      Different herbs = different needs – basil wants regularly moist soil, rosemary prefers drier soil.

❌ The most common cause of death: Overwatering. Yellow leaves, root rot, mold on the surface of the soil – these are all signs that you are watering too often. This is the #2 reason why herbs die.

 

TOP 5 HERBS FOR BEGINNERS

Photo: Seedlings of various types of herbs. Source: freepik.com

Not all herbs are equally easy to grow. Some are forgiving of mistakes, others are not. Here are five of the most resilient types:

1. Mint – hardy, fast growing, even survives neglect. Great for tea, cocktails and desserts.

2. Chives – minimal care, grows almost by itself. Ideal for dishes, soups and spreads.

3. Basil – popular, but it needs warmth and light. If you give it that, the reward is an intense aroma and flavor.

4. Sage – drought-resistant, doesn't mind occasional neglect. Used for cooking and medicinal purposes.

5. Parsley – it grows slowly, but lasts a long time. Patience pays off – fresh parsley is irreplaceable.

❌ Common mistake: Choosing the wrong herb. Rosemary for a dark bathroom? Basil for a cold hallway? This is the #7 reason why plants die even if you do everything according to the instructions.

 

THE MOST COMMON BEGINNER MISTAKES

Most beginners make the same mistakes. You've already seen some of them in this article:

·      Lack of light – pale leaves, stretched stems

·      Overwatering – root rot, yellow leaves, mold

·      Poor drainage – standing water at the bottom of the pot

·      Incorrect temperature – cold rooms, drafts, radiator

·      Lack of nutrients – the plant has sucked everything out of the substrate

·      Poor substrate - dense soil, poor drainage

·      Wrong choice of herb – plant unsuitable for the given conditions

This is just a brief overview. If you want to know exactly how these errors manifest themselves, how to recognize them, and most importantly – how to fix them, read our detailed article:

👉 " 7 Reasons Why Your Herbs Are Dying (and How to Fix It Once and for All)"

You'll learn the specific symptoms of each error, the exact solutions, and how to prevent repeated losses. No guessing – just facts and practical advice.

CONCLUSION

Growing herbs isn't rocket science. Start with simple ones like mint, chives, or sage, which will forgive you for your beginner's mistakes. Give them light, humidity, and a little attention.

Reality: Most people make the same mistakes and give up after the first failure. If you want to learn exactly what you're doing wrong and how to fix it, keep reading.

🌿 Next steps:

·      If your herbs are dying → Read "7 reasons why your herbs are dying"

·      If you're tired of daily monitoring → Check out "Smart vs. traditional growing - Is it worth the investment?"

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)

Do I need a balcony to grow herbs?

No. You can also grow herbs indoors as long as they have enough light (window or LED lamp).

What herbs are the easiest?

Mint, chives, and sage are almost indestructible, even for complete beginners.

How often should you water herbs in your apartment?

It depends on the species. Basil likes moist soil, rosemary prefers drier soil. Check the moisture content of the substrate with your finger.

Can I use regular garden soil?

It's not ideal - it can contain pests and lack drainage. Buy a quality substrate from a gardening supply store.

How much does it cost to start growing herbs?

A basic setup (pots + soil + seeds) will cost around €10-20. An LED lamp will add another €15-40.

Why are my herbs dying even though I water them properly?

The problem could be lack of light, poor drainage, unsuitable substrate or incorrect temperature. Read our article "7 Reasons Why Your Herbs Are Dying" for a detailed analysis.