Top 10 Herbs You Can Easily Grow Indoors for Year-Round Flavor

Growing herbs indoors is a fantastic way to enhance your homesteading experience. It provides fresh flavors for your cooking and benefits your backyard poultry. Indoor herb gardens offer year-round access to aromatic and flavorful plants, even in small spaces.

Basil, rosemary, thyme, parsley, mint, oregano, chives, sage, dill, and cilantro are excellent choices for indoor cultivation. These herbs not only add zest to your dishes but also offer various benefits for chickens and ducks. From stress relief to immune system boosting, these plants play multiple roles in a homestead.

With proper care and attention, you can make a thriving indoor herb garden. Let’s explore how these versatile plants can enhance your homesteading journey!

List of 10 Herbs to Grow Indoor For Flavor!

Growing herbs indoors is a game-changer for any homesteader looking to add fresh flavors. If you want both an indoor herb garden and a backyard flock, here is my guide to the best herbs –

1. Basil

Basil thrives in warm, sunny spots. I keep mine on a south-facing windowsill and make sure the soil stays moist but not waterlogged. Pinching off the top leaves regularly encourages bushier growth.

• Uses in cooking: Nothing beats fresh basil in homemade pesto or sprinkled over a caprese salad. I also love adding it to homemade pizza using eggs from my hens.
• Benefits for chickens and ducks: Basil is a natural stress reliever for poultry. I often toss a few leaves into the coop, and it’s amazing how quickly the birds peck at it. It can also help repel flies and mosquitoes around the coop area.

2. Rosemary

Rosemary prefers drier soil, so I water it less frequently than other herbs. It needs at least 6 hours of sunlight daily. I’ve found that a terracotta pot helps prevent overwatering.

• Uses in cooking: Rosemary pairs beautifully with roasted chicken or duck. I often stuff whole sprigs under the skin before roasting for an aromatic feast.
• Benefits for poultry health: Rosemary is rich in antioxidants, which can boost the immune system of your flock. I sometimes hang a bunch in the coop for the birds to peck at, which also makes the coop smell wonderful.

3. Thyme

Thyme is quite drought-tolerant. I grow it in well-draining soil and water only when the top inch of soil feels dry.

• Uses in cooking: Thyme is excellent in herb butter, which I use to baste roasted chickens. It also pairs well with egg dishes, perfect for using up excess eggs from your hens.
• Natural insect repellent for coops: Thyme’s strong scent repels insects naturally. I often sprinkle fresh thyme leaves around the coop and nest boxes to keep pests at bay.

Related Article: Thyme for Ducks

4. Parsley

Parsley likes rich, moist soil. I start new plants every year as it’s biennial. It’s a bit slower to germinate, so patience is key.

• Uses in cooking: Parsley brightens up many dishes. I love using it in tabbouleh or as a garnish for deviled eggs made with our hens’ eggs.
• Nutritional boost for chickens and ducks: Parsley is packed with vitamins and can help lay hens produce darker yolks. I chop it finely and mix it into their feed as a nutritious treat.

Related Read: Parsley for Ducks as a Healthy Treat

5. Mint

Mint grows vigorously, so I always keep it in its own container to prevent it from taking over. It likes partial shade and moist soil.

• Uses in cooking: Mint is refreshing in summer salads and drinks. I love adding it to homemade lemonade or using it in a marinade for grilled duck.
• Cooling herb for poultry in summer: During hot days, I add mint leaves to my chickens’ water. It not only keeps them cool but also encourages them to drink more.

Related Read: Why Including Mint in Ducks Diet

6. Oregano

Oregano prefers full sun and well-draining soil. I trim it regularly to keep it bushy and productive.

• Uses in cooking: Oregano is a staple in many of my tomato-based sauces and pairs wonderfully with eggs in frittatas.
• Natural antibiotic properties for poultry: I add fresh oregano to my chickens’ feed as a natural immune booster. It’s particularly helpful during stressful times like molting.

7. Chives

Chives are easy to grow and prefer full sun. I divide my chive plants every few years to keep them vigorous.

• Uses in cooking: Chives add a mild onion flavor to dishes. I love sprinkling them over scrambled eggs or mixing them into homemade mayonnaise.
• Egg-laying stimulant for hens: Chives can help stimulate egg production. I often let my hens nibble on chive plants in the garden during supervised free-range time.

8. Sage

Sage likes full sun and well-draining soil. I prune it in the spring to encourage new growth.

• Uses in cooking: Sage is classic in poultry dishes. I use it in my stuffing recipe for roast duck and in herb rubs for grilled chicken.
• Respiratory health benefits for poultry: Sage can help with respiratory issues in chickens. I hang bundles of sage in the coop, especially during damp weather.

9. Dill

Dill prefers cool weather and full sun. I succession plant it every few weeks for a continuous harvest.

• Uses in cooking: Dill is wonderful in creamy sauces and dips. I love using it in homemade ranch dressing, perfect for serving with fresh veggies.
• Digestive aid for ducks: Dill can help with digestion in ducks. I often sprinkle chopped dill over their feed or float some in their water.

10. Cilantro

Cilantro bolts quickly in heat, so I plant it in partial shade and succession plant every few weeks.

• Uses in cooking: Cilantro adds a fresh, citrusy flavor to dishes. It’s great in salsas and guacamole, which I love making with our fresh eggs.
• Vitamin-rich treats for chickens: Cilantro is packed with vitamins and minerals. I often toss whole cilantro plants to my chickens as a nutritious treat, stems and all.

Related Reads:

• Herbs for Ducks
• Benefits of Herbs for Chickens

Get a few tips to grow indoor herbs for flavor from the following video!

FAQs

Want to know more about flavorful herbs for homesteading? Hope the Q&A section will help you out!

Q: What kind of light do I need for my indoor herb garden?

A: Most herbs need at least 6 hours of bright, indirect sunlight daily. A south-facing window is ideal. If sunlight is limited, consider using grow lights to supplement natural light.

Q: How often do I need to water my indoor herbs?

A: Watering needs vary depending on the herb, pot size, and climate. Generally, water when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot.

Q: What kind of soil should I use for my indoor herbs?

A: Use a well-draining potting mix specifically formulated for herbs or vegetables.

Q: Do I need to fertilize my indoor herbs?

A: You can fertilize your herbs occasionally with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength during the growing season. Most herbs don’t require frequent fertilization.

Q: How do I harvest my indoor herbs?

A: Harvest leaves regularly to encourage bushier growth. Pinch off leaves just above a node (the bump where leaves meet the stem).

Final Word

Growing herbs indoors is a truly rewarding experience that brings so many benefits to your homestead. Not only do these versatile plants enhance your culinary creations, but they also support the health of your poultry. Remember, providing adequate light, proper watering, and occasional care is key to a thriving indoor herb garden.

With just a little effort, you’ll enjoy fresh flavors and happy, healthy chickens and ducks all year round. Start your indoor herb garden today and elevate your homesteading experience!