21 DIY Indoor Herb Garden Ideas to Grow Herbs in Any Space

Imagine waking up every morning and snipping fresh basil for your omelet or plucking mint leaves for your afternoon tea—right from your kitchen window! Indoor herb gardens aren’t just practical; they bring a touch of living green into your home and elevate your cooking game. Whether you’re working with a tiny apartment or a spacious home, I’ve got some creative ways to grow herbs indoors that will work for your space and lifestyle.

As someone who killed more than my fair share of herbs before figuring things out (we don’t talk about the Great Basil Disaster of 2022), I’m excited to share these doable DIY herb garden ideas. Ready to get your hands a little dirty and your meals a lot tastier? Let’s grow!

1. Mason Jar Herb Garden

Mason jars aren’t just for hipster cocktails anymore! This classic container makes for a charming herb garden that’s perfect for windowsills and countertops. Plus, they let you see the beautiful root systems develop over time.

Step by Step:

1. Gather several mason jars (pint or quart size work best)
2. Place a 1-inch layer of pebbles at the bottom for drainage
3. Fill jars about 2/3 full with quality potting soil
4. Plant one herb variety per jar
5. Add small plant labels (you can use popsicle sticks!)
6. Place in a sunny window and water when the top inch of soil feels dry

Picture this: A row of gleaming glass jars lined up on your kitchen windowsill, each filled with different herbs at various heights – the feathery dill reaching up, the bushy basil spreading out, and the trailing thyme cascading over the edge. The morning sun catches the water droplets on the leaves, and every time you walk by, you get a whiff of that garden-fresh scent.

Check out these stunning bookshelf ideas for displaying your mason jar herbs alongside your favorite cookbooks!

2. Hanging Herb Planters

No counter space? No problem! Take your herb garden vertical with hanging planters that make use of that empty airspace in your kitchen or by a bright window.

Step by Step:

1. Choose macramé hangers or mounted wall planters
2. Select small pots with drainage holes that fit your hangers
3. Fill with herb potting mix
4. Plant herbs that don’t grow too large (thyme, oregano, and mint work well)
5. Hang in a spot with good light that’s easy to reach for watering and harvesting
6. Turn occasionally to ensure even growth

Picture this: Sunlight filtering through your kitchen window, casting dancing shadows from your hanging herb garden onto the wall. The plants create a living curtain of greens at different levels, with their distinctive leaf shapes and textures adding visual interest. The gentle sway when you brush past them releases their aromatic oils, giving you an instant mood boost.

For more vertical space solutions, explore these cozy balcony ideas that can incorporate hanging herb gardens!

3. Upcycled Tin Can Planters

One person’s trash is another person’s herb garden! Repurposed tin cans make for quirky, eco-friendly herb planters that cost practically nothing to create.

Step by Step:

1. Clean empty food cans thoroughly and remove labels
2. Using a nail and hammer, punch several drainage holes in the bottom
3. Sand any sharp edges for safety
4. Paint the cans with non-toxic paint or wrap with decorative paper/fabric
5. Add rocks at the bottom, then potting soil
6. Plant your choice of herbs
7. Display on a shallow tray to catch excess water

Picture this: A colorful collection of different-sized cans lined up on your kitchen windowsill, each with its own personality – some painted in bright colors, others wrapped in rustic twine or patterned fabric. The herbs burst forth from these humble containers, proving that you don’t need fancy planters to grow a beautiful and useful indoor garden.

If you enjoy this rustic aesthetic, you’ll love these wood pallet furniture ideas for more upcycled home decor!

4. Window Herb Box

Maximize that sunny window space with a dedicated herb box that fits right on the sill, giving your herbs prime real estate for catching those essential rays.

Step by Step:

1. Measure your windowsill and purchase or build a planter box to fit
2. Make sure the box has drainage holes or add a layer of pebbles
3. Line with plastic if you’re concerned about water damage to the sill
4. Fill with high-quality potting mix
5. Plant several varieties of herbs, keeping similar water needs together
6. Place tallest herbs at the back, trailing varieties at the front
7. Water consistently but avoid overwatering

Picture this: A wooden window box overflowing with herbs that create a mini ecosystem right inside your home. The fragrances blend together as the breeze comes through the open window. The varying heights and textures create visual interest, while the practical arrangement means you’re just an arm’s reach away from adding freshness to your meals.

For more window decoration inspiration, browse these small front porch ideas that have similar sun-loving plant arrangements!

5. Tiered Herb Stand

Stack your herbs with style using a multi-level stand that maximizes your growing space while creating a decorative display.

Step by Step:

1. Find a tiered plant stand or repurpose a small bookshelf/step stool
2. Position near a window with adequate light
3. Add small individual pots with drainage holes
4. Arrange herbs with the most sun-loving varieties on top tiers
5. Group herbs with similar watering needs together
6. Leave space between pots for air circulation
7. Rotate pots occasionally for even growth

Picture this: A beautiful wooden or metal stand creating a cascade of greenery in your kitchen corner. Each tier holds perfectly positioned herb pots, creating a lush display of different textures and shades of green. The vertical arrangement creates a focal point in your kitchen while keeping your precious counter space free for meal prep.

For more multi-level display ideas, check out these minimalist dining room ideas that incorporate similar tiered stands!

6. Repurposed Teacup Herb Garden

Give those vintage teacups gathering dust a new life as charming herb planters! This delicate herb garden brings personality and whimsy to your indoor growing space.

Step by Step:

1. Collect unused teacups and saucers (thrift stores are great for this!)
2. Carefully drill small drainage holes in the bottom of each cup
3. Place cups on their matching saucers to catch excess water
4. Fill with lightweight potting mix
5. Plant small herbs like thyme, chamomile, or chives that won’t outgrow the cups
6. Arrange on a sunny windowsill or display shelf
7. Water sparingly to avoid overflow

Picture this: A collection of mismatched vintage teacups bringing charm to your kitchen shelf, each one housing a different herb. The delicate porcelain patterns contrast beautifully with the natural greenery spilling over the edges. It’s functional art that sparks conversation and adds character to your space while providing fresh herbs for your cooking adventures.

For more ideas on displaying collections, explore these coffee table decor ideas that balance functionality with personal style!

7. Indoor Herb Wall

Take your herb garden vertical with a living wall that makes a major statement while saving precious floor and counter space.

Step by Step:

1. Purchase a pocket wall planter or create one from canvas/felt
2. Secure firmly to a wall that gets adequate light
3. Line each pocket with plastic to prevent wall damage
4. Fill pockets with quality potting mix
5. Plant herbs with similar water requirements in the same row
6. Install a small drip irrigation system or water carefully by hand
7. Harvest regularly to encourage bushy growth

Picture this: An entire wall transformed into a lush tapestry of living herbs, with varying colors and textures creating a natural piece of art. The vertical garden becomes the focal point of your kitchen or dining area, filling the space with fresh scents and giving you easy access to cooking herbs. Guests can’t help but comment on your innovative approach to indoor gardening.

To complement your herb wall, consider these Scandinavian living room ideas that incorporate natural elements into your home decor!

8. Countertop Hydroponic Garden

Skip the soil altogether with a modern hydroponic setup that grows herbs faster and cleaner than traditional methods.

Step by Step:

1. Purchase a small hydroponic kit or create your own with containers and growing medium
2. Set up near a sunny window or add grow lights
3. Fill the reservoir with water and nutrient solution
4. Insert herb seedlings or seeds according to kit instructions
5. Monitor water levels and replenish nutrients as needed
6. Keep water between 65-75°F for optimal growth
7. Harvest regularly once plants are established

Picture this: A sleek, modern hydroponic system humming quietly on your countertop, growing perfect herbs without a speck of soil in sight. The roots dangle in nutrient-rich water, visible through transparent containers, adding a science-meets-nature vibe to your kitchen. Your herbs grow faster and larger than their soil counterparts, and there’s zero mess when you harvest for your culinary creations.

If you love this clean, modern approach, you’ll appreciate these minimalist living room ideas that complement the streamlined look of hydroponics!

9. Rolling Cart Herb Garden

Keep your herbs mobile with a dedicated cart that can follow the sun throughout the day or be rolled away when you need the space.

Step by Step:

1. Get a multi-tiered rolling cart (bar carts work great!)
2. Line each shelf with plastic or trays for water protection
3. Arrange herbs in individual pots with drainage
4. Group by watering needs on different shelves
5. Keep frequently used herbs on the most accessible level
6. Roll to optimal light positions throughout the day
7. Use the bottom shelf for storing gardening supplies

Picture this: A stylish metal or wooden cart loaded with vibrant herbs that can be positioned perfectly throughout the day. In the morning, it sits by the east-facing window catching those first rays, then moves to follow the sun’s path. During dinner prep, you roll it right next to your cooking area for easy access to fresh flavors. It’s functional, flexible, and adds a touch of greenery wherever it goes.

For more movable home solutions, take a look at these outdoor sofa ideas that can be adapted for indoor herb display spaces!

10. Herb Garden Under Cabinet Lights

Turn that dark under-cabinet space into a thriving herb garden with the help of grow lights, perfect for kitchens without enough natural light.

Step by Step:

1. Install LED grow lights under your kitchen cabinets
2. Choose herbs that thrive in moderate light (mint, parsley, cilantro)
3. Use small matching pots with drainage holes and saucers
4. Set up a timer for the lights (14-16 hours daily is ideal)
5. Keep herbs pruned to prevent them from growing into the lights
6. Water carefully to avoid electrical components
7. Rotate plants occasionally for even growth

Picture this: The space beneath your kitchen cabinets transformed into a productive growing zone bathed in a purple-pink glow. The herbs thrive in this controlled environment, creating a lush countertop border that’s both beautiful and practical. When cooking, you simply reach over and snip what you need, while the under-cabinet lighting doubles as task lighting for food prep.

For more smart kitchen lighting solutions, explore these country kitchen ideas that make the most of available space!

11. Magnetic Herb Containers

Turn your refrigerator or metal backsplash into an herb garden with magnetic planters that stick right where you want them.

Step by Step:

1. Purchase magnetic containers or attach strong magnets to small pots
2. Add drainage material like activated charcoal at the bottom
3. Fill with lightweight potting mix
4. Plant small, shallow-rooted herbs like oregano or thyme
5. Attach to any magnetic surface (refrigerator, magnetic board, etc.)
6. Remove for watering and replace once drained
7. Rearrange as needed to create visual interest

Picture this: Your refrigerator door sporting a collection of small herb planters, turning an ordinary appliance into a vertical garden. The herbs add a pop of color and life to your kitchen, and their placement at eye level means you never forget to water them. Each magnet pot becomes a living magnet of its own, attracting attention and admiration from visitors.

If you enjoy creative storage solutions, you’ll appreciate these tiny house kitchen ideas that use magnetic and vertical storage techniques!

12. Customized Herb Drawer

Transform an old drawer into a portable herb garden with personality – perfect for apartments or homes where floor space is at a premium.

Step by Step:

1. Find an old wooden drawer or small crate
2. Sand rough edges and apply waterproof sealant inside
3. Drill drainage holes in the bottom
4. Add a layer of pebbles, then potting soil
5. Divide the space with small dividers if desired
6. Plant different herbs in each section
7. Add decorative handles for easy transport
8. Place on a sunny windowsill or table

Picture this: A vintage wooden drawer reborn as a charming herb garden, its weathered exterior contrasting beautifully with the fresh greenery inside. The different herbs create a patchwork of textures and shades in their organized sections. When you have guests, you can move the entire garden to the dining table as a centerpiece that’s not just decorative but dinner-enhancing too.

For more repurposed vintage items, check out these antique bedroom ideas that can inspire your herb garden containers!

13. Self-Watering Bottle Herb Garden

Create a low-maintenance herb garden using recycled plastic bottles that water themselves – perfect for forgetful gardeners or busy households.

Step by Step:

1. Clean and cut a 2-liter plastic bottle in half
2. Invert the top half into the bottom half
3. Fill the bottom reservoir with water
4. Thread strips of cotton fabric through the bottle cap to act as wicks
5. Fill the top section with potting mix
6. Plant herbs that enjoy consistent moisture
7. Refill the water reservoir when it gets low

Picture this: Crystal-clear bottles transformed into self-sustaining ecosystems on your windowsill. You can see the water level through the transparent bottom, making it easy to monitor. The herbs grow lush and happy with their consistent access to moisture, and you enjoy weeks of growth with minimal intervention. It’s satisfying to watch the science in action as the water travels up the wicks to nourish your plants.

For more eco-friendly home ideas, browse these minimalist bedroom ideas that incorporate sustainable and repurposed elements!

14. Floating Window Herb Shelves

Install transparent acrylic shelves across your window to create a stunning display of herbs that maximizes light exposure while saving surface space.

Step by Step:

1. Measure your window and purchase acrylic shelves to fit
2. Install brackets securely on either side of the window frame
3. Place shelves at different heights to accommodate herbs of various sizes
4. Position small pots with drainage holes on trays on each shelf
5. Arrange herbs with the most sun-loving varieties on higher shelves
6. Ensure shelves don’t block too much light from reaching lower plants
7. Water carefully to avoid drips down to lower shelves

Picture this: Sunlight streaming through your window, illuminating multiple levels of herbs that appear to float in midair. The transparent shelves are nearly invisible, creating the illusion of plants suspended in space. The layers of greenery filter the light, casting gentle shadows and creating a natural privacy screen that changes with the seasons.

To complement this airy design, explore these sun-soaked spaces ideas for more ways to maximize natural light in your home!

15. Herb Terrarium Garden

Create a miniature ecosystem for moisture-loving herbs with a closed glass container that maintains its own humidity.

Step by Step:

1. Choose a large glass container with a wide opening
2. Add a 1-inch layer of small pebbles for drainage
3. Add a thin layer of activated charcoal to keep the soil fresh
4. Fill with potting mix suitable for terrariums
5. Plant herbs that love humidity, like mint, Vietnamese coriander, or lemon balm
6. Water lightly after planting
7. Cover with glass lid, leaving it slightly ajar for some air circulation
8. Open completely once a week to prevent mold

Picture this: A stunning glass vessel housing a miniature herb jungle, with water droplets condensing on the sides before rolling back down to water the plants. The enclosed environment creates a misty, almost magical appearance, like a tiny rainforest on your tabletop. The herbs inside grow lush and vibrant, their intense green color amplified by the glass magnification.

For more enclosed garden inspiration, check out these small Nordic cabin interior ideas that create cozy, contained environments!

16. Hanging Herb Garden Mobile

Suspend your herbs from the ceiling in a balanced mobile that turns herb gardening into a living art installation.

Step by Step:

1. Find or create a balanced hanging structure (like a decorative mobile)
2. Attach lightweight planters to each arm
3. Ensure the mobile remains balanced as you add plants
4. Fill containers with herb-appropriate potting mix
5. Plant herbs with similar light and water needs
6. Hang near a window with good airflow
7. Spin occasionally to ensure all plants get equal light exposure
8. Water carefully to maintain balance

Picture this: A graceful arrangement of herb pots suspended at different heights, gently rotating with air currents and creating a dynamic display of greenery. The mobile catches light and casts interesting shadows as it turns, with herbs at different stages of growth adding visual rhythm to your space. It’s functional garden art that brings movement and life to an otherwise static corner.

For more hanging decor inspiration, explore these living room ceiling ideas that make use of overhead space!

17. Chalkboard Pot Herb Garden

Combine practicality with personality using chalkboard paint on herb pots that let you label, decorate, and change things up whenever you want.

Step by Step:

1. Gather terra cotta pots in various sizes
2. Apply chalkboard paint to the exterior (2-3 coats)
3. Let dry completely according to paint instructions
4. “Season” the chalkboard surface by rubbing with chalk and erasing
5. Fill pots with quality potting soil
6. Plant one herb variety per pot
7. Label each pot with chalk, adding decorative doodles if desired
8. Erase and relabel as needed when plants change

Picture this: A collection of matte black pots featuring white chalk illustrations and labels that perfectly identify each herb. The contrast between the dark pots and vibrant green plants creates a striking visual effect. You’ve personalized each pot with tiny drawings and care instructions, making your herb garden both informative and artistic. When seasons change, so can your labels – no permanent commitment required.

If you enjoy this customizable approach, you’ll love these preppy room decor ideas that incorporate similar personalized elements!

18. Kitchen Utensil Herb Planters

Give old kitchen tools new life as quirky herb planters that add character and cooking nostalgia to your indoor garden.

Step by Step:

1. Collect unused colanders, tea strainers, measuring cups, etc.
2. Clean thoroughly and create drainage holes if needed
3. Line with coconut coir or moss to prevent soil loss
4. Fill with potting mix
5. Plant herbs that match the container size
6. Hang with hooks or display on shelves
7. Use tea strainers and smaller items for microgreens or small herbs

Picture this: Your grandmother’s colander now sprouting fragrant basil, a vintage measuring cup overflowing with thyme, and an old soup ladle cradling fresh mint. These familiar kitchen tools bring a touch of nostalgia and whimsy to your herb display, creating conversation pieces that connect cooking past and present. The metallic surfaces of the utensils contrast beautifully with the soft greens of the herbs.

For more kitchen-themed decor, explore these earthy kitchen ideas that incorporate repurposed items and natural elements!

19. Herb Bookshelf Garden

Transform a small bookshelf into a dedicated herb library, with each shelf creating a different growing environment for various herb needs.

Step by Step:

1. Position a small bookshelf near a window with good light
2. Line shelves with plastic or trays to protect from water damage
3. Dedicate different shelves to herbs with similar needs
4. Add grow lights to shelves that receive less natural light
5. Leave space between pots for air circulation
6. Use the top for sun-loving herbs, lower shelves for shade-tolerant varieties
7. Label each section by herb type or culinary use
8. Incorporate herb-themed books for decoration and reference

Picture this: A bookcase reimagined as a living herb library, with neat rows of potted plants interspersed with your favorite cookbooks. The top shelf basks in sunlight, home to Mediterranean herbs like rosemary and sage, while lower shelves house shade-lovers like mint and parsley. Small grow lights illuminate certain sections, creating a warm glow in the evening. It’s a functional display that brings organization to your herb collection.

For more organized display ideas, check out these family room decor options that incorporate bookshelves in creative ways!

20. Herb Spiral Indoor Adaptation

Bring the permaculture concept of herb spirals indoors with a space-efficient design that creates multiple growing microclimates in one container.

Step by Step:

1. Find a large, wide container or repurpose a washing machine drum
2. Create a spiral structure inside using bricks or stones
3. Fill with potting soil, creating higher elevation in the center
4. Plant drought-tolerant herbs at the top (rosemary, thyme)
5. Position moisture-loving herbs at the bottom (mint, parsley)
6. Plant sun-lovers on the side facing your window
7. Place shade-tolerant varieties on the opposite side
8. Water from the top, allowing it to trickle down to lower levels

Picture this: A mesmerizing spiral of greenery rising from a circular container, with different herbs arranged in a natural flow from top to bottom. The varying heights create visual interest while the spiral shape maximizes your growing space. Herbs are arranged according to their needs—drought-resistant varieties at the top, moisture-lovers at the bottom—creating a self-sustaining ecosystem that’s as beautiful as it is functional.

If you enjoy this natural, flowing design, explore these backyard oasis ideas that can inspire smaller indoor adaptations!

21. Stacked Pot Herb Tower

Create vertical interest and maximize space with a tower of stacked pots that lets you grow multiple herbs in the footprint of a single container.

Step by Step:

1. Gather 3-5 terra cotta pots in graduating sizes
2. Drill drainage holes in all pots if they don’t have them
3. Thread a strong metal rod through the drainage holes to create stability
4. Stack pots, inserting the rod through each center hole
5. Fill each level with herb potting mix
6. Plant trailing herbs on the edges of each level
7. Place upright herbs in the top pot
8. Water from the top and let excess drain through the tower

Picture this: A tower of terracotta pots reaching upward, each level spilling over with different herbs creating a cascade of greenery. The earthy clay provides a beautiful backdrop for the various shades of green, while the graduated sizes create a pleasing visual pyramid. From one small footprint on your counter or floor, you’re growing a dozen different herbs in an efficient vertical garden that makes harvesting a breeze.

For more space-saving vertical ideas, check out these tiny bedroom ideas that use similar stacking principles!

There you have it—21 creative ways to bring fresh herbs into your home! You don’t need a green thumb or a sprawling garden to enjoy the benefits of homegrown herbs. Start small with just one or two of these ideas, and before you know it, you’ll be snipping fresh herbs for every meal and wondering how you ever cooked without them.

Remember, growing herbs indoors is as much about creating a beautiful living space as it is about having fresh ingredients at your fingertips. Which of these ideas are you excited to try first? I’d love to know!