Living in an apartment often means limited sunlight, which can be challenging for those wanting a home garden. Luckily, some herbs grow well in low light, making them perfect for urban gardeners and small spaces. These shade-tolerant plants are easy to care for and bring fresh flavors to your meals. Let’s explore 10 hardy herbs that thrive in low light and are ideal for every apartment gardener.
1. Mint
Mint is a popular choice for indoor gardens because it can thrive with minimal sunlight. It only needs a few hours of indirect light each day and prefers a cool, shady spot. This herb grows quickly, so it’s best to keep it in a pot to prevent it from spreading. Mint is ideal for adding freshness to teas, salads, and desserts.
Growing Tips: Keep the soil consistently moist, but avoid overwatering. Mint also benefits from regular pruning to promote bushy growth.
For more information, you can read our article Grow Mint in Your Kitchen.
2. Parsley
Parsley is a versatile herb that’s perfect for low-light conditions. It grows well on a windowsill that gets indirect sunlight or in a dimmer part of your kitchen. Flat-leaf parsley has a more intense flavor, while curly parsley adds a decorative touch to your indoor herb garden.
Growing Tips: Water parsley when the top inch of soil feels dry. Trim the outer leaves to encourage new growth and prevent the plant from becoming leggy.
3. Chives
Chives bring a mild onion flavor to dishes and thrive indoors with low light. They don’t require much sunlight to grow and can even do well under artificial lighting. Chives are a wonderful addition to soups, salads, and eggs, making them a kitchen essential.
Growing Tips: Keep the soil damp but not soggy. Harvest by cutting leaves close to the base to encourage new growth.
4. Lemon Balm
Lemon balm is a fantastic low-light herb that fills your home with a fresh, citrusy scent. Known for its calming effects, lemon balm is easy to grow indoors and can thrive with only a few hours of indirect sunlight.
Growing Tips: This herb prefers slightly moist soil. Prune regularly to promote bushy growth and prevent legginess.
5. Cilantro (Coriander)
Cilantro is a fast-growing herb that does well in partial shade. Although it may not last as long indoors as other herbs, it’s worth growing for its fresh flavor in tacos, salsas, and curries. Cilantro can thrive with indirect sunlight, making it suitable for kitchen spaces.
Growing Tips: Water consistently to keep the soil moist, but avoid overwatering. Harvest outer leaves frequently to stimulate new growth.
6. Thyme
Thyme is a hardy herb that adapts well to indoor conditions, requiring only minimal light. Its earthy flavor complements a variety of dishes, from roasted vegetables to meat marinades. With its compact size and low-light tolerance, thyme is ideal for small indoor spaces.
Growing Tips: Allow the soil to dry out slightly between watering to avoid root rot. Trim back any woody stems to encourage new growth.
7. Oregano
Oregano is known for its robust flavor and easy-growing nature, even in low light. It can survive on a windowsill that receives indirect light and is highly adaptable to indoor conditions. Oregano is great for Italian and Mediterranean cooking, making it a staple in many kitchens.
Growing Tips: Water only when the soil is dry to the touch. Oregano grows well in slightly sandy soil, which helps prevent waterlogging.
8. Tarragon
Tarragon has a unique, slightly licorice-like flavor, and it grows well in apartments with limited sunlight. It prefers indirect light and will flourish in a shaded spot. Tarragon pairs well with chicken, fish, and sauces, adding a subtle sweetness to your recipes.
Growing Tips: Keep the soil moderately moist and trim regularly to encourage new leaves. Tarragon can be a bit sensitive to overwatering, so let the top inch of soil dry between waterings.
9. Basil (Thai Basil)
While basil usually prefers sunlight, Thai basil can tolerate lower light levels better than other varieties. Its slightly spicy, anise-like flavor makes it a wonderful addition to stir-fries, salads, and soups. Thai basil can grow on a windowsill with indirect light, making it suitable for apartment gardening.
Growing Tips: Water regularly, but avoid waterlogged soil. Prune often to prevent flowering, which helps extend the life of the plant.
For more information, you can read our article Grow Basil at Home
10. Sage
Sage is a hardy herb that can grow in low light, especially if you choose varieties suited for indoor conditions. Its earthy flavor is a great addition to savory dishes, and it’s one of the easiest herbs to maintain indoors.
Growing Tips: Let the soil dry out between watering, as sage prefers drier conditions. Regular pruning will keep it from becoming too leggy.
Caring for Indoor Herbs in Low Light
When growing herbs indoors with limited sunlight, here are some tips to ensure they stay healthy:
- Use Artificial Light: If natural light is very limited, consider using grow lights. LED grow lights are energy-efficient and work well for indoor plants.
- Rotate Pots: Rotate your herb pots every few days to ensure each side of the plant gets light. This helps prevent uneven growth.
- Water Wisely: Indoor plants typically need less water than outdoor ones. Overwatering is one of the most common issues with indoor herbs, so check the soil before watering.
- Prune Regularly: Pruning encourages bushier growth and prevents plants from becoming too tall and leggy.
- Fertilize Occasionally: Herbs grown indoors benefit from occasional fertilizing, as they deplete the soil’s nutrients over time. A liquid fertilizer diluted to half-strength every few weeks works well.
Why Low-Light Herbs Are Perfect for Apartment Dwellers
Having a mini herb garden indoors is both rewarding and practical. These low-light-tolerant herbs not only bring fresh flavors to your meals but also purify the air and add a touch of greenery to your home. Even if you lack a sunny windowsill, you can still enjoy fresh herbs year-round.
Creating an indoor herb garden with low-light herbs is easy and doesn’t require much maintenance, making it a great project for beginners and busy apartment dwellers. With the right care, your herbs can thrive even in limited light, providing you with fresh ingredients and a touch of nature in your apartment.
Conclusion
Indoor gardening in low light can be enjoyable and fulfilling with the right herb choices. These 10 herbs—mint, parsley, chives, lemon balm, cilantro, thyme, oregano, tarragon, Thai basil, and sage—are resilient, easy to care for, and perfect for limited-light conditions. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a beginner, these herbs make it easy to start an indoor garden and enjoy fresh flavors at your fingertips. So, gather your pots, plant some seeds, and watch your indoor garden grow!
Embrace the beauty of apartment gardening and enjoy the convenience of fresh, homegrown herbs year-round, regardless of light conditions.
