Healthy parsley, chives and mint starter plants
1 of each
Home
Indoor herb gardens.
Start with three small herb plants in separate pots so each gets the water and light it needs.
- Makes
- 3 potted herbs
- Hands-on
- 30 minutes
- Total time
- 30 minutes setup; growth continues for weeks
- Effort
- Easy
GET WHAT YOU NEED
Your shopping list
For 3 potted herbs.
Well-draining potting mix
About 3–6 quarts; depends on root balls
Water
Enough to water each pot through
Ordinary household water; no product purchase necessary.
Amounts are what the project uses, not package sizes. Compare quantities and product details before buying.
KEEP IT SIMPLE
Tools & supplies
Three pots with drainage holes and saucers
Choose pots only a little wider than each root ball.
Small trowel
Places mix around roots.
Grow light with timer
Useful if the window cannot supply enough direct light.
STEP BY STEP
Put it together
Choose light
Use the sunniest suitable window. Indoor herbs generally need about 8 hours of direct light; supplement when needed.
Pot separately
Place each plant at its existing depth in a separate pot. Fill around roots with mix and firm gently.
Water
Water until excess drains; empty saucers. Let the surface begin drying before watering again.
Maintain
If using a light, follow fixture distance instructions and run 12–16 hours daily. Rotate pots for even growth.
Harvest lightly
Once plants grow actively, snip what you need. Take no more than the upper third of mint or chives at once.
Good to know
- Keep mint in its own pot.
- Starter plants give a faster first harvest than seed; low winter light slows growth.
SAVE THE MAKING
Prefer it ready-made?
Compare these finished options with making your own.
Potted culinary herbs
Ready-grown plants for a sunny location; they still need care.
Links go to the selected products. Availability and delivery vary by location; check the current listing and package size before ordering.
Sources & further reading
Independent instructions informed by the sources below. No affiliation or endorsement is implied. These instructions have not been kitchen- or workshop-tested by DIBuyIt.
- Iowa State Extension: indoor herbs — Species, separate pots, light and harvest