How to Grow Herbs Indoors in Canada
By Darrell Smith, DH Garden Centre – Vancouver, BC
Imagine this: you’re cooking dinner, and instead of grabbing dried herbs from a dusty jar, you reach over to your windowsill, snip a few fresh basil or mint leaves, and toss them into your dish. The aroma? Instant bliss. The taste? Unmatched.
Growing herbs indoors isn’t just doable—it’s deeply rewarding. I’ve seen so many people think they need a greenhouse or years of gardening experience to grow fresh herbs at home. But the truth is, with just a few simple tips, anyone can build a thriving indoor herb garden—even in a cozy Vancouver condo or a small kitchen with limited space.
Let’s walk through exactly how to do it.
Why Grow Herbs Indoors?
Besides that fresh flavor boost to your meals, growing herbs indoors adds greenery to your space, fills your home with lovely natural fragrance, and gives you a calming, therapeutic hobby.
It’s ideal for:
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Apartment dwellers with no backyard
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Home cooks who want instant access to flavour
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Beginners who want a low-maintenance start in gardening
1. Choosing the Right Herbs to Grow Indoors
Some herbs are better suited to indoor conditions than others. Here are the ones I recommend starting with:
🌿 Basil
Loves warmth and sunlight. Grow it in a rich potting mix and place it in the sunniest spot you’ve got. Clip leaves regularly to encourage bushier growth.
🌿 Mint
Mint is a superstar—super fragrant and easy to grow. Just keep the soil slightly moist and give it some decent light. Bonus: it’s naturally pest-resistant.
🌿 Oregano
Perfect for pizza night! Oregano grows like mint and prefers drier soil between waterings. A sunny window is key for strong flavour.
🌿 Parsley
Grow it in a deep pot with organic potting mix. It needs strong light—ideally a south-facing window.
🌿 Rosemary
This herb likes it hot and dry. Place it where it gets 6–8 hours of sun daily. Great for sauces, soups, and even roasting potatoes.
🌿 Thyme
Tiny leaves, big flavour. It loves well-draining soil and full sun. Don’t overwater—just keep an eye on soil moisture with your finger.
💡 Pro Tip: Start with one or two herbs, then grow your collection as you build confidence.
2. The Best Pots for Indoor Herbs
Container choice makes a big difference.
✅ Must-haves for your pots:
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Drainage Holes: Herbs hate soggy roots. Drainage is non-negotiable.
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Saucers: Protect your surfaces from water stains or mess.
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Right Size: Basil and parsley prefer deeper pots; thyme and oregano do fine in shallower ones.
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Material: Ceramic pots retain moisture (great for drier homes), while terracotta dries faster (ideal for damp areas).
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Design: Don’t be afraid to get creative—pretty pots make your herb garden double as décor!
🌿 Only grow one herb per pot unless you’re a seasoned gardener. Mixing herbs in one container makes it trickier to meet each plant’s unique needs.
3. Let There Be Light – And Lots of It
Herbs need 6 to 8 hours of bright light daily to thrive. In Vancouver, especially during the darker months, you’ll likely need some help from artificial grow lights.
Your lighting options:
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Sunny windowsill: South or southwest-facing is best.
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Grow lights: Look for full-spectrum lights designed for herbs and edibles. Position your herbs within 12 inches of the bulb and keep them on for 12–16 hours daily.
💡 At DH Garden Centre, we carry compact grow light kits perfect for countertops and kitchen shelves. Ask us next time you stop by!
4. Choosing the Right Soil
Herbs grown indoors need light, airy, well-draining soil. Avoid using garden dirt—it compacts too easily and may contain pests or pathogens.
Our soil tips:
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Use a high-quality indoor potting mix (like the one we stock at DH Garden Centre).
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Boost drainage and moisture retention by adding perlite or coco peat.
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If mixing your own, combine peat moss or coco coir, coarse sand, and perlite.
And don’t forget to feed your herbs occasionally with organic fertilizer like fish emulsion or seaweed extract—just a little goes a long way.
5. Watering Wisely
Watering is where most people slip up. Herbs prefer slightly moist—not wet—soil.
Here’s a simple test:
Stick your finger into the soil about an inch deep. If it feels dry, it’s time to water. If it’s still damp, wait a day or two.
Watering Tips:
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Water slowly so it soaks in, rather than running straight through.
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Adjust watering based on the season and your indoor humidity levels.
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A rough guide: 2–3 times per week, but always check the soil first.
6. Keep the Air Flowing
Herbs don’t like stale air. Good airflow helps prevent mold and disease.
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Don’t overcrowd your plants.
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Open a window occasionally, or place a small fan nearby (especially in winter when windows stay shut).
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Rotate your pots every few days so all sides get light and airflow.
Final Thoughts: Small Garden, Big Joy
I’ve helped dozens of Vancouverites start their first indoor herb garden—many of whom thought they had a “black thumb.” But once they understood the basics, they were hooked.
Growing herbs indoors isn’t just about fresh flavour—it’s about building a connection with your food, your home, and even your well-being. And once you’ve got the hang of it? There’s no turning back.
If you’re ready to start, come visit us at DH Garden Centre in Kitsilano, or browse our herb kits and grow lights online at dhgardencentre.com. We’ll help you pick the right herbs, soil, and setup for your space—and cheer you on every step of the way.
Let’s grow something fresh together—right from your kitchen window. 🌱
📍 DH Garden Centre, 3742 West 10th Avenue, Vancouver
📞 604-929-7335
📦 Shop Online: dhgardencentre.com
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