How to Grow Herbal Tea Plants Right on Your Windowsill

Want fresh, soothing herbal teas without stepping outside? Growing herbal tea plants on your windowsill is simple, rewarding, and surprisingly easy. Here’s how to do it—even if you’ve never gardened before.

Why Grow Herbal Tea Plants at Home

There’s something calming about sipping tea made from plants you grew yourself. Not only does it taste fresher, but you also know exactly what went into it. No pesticides. No additives. Just pure herbs.

Windowsill gardens are perfect if you live in an apartment or don’t have outdoor space. Herbs don’t need much room, and many thrive in small pots. Once established, you’ll have a steady supply for daily tea.

Best Herbal Tea Plants for Your Windowsill

Not every plant grows well indoors, but some herbs adapt beautifully. These are ideal for tea lovers:

• Mint – Refreshing and cooling. Grows quickly.
• Chamomile – Gentle and calming. Flowers are used for tea.
• Lemon balm – Has a lemony, uplifting flavor.
• Basil – Adds warmth and spice to tea blends.
• Thyme – Earthy, with immune-supporting properties.
• Lavender – Calming and aromatic.

Choose one or two to start. As you gain confidence, you can add more varieties.¹

Choosing the Right Spot

Your herbs need at least 5–6 hours of sunlight each day. A south-facing window is best. If your window doesn’t get enough light, you can use a small grow light. Herbs respond well to extra help, especially in winter.²

Keep your plants away from drafts, heaters, or very cold glass. They prefer steady conditions.

Pots and Soil for Herbal Teas

Pick small pots with drainage holes. Herbs dislike sitting in water, so drainage is essential. Clay or ceramic pots allow roots to breathe, but plastic pots work too.

For soil, use a light, well-draining potting mix. Avoid heavy garden soil, which can suffocate roots indoors. A mix designed for herbs or vegetables is perfect.

Planting Your Herbs

You can start from seeds, but beginners may prefer young plants. Many grocery stores and garden shops sell small herb plants ready to pot.

1. Place a small layer of stones at the bottom of your pot for drainage.
2. Fill with soil, leaving room for the plant.
3. Gently remove the herb from its original container and place it in the pot.
4. Fill around the roots with soil and press lightly.
5. Water just enough to moisten the soil.

Caring for Herbal Tea Plants

• Watering: Keep the soil slightly damp, but never soggy. Check by touching the top of the soil. If it feels dry, water lightly.
• Pruning: Snip leaves often to encourage new growth. Don’t take more than one-third of the plant at a time.
• Feeding: Once a month, add a diluted liquid fertilizer to keep plants strong.
• Airflow: Herbs like circulation. Open a window occasionally or place a fan nearby on low.

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Harvesting and Drying for Tea

Fresh leaves can go straight into hot water. But you may also want to dry some for later use.

To dry herbs:

1. Cut a few stems and tie them in small bunches.
2. Hang them upside down in a warm, dry spot out of direct sunlight.
3. Once dry, store leaves in a glass jar. Keep the jar sealed and away from light.

This way, you’ll always have tea ingredients on hand—even in colder months.

Brewing Herbal Teas from Your Windowsill Garden

Brewing is simple. Use fresh or dried herbs. A good ratio is 1 teaspoon of dried herbs or 2 teaspoons of fresh herbs per cup of water.

Pour boiling water over the herbs. Cover and steep for 5–10 minutes. Strain and enjoy.

Experiment with blends:

• Mint + chamomile for bedtime calm
• Lemon balm + lavender for stress relief
• Basil + thyme for a warming, herbal boost

Common Problems and How to Fix Them

• Yellow leaves: Usually from overwatering. Let the soil dry a bit.
• Leggy, weak growth: Your plant needs more light. Move closer to the window or use a grow light.
• Brown tips: The air may be too dry. Mist the leaves or place a water dish nearby.

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FAQs

1. Can herbal tea plants survive in low light?
Most herbs need direct sunlight. If your window doesn’t provide enough, a grow light is the best solution.

2. How often should I water herbal tea plants?
Water when the top of the soil feels dry. Overwatering is more harmful than underwatering.

3. Can I grow herbs together in one pot?
Yes, as long as the pot is large enough and the herbs have similar water needs.

4. How long do herbal tea plants last indoors?
With proper care, many herbs last year-round. Some, like basil, may need replanting every few months.

5. Is it safe to drink tea from herbs grown indoors?
Yes, as long as you don’t use chemical sprays. Wash the leaves before brewing.

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References:

1. https://www.marthastewart.com/best-herbs-to-grow-11680707 ↩︎
2. https://extension.umn.edu/vegetables/growing-herbs ↩︎