Ever just wish you could grab fresh herbs right off your kitchen counter—no dirt, no mess, no need for a backyard?
Turns out, you totally can! Growing herbs in water is about as easy as it gets. You don’t need much room, and you can keep those green flavors coming all year.
You can grow 11 different herbs indoors using just water. No soil, no fancy gadgets—just a few clippings, a glass of water, and a pinch of patience.
Even in the middle of winter, you’ll have fresh herbs cheering up your kitchen.
1. Basil – The aromatic superstar that even your pasta will thank you for.
People think basil needs a garden, but honestly, it thrives indoors in water. Basil just wants sunshine, so set it on a sunny windowsill and let it soak up those rays.
Pop a healthy cutting into a glass of water, and before you know it, roots will show up. Water-growing basil means you’ll never worry about dry soil, and you can spot when it needs a refill.
Fresh basil leaves are always ready for your pasta, salads, or even a sneaky pizza topping. The smell alone makes your kitchen feel like a little bistro.
It’s a green buddy that makes plain meals taste extra fancy.
Expert Tip From MrPlanter: “Swap out the water every few days for happy basil. Snip the tips often to keep it bushy and lush.”
2. Mint – Your go-to for mojitos and suddenly fancy tea sessions.
Growing mint in water? Yep, it’s a breeze. Mint loves to stay damp, so a glass of water is perfect.
Just give it a bright spot, like your kitchen window, and let it do its thing. Mint grows fast—suddenly you’ll have enough for mojitos or tea whenever the mood strikes.
By keeping mint in water, you avoid it taking over your whole counter like it does in dirt. It stays neat and tidy.
Change the water every week to keep things fresh. Snip a few leaves, crush them for extra flavor, and drop them in your drinks or desserts.
Expert Tip From MrPlanter: “Filtered or rainwater keeps mint happy. Trim those stems often so your mint stays strong and bushy.”
3. Rosemary – Because who doesn’t want a little pine-scented magic in their kitchen?
Rosemary might look fancy, but it’s tough and easygoing. Its piney scent can make your kitchen feel like a cozy cabin, even if you’re just microwaving leftovers.
Set rosemary on a sunny windowsill and it’ll do great, even if the air feels dry. Its needle-like leaves look cool and smell even better.
Forget about soil—just change the water every week or so, and rosemary will keep growing. You’ll have fresh sprigs for cooking, and it’ll stick around even when the weather outside is gloomy.
Expert Tip From MrPlanter: Give rosemary at least 6 hours of sunlight each day. Swap out the water once a week to keep it happy.
4. Parsley – Not just a garnish, but a fresh flavor powerhouse
Parsley isn’t just for making plates look pretty. You can grow it indoors in water and snip off fresh, tasty leaves whenever you want.
It’s super easy to care for—just give it a sunny spot and a small jar of water. Parsley brings a bright, fresh kick to soups, salads, and sauces.
This little herb is packed with vitamins, too. If you have extra, just freeze it for later and you’ll always have some on hand.
Expert Tip From MrPlanter: “Change the water every few days for the happiest parsley. A little sunshine each day keeps it growing strong.”
5. Cilantro – Perfect for salsa cravings and impromptu guacamole parties.
Cilantro can perk up your meals in seconds. You won’t need to run to the store when you grow it in water right on your windowsill.
Just give cilantro a sunny spot and change the water every few days. New leaves will start popping up, ready for tacos, salsa, or a quick guac.
Having fresh cilantro on hand makes it easy to whip up snacks or add a burst of flavor to dinner. It’s a little plant with a big personality.
Expert Tip From MrPlanter: “Bright, indirect sunlight and fresh water keep cilantro thriving. Snip leaves often to help it keep growing.”
6. Thyme – The herb that’s basically the timekeeper of your indoor garden.
Thyme is like the steady friend who keeps your herb garden on track. It grows quietly in water without asking for much.
All it needs is a sunny windowsill and a little jar. The woody stems grow slowly, but you’ll always have fresh leaves for your cooking.
Thyme gives your kitchen a fresh, herby smell. Just keep the water clean, and it’ll stick around for months.
Expert Tip From MrPlanter: “Swap out thyme’s water every three to five days. Let it soak up the sun, and it’ll keep chugging along.”
7. Oregano – The pizza’s best friend and a kitchen classic.
Oregano loves to grow in water and doesn’t mind being indoors at all. Just take a few cuttings, stick them in water, and let them bask in the sunlight.
You’ll always have that classic pizza flavor ready for sauces, grilled veggies, or whatever you’re cooking up. Oregano keeps producing new leaves for months, so your kitchen will smell amazing.
It’s a simple, low-effort way to keep fresh herbs on hand, even when the weather outside is less than inspiring.
Expert Tip From MrPlanter: “Change oregano’s water every few days and give it lots of sun. It’ll reward you with loads of flavor.”
8. Sage – That slightly smoky herb that makes everything fancy, fast.
Sage isn’t just for Thanksgiving stuffing. Its smoky flavor can make even a simple meal feel a little fancy.
It grows super well in water, and those thick, grayish leaves smell so good. Sage doesn’t ask for much—just fresh water and a sunny spot.
Snip off a few leaves for soups, teas, or to add a cozy aroma to your kitchen. Sage is low-maintenance and always ready to help out at dinnertime.
Expert Tip From MrPlanter: “Put sage cuttings in clean water by a sunny window. Change the water often, and you’ll have fresh leaves whenever you want.”
9. Lemongrass – Adds a zesty zing without the need for a tropical vacation
No need to book a flight—lemongrass brings that citrusy punch right to your kitchen. Just pop a stalk in water and let it soak up the sunshine.
Lemongrass loves growing in water and roots quickly. Snip off what you need for tea, soups, or stir-fries, and let the rest keep growing.
Bonus: it looks cool and even helps keep mosquitoes away. Not bad for a windowsill plant.
Expert Tip From MrPlanter: Change the water every few days and trim the ends for the happiest lemongrass.
10. Chives – Little green onions that bring big flavor with zero fuss.
Chives are super easy to grow indoors. They don’t need much—just a container, some water, and a sunny spot.
Snip them often, and they’ll keep coming back strong. Chives add a gentle onion flavor to eggs, salads, or soups.
Unlike green onions, you can’t regrow chives from just the roots in water, but starting them from seeds or small bunches works great. They’re forgiving if you forget to change the water right away, so they’re perfect for busy folks.
Chives brighten up your kitchen and your meals with almost no effort.
Expert Tip From MrPlanter: “Change the water every few days and snip chives often to keep them growing. You’ll have endless green goodness all year!”
11. Lemon Balm – Your herbal stress-relief buddy with a hint of lemony sunshine.
Did you know folks have used lemon balm to chill out for ages? I mean, it’s basically sunshine in leaf form, and that fresh lemony smell? Pure mood magic.
If you want to grow lemon balm indoors, it’s honestly a breeze. Snip off a stem, stick it in a glass of water, and let it soak up some sunlight on your windowsill.
This plant doesn’t just look cute—it can actually help calm your mind when life gets a little wild. I reach for it when my brain feels like a buzzing beehive.
Steep the leaves in hot water, and you’ve got yourself a cozy, relaxing tea. It’s so gentle, you can sip it every day without worry.
You might just find yourself a little less frazzled and a little more ready to take on whatever weirdness the day throws at you.
Expert Tip From MrPlanter: “Watch those lemon balm roots in water—they’ll let you know when it’s time for a water change. Happy roots mean a happy plant, and that means more chill vibes for you.”
