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Hello, hello! Lauren here from LaurenKelp.com and today is a total treat! Today we are going to show you how to be a farm to table chef no matter where you live. Downtown apartment, country house, condo on the beach, whatever you living arrangement, it’s no excuse to not amp up your eating habits. We are pulling a page straight out of Farmer Tucker‘s book and planting our own culinary garden!
Ready to get your DIY green thumb on? We’ll show you how! Best part, we will even give you your first homegrown recipe …
How to Start Your Own Windowsill Herb Garden
Starting a windowsill herb garden is easier than you might think, and it’s a game-changer for adding fresh flavors to your meals. Here’s a step-by-step guide to get your green thumb going:
Choose the Perfect Spot
Your herbs will thrive best in a location with 4-6 hours of sunlight each day. South- or west-facing windows are ideal because they provide consistent, bright light. If your space doesn’t get enough natural sunlight, don’t worry—a small LED or fluorescent grow light can make all the difference. Placing your herbs near a slightly cooler spot in the afternoon can also prevent the leaves from scorching, keeping them healthy and vibrant.
Pick the Right Containers
Containers don’t have to be fancy, but drainage is essential. Herbs will fail quickly if water pools at the bottom. Options include small terracotta pots, ceramic planters, recycled jars, or even creative containers like teacups—just make sure to add holes or a drainage layer with gravel. Fill your containers with high-quality, well-draining potting soil. Avoid garden dirt, which can compact and hinder root growth indoors. The right soil gives herbs room to breathe while holding enough moisture for steady growth.
Best Herbs to Start With for Your Windowsill Garden
If you’re just getting started, the key is to choose herbs that are both easy to grow and super versatile in the kitchen. Basil is a no-brainer—it thrives in sunny spots and pairs with almost everything, from pasta to pesto. Lemon verbena adds a bright, citrusy note to teas, desserts, and sauces, and it’s just as happy in a pot on your windowsill. Other solid options include parsley, chives, and oregano, all of which are forgiving and can handle a little less-than-perfect attention. Starting with these favorites gives you a mini herb garden that’s useful, beautiful, and beginner-friendly.
Water and Rotate Carefully
Herbs need consistent moisture but don’t like soggy soil. Stick your finger about an inch into the soil to check for dryness before watering. Light, frequent watering is better than heavy, infrequent watering, especially in containers. Rotate your plants every few days to ensure even light exposure so they grow straight and lush, rather than leaning toward the sun. Keeping a small spray bottle handy to mist the leaves can help in drier climates and adds humidity that herbs love.
Fertilize Lightly
Herbs thrive with a gentle boost. Every 3-4 weeks, feed your plants with a water-soluble, all-purpose fertilizer to maintain vibrant green leaves and robust growth. Avoid over-fertilizing, which can make the leaves taste bitter. Remember: the goal is to enhance flavor and encourage productivity. With patience, attention, and love, your windowsill garden will flourish, giving you fresh herbs ready to transform everyday meals into something extraordinary.
Tips for Growing Herbs in Any Climate
No matter where you live—whether it’s a city apartment, a breezy beach condo, or a backyard garden—you can grow herbs successfully. Here are some key tips to keep your mini garden thriving:
- Sunlight is essential – Most herbs need at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight each day.
- Use well-draining soil – Prevent soggy roots by choosing soil that drains well in pots or containers.
- Water wisely – Overwatering can be just as harmful as underwatering. Check the soil before adding more water.
- Adjust for your climate – In warmer areas, monitor soil moisture; in cooler climates, use a sunny windowsill or a small grow light.
- Maximize small spaces – Even a balcony, deck, or countertop can house a thriving herb garden.
With these simple strategies, you’ll have fresh, flavorful herbs ready to elevate any dish, no matter where you live.
Lemon Verbena Basil Pesto Recipe
Freshly harvested herbs make all the difference in this bright, flavorful pesto. Using your homegrown basil and lemon verbena gives the dish a vibrant aroma and taste that store-bought herbs just can’t match. This recipe makes about 8 cups of pesto, perfect for pasta, crostini, or as a drizzle over roasted vegetables.
Lemon Verbena Basil Pesto
Recipe Type:
Entree
Prep Time:
10 minutes
Cook Time:
5 minutes
Total Time:
15 minutes
Servings:
8
Ingredients
- 4 cloves garlic
- 2½ cups lemon verbena leaves, tightly packed
- ¾ cup pine nuts
- 1 tsp salt
- 1¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 6 oz. parmesan cheese, grated
- Fresh cracked black pepper
- Salt
Instructions
- Using your food processor, mince garlic cloves for approximately 10 seconds
- Add lemon verbena leaves, pine nuts and salt, and process until finely chopped
- With the processor on, slowly add olive oil to mixture
- Stop processor and add parmesan. Process briefly
- Add salt and pepper to taste
- *Recipe makes 8 cups
Pairing Pesto Pasta with Wine
Bright, herbaceous flavors like basil and lemon verbena call for a wine that can match their freshness without overpowering them. Kendall-Jackson Vintner’s Reserve Chardonnay is a perfect pairing. Its crisp acidity and notes of citrus, green apple, and subtle oak complement the herbal brightness of the pesto, while its smooth texture balances the richness of the olive oil and parmesan. Truly one of the best Chardonnays under $20.
This combination elevates even a simple pasta dish, turning a weekday meal into a vibrant, flavor-packed experience. Kendall-Jackson also offers a wide variety of other Chardonnays, so whether you prefer fruit-forward, lightly oaked, or full-bodied styles, there’s a Chardonnay to suit your pesto pairing perfectly.
