But what if you’re short on space, or the colder months are creeping in? That’s where indoor herb gardening shines—compact, practical, and perfect for keeping your culinary creativity flowing year-round.

While not all herbs thrive indoors, there are several varieties that do surprisingly well when given the right care. Whether you’re planting in a sunny kitchen window or a balcony planter, here’s our guide to the best herbs to grow indoors, which ones are best left outside, and how to make watering easier with smart garden accessories.

🌱 Easy Leafy Herbs for Indoors

These leafy herbs are fast-growing, low-maintenance, and ideal for small indoor spaces. Snip off a few leaves for your next meal and enjoy their quick regrowth. When they start to decline, simply replant fresh ones.

• Chives – Mild onion flavour and great in salads or on baked potatoes.

• Lemon Balm – Bright, citrusy, and great for teas or infusions.

• Mint – A vigorous grower (so keep it contained!) and perfect for desserts or cocktails.

• Parsley (Flat or Curled) – Versatile and hardy; just keep it well-watered.

• Tarragon – Adds a subtle anise flavour; great in sauces.

• Vietnamese Coriander – A great alternative to regular coriander, especially indoors.

💧Tip for Indoor Herbs: Use a watering wand with fine spray settings to gently water indoor herb pots. This avoids soil splash and helps prevent root rot. Aussie Hoses have a watering wand perfect for small-scale gardening.

🌿 Evergreen Herbs – A Bit Trickier, But Worth It

These herbs prefer outdoor conditions but can survive indoors for a while with proper care. They grow slowly, need bright light, and aren’t as forgiving—so consider them more ornamental unless you’re harvesting lightly.

• Bay

• Marjoram

• Oregano

• Rosemary

• Sage

• Thyme

🌞 Place these near a bright window or under grow lights for best results. A decorative herb box with good drainage and a saucer will help keep your benchtops clean while allowing the herbs to breathe.

✨ Honourable Mention: Curry Plant

This aromatic silver-leafed plant adds visual interest to your indoor herb garden. While it doesn’t pack much flavour into dishes, it smells incredible and looks stunning. Think of it as a fragrant companion to your other herbs.

🚫 Herbs Best Grown Outdoors

Some herbs just don’t take kindly to life indoors. They either need too much space, too much light, or just don’t produce enough to make the effort worthwhile.

• Dill – Tall, feathery, and space-hungry.

• Fennel – Bulky and better off in the garden bed.

• Basil – A sun-lover that often wilts indoors. If you must, grow it in a full-sun spot and replant regularly.

• Cilantro (Coriander) – Quickly bolts indoors unless you have perfect light and airflow.

• Chamomile – Needs ample sunlight to flower properly.

• Garlic – Long growing season and more of a crop than a potted plant.

🌧️ Watering Tip for Outdoor Herbs: With herbs in the garden, consistent and controlled watering is key. Our Aussie Hoses Retractable Garden Hoses make it easy to water your herbs (and the rest of the garden) without the mess of tangled hoses or excess water waste. Simply pull, water, and let the hose retract when you’re done—no winding required.

🌿 Bringing Outdoor Herbs Inside for Winter?

Some perennials like rosemary or bay can be overwintered indoors. Take small cuttings, propagate them, and move them inside before the frost hits. This is a great way to keep your favourite herbs alive and ready for the next planting season.

Final Tips for Indoor Herb Success

• Use well-draining pots – Herbs hate soggy roots.

• Rotate your pots weekly – This helps them grow evenly toward the light.

• Harvest regularly – Clipping the tips encourages fuller growth.

• Keep tools and watering accessories handy – A compact hose caddy or watering wand can make all the difference.

Ready to Grow?

Whether you’re potting up parsley in the kitchen or prepping your outdoor herb bed for spring, watering should be the easiest part of gardening. At Aussie Hoses, we help Australians take the hassle out of watering with our:

• ✅ Auto-retractable hose reels

• ✅ Wall-mounted and portable options

• ✅ Premium watering wands and sprayers

• ✅ 2-year warranty

Explore our full range of hose systems and accessories at AussieHoses.com.au/shop and grow your garden—indoors or out—with ease.