12 Clever Ways to Grow Herbs Without a Garden • Schisandra & Bergamot

Think you need a sprawling backyard to grow your own herbs? Think again! Even without outdoor space, you can still enjoy a fresh supply of basil, mint, rosemary, and more right at home. All it takes is a little creativity and a few clever setups.

Whether you’re working with a windowsill, wall space, or hanging planters, these herb-growing ideas prove that you can grow green no matter where you live.

Windowsill Planters

Succulent plants in bowls are placed on a windowsill with a blurred outdoor background. — Photo Credit: Raynnier Gómez/Pexels

Your windowsill can be transformed into a mini indoor garden with just a few pots and the right herbs. Choose compact varieties like chives, thyme, and oregano, which thrive in small containers. As long as you have sunlight and water, you’ll have a steady supply of fresh flavors.

Mason Jar Herb Garden

Three glass jars contain plants; two are basil with bright green leaves, and one is rosemary with needle-like leaves. The jars are filled with soil and arranged on a wooden surface. — Photo Credit: zigzagmtart/Deposit Photos

Mason jars are a trendy and affordable way to grow herbs like basil, parsley, and cilantro. Add small rocks or pebbles at the bottom for drainage, then fill with potting soil and your seeds or cuttings. Place the jars in a sunny spot and enjoy the convenience of a DIY herb station.

Hanging Baskets Indoors

A potted plant with green leaves is suspended in a black macramé hanger against a wooden wall background. — Photo Credit: Sven Brandsma/Unsplash

Hanging baskets aren't just for flowers — they’re perfect for herbs too. Suspend them from the ceiling or wall brackets to grow trailing varieties like parsley or mint. It’s a space-saving, decorative way to bring greenery into your kitchen or living room.

Vertical Wall Planters

Potted plants with green leaves arranged on a wire grid attached to a wall, using black and gray pots. — Photo Credit: Taylor Keeran/Unsplash

Vertical planters let you grow a variety of herbs in one compact space by stacking them upward on a wall. They're ideal for balconies or small apartments with limited floor space. Plus, they double as living wall art and add a fresh look to any room.

Hydroponic Herb Kits

Hydroponic lettuce plants growing in a white channel with green leaves visible. — Photo Credit: naidokdin/Pixabay

Hydroponic kits allow you to grow herbs without soil, using just water, nutrients, and sometimes built-in grow lights. They’re low-maintenance and perfect for beginners or anyone without natural light. Popular herbs like basil, dill, and mint thrive in these high-tech setups.

Tin Can Herb Holders

Various succulents and plants are growing in repurposed metal cans decorated with colorful labels. — Photo Credit: Maddison Fantillo/Unsplash

Recycle empty tin cans into charming herb planters with a little creativity. Drill a drainage hole, fill with potting mix, and label each can for a cute rustic touch. These containers are easy to line up on a windowsill or shelf for fresh herbs within reach.

Over-the-Sink Shelf Garden

Rustic kitchen with white brick wall, wooden shelves holding plants and pottery, stovetop with utensils above, and a sink to the right. Industrial-style cabinets complete the look. — Photo Credit: brizmaker/Deposit Photos

The space above your kitchen sink often gets excellent light, making it ideal for growing herbs. Install a simple shelf or use the existing one to line up potted plants like basil and oregano. Watering is a breeze since you’re already near the tap.

Hanging Shoe Organizer Planter

A wall-mounted shoe organizer with eight visible pockets holding various pairs of shoes, including sneakers and dress shoes. — Photo Credit: littleny/Deposit Photos

Repurpose a fabric shoe organizer by filling each pocket with soil and planting herbs like mint, parsley, and cilantro. Hang it on a sunny door, fence, or wall to create a vertical garden that’s both functional and fun. It’s a creative way to grow multiple herbs in a tight space.

Rail Planters on a Balcony or Porch

A covered stone walkway with arches and columns, lined with potted red and pink flowers, overlooks a lush green hillside. — Photo Credit: nonmisvegliate/Pixabay

If you have balcony railings or a small porch, railing planters can hold a surprising number of herbs. They clip on easily and let you make the most of unused vertical space. With enough sunlight and regular watering, your herbs will thrive in these compact containers.

Teacup Herb Garden

A fern with long, slender leaves grows in a white teacup on a saucer, placed on a wooden surface with a blurred background. — Photo Credit: De an Sun/Unsplash

Turn old or mismatched teacups into adorable herb pots for your kitchen counter or windowsill. They’re just the right size for small herbs like thyme or basil. Add pebbles at the bottom to help with drainage and enjoy the charming look of a vintage-inspired herb garden.

Under-Cabinet Grow Lights

Plants growing under LED lights in a controlled indoor environment with minimal soil usage, highlighting efficient farming techniques. — Photo Credit: Erik Mclean/Pexels

LED grow lights can be installed under your kitchen cabinets to simulate sunlight for your herbs. They’re great for homes without much natural light and allow you to grow herbs like dill or parsley year-round. This setup keeps your herbs close while cooking and adds a modern touch.

Bookshelf Garden

Wooden shelves on a wall with small potted plants and a lit "IN LIGHT" sign. — Photo Credit: Dmitry Zvolskiy/Pexels

Turn an unused shelf into a stylish indoor garden by dedicating it to potted herbs. Use waterproof trays to protect your furniture and group herbs by light and water needs. It’s a smart way to bring life into your living space while keeping fresh flavors nearby.

You don’t need a backyard to enjoy the perks of fresh herbs. These clever growing ideas bring the garden indoors and prove that limited space doesn’t mean limited flavor. With a little ingenuity, you’ll be snipping fresh herbs all year long — no garden necessary.