Countertop HarvestBy the Countertop Harvest team · Last updated · How we choose products
Indoor herbs need a little attention, often. This calendar puts the routine in one place: what to do every day, every week and every month, plus what changes with the seasons. Each step links to the extension source behind it.
The routine
| When | What to do | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Every day | Glance at the plants. Smart garden: check the water float or tank. | Catching a droop or a pest early is the easiest fix there is. |
| Every 2–3 days | Finger-test the soil an inch down. Water only if it’s dry, until it drains, then empty the saucer. | Overwatering is a common cause of yellow leaves and root rot. |
| Every week | Rotate windowsill pots. Pinch tips on basil and mint just above a leaf pair. Look under the leaves for pests. | Rotating gives every side light (Penn State Extension); pinching keeps plants bushy. |
| Every 2 weeks | Harvest the outer stems of parsley and cilantro, and cut chives about an inch above the soil. Pinch any flower buds. | Removing flower buds on leafy annuals encourages more leaves (Iowa State Extension). |
| Every month | Check the grow light timer and height. Wipe dust off leaves and the light. Feed if your plant food label calls for it. | Most indoor herbs need around 8 hours of direct light, or a grow light for 12–16 hours (Iowa State Extension). |
| Every few months | Re-sow annuals like basil and cilantro so a fresh pot is ready when the old one fades. | Iowa State suggests starting new annual herbs from seed after several harvests (Iowa State Extension). |
Season by season
Fall (Sep–Nov)
Days get shorter and window light weakens. This is when most herbs start stretching.
- Move pots to your brightest window, ideally south- or west-facing
- Add a grow light on a timer if stems start to stretch
- Start a fresh pot of basil and cilantro from seed
Winter (Dec–Feb)
The hardest months indoors: weak light and cold glass.
- Pull pots back from cold windows at night, especially basil
- Run grow lights 12–16 hours a day (Iowa State Extension)
- Water less often: check the soil before every watering
Spring (Mar–May)
Light comes back and growth speeds up.
- Pinch tips weekly to keep up with growth
- Re-sow annuals you’ve harvested hard all winter
- Watch for aphids on soft new growth
Summer (Jun–Aug)
Strong light and warm rooms push herbs to flower.
- Pinch flower buds on basil and mint as soon as they appear
- Check soil more often: small pots in a sunny window dry out fast
- Harvest in the morning, when the flavor is best (Iowa State Extension)
Herb by herb
Each herb wants a slightly different cut. Our pruning guide covers where to cut and how much to take for 13 herbs, and the Herb Doctor helps when something goes wrong.
Sources
- Penn State Extension: growing herbs indoors
- Iowa State Extension: growing herbs indoors
- Iowa State Extension: growing, harvesting and drying herbs
- Lost Coast Plant Therapy: FAQ
Frequently asked questions
How often should I water indoor herbs?
Check the soil every few days and water only when the top inch is dry, then let it drain. Small pots in a sunny window dry out faster than big pots in winter.
How many hours of light do indoor herbs need?
Penn State says most herbs need about 6 hours of direct sun; Iowa State says most indoor herbs need around 8. Without that, run a grow light 12–16 hours a day.
When should I replace indoor herbs?
Annuals like basil and cilantro decline after several harvests or once they flower. Iowa State suggests starting new plants from seed, so sow a fresh pot every few months.