There’s something quietly magical about plucking a few fresh basil leaves from your own plant to sprinkle over pasta or brewing a cup of mint tea from herbs you’ve grown yourself. It’s the small joy of nurturing life in your own home—and then, quite literally, tasting the fruits (or rather, leaves) of your labour.
If you’ve ever felt the urge to start your own little herb garden but weren’t sure where to begin, you’re not alone. The good news? It’s far simpler than it looks. Dr.Ekta Chaudhary of Garden Up walks you through the dos, don’ts, and “I wish I knew this earlier” kind of tips that make all the difference.
Note: This article has been co-authored by Dr. Ekta Chaudhary, founder of Garden Up Landscapes. They specialise in designing and maintaining indoor and outdoor gardens across Mumbai. To know more about Garden Up Landscapes and their services, visit www.gardenup.in or follow them on Instagram @gardenup_in.
If your home gets at least 3 hours of direct sunlight, you’ve already won half the battle. “Mint, green basil, Tulsi, and lemongrass or citronella are the simplest to start with,” shares Dr. Ekta. All you need is a 6–8 inch pot with a drainage plate—and a bit of patience.
While a kitchen counter garden sounds charming, it’s not always practical. “Outdoors is always better,” she says. Herbs love the sun, and in most parts of India, we’re blessed with more than enough. Whether it’s a balcony, window ledge, or rooftop corner, sunlight is non-negotiable.
You can either start from seeds (for a more satisfying experience) or buy starter plants (for quicker results, especially if you’ve had previous failures). “Use cocopeat starter pods—drop two seeds per pod, and water whenever the surface feels dry,” she advises. And here’s a neat trick: place the pods inside a plastic takeaway box to lock in moisture and speed up germination.
When it comes to watering, less is definitely more. “Water only when the soil feels dry,” she says. The test is simple—touch the surface. If it sticks slightly to your finger, it’s time to water. Overwatering is a common killer—it suffocates roots, encourages fungal growth, and weakens the plant.
Another major misstep? Assuming herbs are low-maintenance. “All edibles need strong, direct light,” she reminds us. Without that, even the hardiest herbs will struggle to thrive. If your space doesn’t get much sun, it’s better to grow low-light foliage plants instead.
To keep your herbs healthy and flavourful, feed them organic vermicompost every 2–3 weeks. “It’s chemical-free and keeps herbs lush, healthy, and bursting with flavour,” she says. Basically, don’t just plant and forget—check in on them like you would a moody housemate.
Worried about pests but don’t want to reach for chemical sprays? “Regular trimming works wonders,” says Dr. Ekta. “Strong water pressure can wash away insects.” A garden that’s sunny, breezy, and not overwatered is less prone to pests in the first place.
And while people worry about winter, the real troublemaker in India is actually the monsoon. “Herbs love winter,” she shares. “But in the rainy season, keep pots well-drained, protect them from strong winds, and avoid waterlogging.”
If you live in a small apartment, don’t write off gardening just yet. “Yes—you can absolutely grow a full herb garden in a small apartment or balcony,” she assures us. Again, as long as there’s sun, you’re golden.
So what should you grow? Tulsi (Holy Basil) is a no-brainer—easy, low-maintenance, and great for immunity. Citronella is ideal for calming teas, while blue pea (also known as butterfly pea) is packed with antioxidants and produces the most beautiful blue brews. Aloe vera is another must—have for everything from burns to skincare.
While these are some of the more popular picks, you might be surprised how easy it is to grow lesser-known herbs that double up as natural remedies.
Another myth our expert is keen to bust: no, herbs will not grow “just anywhere.” They’re not indestructible. They require light, the proper watering schedule, and some attention. But get those basics right, and the rewards are totally worth it.
Growing herbs at home isn’t about being a gardening pro—it’s about getting the basics right and letting nature do its thing. You don’t need fancy tools, Pinterest-perfect planters, or a green thumb. Just a few hours of sunlight, a little care, and a willingness to learn from your mistakes. Before you know it, you’ll be sipping homegrown tea and wondering why you didn’t start sooner.
