Not everyone has room for raised beds or sprawling herb gardens, and that’s okay. If you’ve got a windowsill, balcony, or a sunny patch on your patio, you’ve got enough space to grow fresh herbs.
Planter boxes and containers are ideal for keeping herbs close, manageable, and thriving without much effort. In fact, many herbs actually do better in containers where they won’t overtake your garden or compete with your veggies.
Today, we’re diving into 12 of the best herbs to grow in small spaces. These plants are easy to care for, packed with flavor, and perfect for anyone who wants to enjoy fresh-picked ingredients with just a quick step outside. Let’s get planting.
#1 Basil
Image Credits: Thekitchn
If there’s one herb that instantly transforms your cooking, it’s basil. This leafy green thrives in warm containers with plenty of sunlight and well-draining soil.
Keep your planter box in a sunny spot and pinch off the top leaves regularly to encourage bushier growth and prevent flowering. You’ll be amazed how fast it grows when happy, sometimes giving you fresh leaves in as little as 3–4 weeks.
Whether you’re making pesto, topping off a Caprese salad, or adding flavor to sauces, nothing beats the aroma of freshly harvested basil just steps from your door.
#2 Oregano
Image Credits: The Spruce
Oregano brings bold, earthy flavor to your kitchen and asks for very little in return. It grows beautifully in containers, especially when placed in full sun and watered only when the soil feels dry.
This woody perennial actually thrives on neglect, just trim it back often to keep it full and flavorful. Studies have found oregano oil rich in carvacrol, a compound with strong antimicrobial and antioxidant properties (Frontiers in Microbiology, 2019).
You’ll love having this Mediterranean staple right outside your door, ready to sprinkle over pizza, pasta, or fresh-roasted veggies.
#3 Thyme
Thyme is a tiny-leafed powerhouse that loves soaking up the sun from a planter box. Its low-growing habit makes it perfect for borders or edges, and it won’t mind a bit of drought.
This herb is rich in thymol, a natural antiseptic shown to support respiratory health and reduce inflammation (Journal of Applied Microbiology, 2007).
You just need well-draining soil and a light hand with water—too much, and thyme gets fussy. Snip it often to encourage bushy growth and enjoy its savory, lemony aroma in soups, marinades, or roasted dishes.
#4 Cilantro
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Cilantro grows fast and brings a fresh, citrusy punch to your kitchen garden. It thrives in cooler temps and does best in a deep container where it can stretch its roots.
Rich in antioxidants and compounds like linalool, cilantro may help reduce blood sugar and support detoxification.
To keep it from bolting too quickly, place your container where it gets morning sun and afternoon shade. Harvest the outer leaves first and let the inner ones keep growing. If it flowers, no worries, you can collect coriander seeds and start again.
#5 Sage
Image Credits: The Spruce
Sage is a sun-loving herb with velvety leaves and an earthy aroma that instantly gives meals a cozy touch. It’s perfect for containers because it doesn’t like soggy roots. Just use well-drained soil and let it dry slightly between waterings.
Beyond flavor, sage contains rosmarinic acid and carnosic acid, which studies show may support memory and cognitive function (Neurochemical Research, 2010).
You can place the pot near your kitchen for quick snips into stuffing, soups, or even tea. Trim it often to keep it compact and bushy. Plus, its soft leaves and lilac blooms make it just as lovely as it is useful.
#6 Chives
Image Credits: Gardenerspath
Chives are one of the easiest herbs to grow in containers, and they reward you with delicate onion-flavored stalks all season long. Their slender green shoots and purple blooms look lovely on a sunny windowsill or balcony.
According to research published in Plant Foods for Human Nutrition, chives are rich in vitamin K and antioxidants that support immune health.
They thrive in well-drained soil and need just a few hours of sun a day to flourish. Snip from the base to encourage fresh growth and prevent the tips from wilting. You’ll always have a mild, savory kick ready to sprinkle over eggs, salads, or baked potatoes.
#7 Parsley
Image Credits: Mr-fothergills
Parsley is a nutrient-packed herb that grows beautifully in containers near your kitchen. With a bit of sun and regular watering, its bright green leaves keep coming back for months.
Studies published in The Journal of Nutrition highlight parsley’s impressive levels of vitamin C, A, and folate, making it a smart choice for health-conscious gardeners.
You can trim outer leaves frequently to encourage new growth in the center. It does best in rich, moist soil, so consider adding compost or slow-release fertilizer.
#8 Winter Savory
Winter savory is a compact, bushy herb that thrives in containers and brings a peppery kick to your cooking. Its small, glossy leaves are perfect for seasoning roasted meats, beans, and stews.
As a perennial, it survives cooler seasons and keeps growing with just a bit of trimming. Place it in a sunny spot with well-draining soil, and water when the top inch feels dry.
You’ll love how low-maintenance it is while adding bold flavor to your meals.
#9 Mint
Mint is one of the easiest herbs to grow in containers, and that’s a good thing, because it can spread wildly if left in a garden bed. Its cool, refreshing aroma makes it perfect for teas, desserts, and summer drinks.
According to a study in Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, mint also has notable digestive and anti-inflammatory benefits. Keep it in partial sun and water regularly to keep the leaves tender and lush.
You can even snip the stems frequently to encourage bushier growth. With its fast-growing habit and versatility, mint is a must-have for your planter box.
#10 Lemon Verbena
Lemon verbena fills the air with a sweet, citrusy scent that instantly lifts your mood. Its long, slender leaves are packed with essential oils known for calming and digestive benefits, supported by studies in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology.
You’ll want to place it in full sun and keep the soil moist but not soggy. A planter box is ideal for controlling its size and bringing that fragrant touch right to your balcony or porch. Prune it often to maintain shape and boost new growth.
#11 French Tarragon
Image Credits: Havenly
French tarragon offers a delicate licorice flavor that elevates salad dressings, sauces, and roasted vegetables. Its thin, glossy green leaves grow best in well-drained soil and full sun, making it a perfect fit for containers that warm up quickly.
Since it doesn’t grow from seed easily, most gardeners prefer to start from cuttings or young plants. According to the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, tarragon contains antioxidants that may help fight inflammation.
You’ll want to keep it lightly pruned and avoid overwatering. In a sunny windowsill or balcony planter, this refined herb thrives with minimal effort.
#12 Sorrel
Sorrel brings a sharp, lemony punch to your herb box, perfect for tossing into soups, sauces, or fresh salads.
Its bright green, lance-shaped leaves love full sun but tolerate partial shade, especially in warmer climates. Sorrel grows quickly in containers, and regular harvesting helps encourage tender new leaves.
According to the Journal of Food Composition and Analysis, sorrel is high in vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants, though it also contains oxalic acid, so it’s best enjoyed in moderation. Keep the soil moist but not soggy, and give it space to grow upright.
