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The Spruce / Chloe Jeong
An herb garden kit allows you to cultivate and harvest culinary herbs right at home, providing fresh, nutritious ingredients at the ready. “To ensure greater success with your herb garden, there are two essential attributes to keep in mind when buying herb gardening kits, and they are: purchase from reputable sources, and make sure that the kits were prepared within six months of purchase,” says Ashlie Thomas, an author, gardener, and food security advocate known on social media as The Mocha Gardener.
We researched the best herb garden kits, evaluating products based on their size, capacity, placement, and special features.
Here are the best herb garden kits on the market.
Best Overall
iDOO 12 Pods Indoor Herb Garden Kit
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Amazon
Self-watering
Holds up to 12 plants
Adjustable lamp head
Easy to set up
Seeds are not included
Some reports of parts breaking
Our top pick for indoor herb gardens is the iDOO Indoor Herb GardenKit. Thanks to its self-watering system, automatic timer, and built-in fan for pollinating, this innovative unit cares for itself and has room for 12 plants. The 22-watt LED grow lights provide a full spectrum of sunlight for optimal plant growth. According to the manufacturer, this hydronic system grows plants 20 percent more quickly than the traditional soil planting method. We also love that this unit has two growing modes, so you can create the ideal light conditions for vegetables as well as fruit and flowers.
The three-step germination kit makes this unit very easy to set up (although it's important to note that seeds are not included). Other convenient features include a window, so you can easily monitor how much water is in the tank, and an adjustable lamp head that can accommodate plants in various growth stages. We have read some reports of parts breaking within a short period of time, specifically the water pump. Be sure to take advantage of the one-year warranty if you encounter any problems or defects.
Price at time of publish: $85
Type of Herbs: None provided | Capacity: 12 plants | Dimensions: 15.8 x 7 x 9.6 inches | Container Material: Not listed | Placement: Indoor | Special Features: Self-watering, hydroponic, grow light
Best Budget
Garden Republic Herbs in the Burbs Herb Garden Kit
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Amazon
Can be used indoors or outdoors
Comes with four types of seeds
Includes helpful accessories
Users receive expert advice and online support
No actual pots
Some reports of seeds not growing
This affordable herb garden from Garden Republic makes the perfect starter kit. It includes four gardening shears, four burlap grow bags, four potting soil disks, four bamboo plant markers, and an attractive wood box that doubles as a planter. Measuring 4 x 7 x 7 inches, its compact size is ideal for almost any windowsill, countertop, or table. This kit also comes with four packets of herb seeds: cilantro, large-leaf Italian parsley, English thyme, and Genovese basil. One potential downside worth noting: The herbs are grown in burlap sacks rather than actual pots, so they might not be the sturdiest option. On a positive note, you can easily transfer plants from indoors to your outdoor garden.
Garden Republic also offers users plenty of online assistance to help cultivate their gardening skills. In addition to instructional videos, you can reach out to a team of gardening experts and horticulturists for assistance. You also have the opportunity to participate in various online communities. Garden Republic Has a strong commitment to sustainability and grows its heirloom, non-GMO herb seeds in the USA. However, we did read some reports that the seeds didn’t grow at all, leading some to question the quality of the seeds.
Price at time of publish: $30
Type of Herbs: Cilantro, large leaf Italian parsley, English thyme, and Genovese basil | Capacity: 4 plants | Dimensions: 4 x 7 x 7 inches | Container Material: Burlap, wood | Placement: Indoor or outdoor | Special Features: Not applicable
Best Splurge
AeroGarden Harvest Elite with Gourmet Herb Seed Pod Kit
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Amazon
Full-spectrum LED grow lights
Includes six seed pods and plant food
Digital control panel with advanced settings
Extendable lamp
Expensive
Some reports of malfunctions
The AeroGarden Harvest Elite offers an automated watering system and advanced settings to justify its high price tag. Featuring 20-watt, high-efficiency LED grow lights, this kit maximizes photosynthesis and plant growth. It also includes six gourmet herb seeds: Genovese basil, curly parsley, dill, thyme, Thai basil and mint–each in its own pod. For optimal nutrition, a bottle of Miracle Gro Plant Food is also included. To top it all off, the manufacturer promises to replace the seed pods for free if they don’t sprout in 21 days.
With features such as a timer, water and plant food reminders, and vacation mode, the digital control panel ensures that your plants receive proper nourishment–even when you’re out of town. The extendable lamp can be adjusted up to 12 inches, providing room for your plants as they grow. The AeroGarden Harvest Elite is pricier than most of the competition, but it allows you to grow six herbs at once, and it’s one of the most advanced indoor gardens on the market. We have read some reports that the unit stopped working in a short period of time, so be sure to take advantage of the one-year warranty if you encounter any problems.
Price at time of publish: $206
Type of Herbs: Genovese basil, curly parsley, dill, thyme, Thai basil and mint | Capacity: 6 plants | Dimensions: 17.4 x 10.5 x 6.25 inches | Container Material: Stainless steel | Placement: Indoor | Special Features: LCD control panel, hydroponic, grow light, timer
Best for Small Spaces
Modern Sprout Hydroponic Mason Jar Indoor Grow Kit
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Uncommon Goods
Self-watering
No soil required
Ideal for small spaces
Includes organic seeds
Jars are sold separately
A few reports of missing pieces
If you don’t have room for a large indoor herb garden, these vintage-inspired mason jars from Modern Sprout are excellent space-savers. Each quart jar measures 6 inches high by 3.5 inches wide, small enough to place almost anywhere in your home. You can choose from six organic herbs: basil, parsley, mint, rosemary, lavender, and cilantro. These jars are equipped with a hydronic system that is self-watering, so you never have to worry about over- or under-watering your plants.
This kit comes with all the necessary accessories and takes the guesswork out of growing herbs indoors. These jars come in six different colors, but note that each color corresponds to a specific herb. The jars are made of recycled glass and can be reused or repurposed. We read a few complaints about missing pieces, so be sure to thoroughly inspect the jars upon arrival.
Price at time of publish: $24
Type of Herbs: Basil, parsley, mint, rosemary, lavender, and cilantro | Capacity: 1 plant per jar | Dimensions: 6 x 3.5 inches | Container Material: Recycled glass | Placement: Indoor | Special Features: Self-watering, hydroponic
Best With Light
Click & Grow The Smart Garden 3
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Amazon
LED grow light
Automated watering system
Built-in timer
Extendable lamp
Only one type of herb per kit
Reports of mold on pods
Featuring energy-efficient LED grow lights, the Click & Grow Smart Garden ensures that your plans thrive, regardless of the weather. This indoor growing system is fully automated and does most of the work for you. All you need to do is add the plant pods and water! In addition to a grow light, it has a self-watering tank, built-in timer, and accompanying mobile app. Measuring 19 x 12 x 5 inches, this unit is the perfect size for a kitchen counter or windowsill and is available in white, gray, or beige to match almost any decor.
For optimal plant growth, the LED lamp has a 16 hours on/8 hours off cycle to mimic natural sunlight. The height of the lamp is adjustable, so you can create more space for your plants as they grow. Although this kit comes with three basil pods, the company offers more than 50 varieties of plant refill capsules to choose from. You can also use your own seeds if you prefer. The most common complaint we found is that mold grows within the pods, but the manufacturer says that is normal.
Price at time of publish: $100
Type of Herbs: Basil | Capacity: 3 plants | Dimensions: 19 x 12 x 5 inches | Container Material: Plastic | Placement: Indoor | Special Features: Self-watering, grow light
Best Decorative
Williams Sonoma Blue & White Herb Starter Set
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Williams Sonoma
Attractive, elegant design
Made of durable glazed porcelain
Can be used indoors or outdoors
Includes a matching tray and plant markers
Doesn’t include seeds or soil
If you’re looking for a herb garden that makes a statement, these Ming-style porcelain planters from Williams Sonoma have an attractive, elegant design. This set comes with three hand-painted porcelain planters, a matching tray, and four plant markers. The tray measures 0.75 x 5.25 x 14 inches and will work well on a windowsill, countertop, shelf, or balcony. Thanks to its glazed porcelain construction, this set is durable enough for indoor and outdoor use.
It’s important to note that you will need to purchase your own seeds and soil. This herb starter kit doesn't have any special features or accessories (aside from plant markers) to help with the growing process. Your herbs will require the traditional methods of sun exposure and hand-watering in order to thrive. On the upside, this kit earns top marks for its stylish and sophisticated design.
Price at time of publish: $69
Type of Herbs: Seeds not included | Capacity: 3 plants | Dimensions: 0.75 x 5.25 x 14 inches | Container Material: Porcelain | Placement: Indoor or outdoor | Special Features: None
Best Organic
Spade to Fork Indoor Herb Garden Starter Kit
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Amazon
Includes five types of seeds
Includes pots, soil discs, and plant markers
Peat pots are compostable
Entire kit is certified USDA organic
Repotting is often required
The Spade To Fork Indoor Garden Kit contains five types of Certified USDA Organic Non GMO seeds, including Italian large leaf basil, coriander cilantro (slow bolt), Peione parsley, broad leaf sage, and thyme. The kit also includes five OMRI-certified compostable peat pots, five OMRI-certified rich potting soil discs, five custom wood-burned plant markers, and a 26-page growing guide. With all of these accouterments, you’ll have everything you need to grow nutritious, sustainable food right at home all year long.
This indoor kit is versatile enough to set up almost anywhere in your home, whether it’s a windowsill, countertop, balcony, or desk. Though we love the fact that the pots are biodegradable, herbs tend to outgrow them very quickly. Once the seeds sprout, you’ll likely need to transfer the herbs into larger pots.
Price at time of publish: $35
Type of Herbs: Italian large leaf basil, coriander cilantro (slow bolt), Peione parsley, broad leaf sage, and thyme | Capacity: 5 plants | Dimensions: Not listed | Container Material: Peat | Placement: Indoor | Special Features: None listed
Best Windowsill
Urban Leaf Indoor Herb Garden Starter Kit
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Amazon
Compact and attractive design
Makes an excellent starter kit
Includes helpful accessories
Comes with three types of seeds
Pots may grow mold
No drainage holes at the bottom
This all-in-one herb growing kit from Urban Leaf has a slim profile that fits perfectly on a windowsill or other small ledge. If you’re new to indoor gardening, it provides everything you need to get started, including step-by-step instructions, three coir pots, laser-etched bamboo labels, soil discs with water-retaining crystals, and three packets of basil, parsley, and cilantro seeds. This kit is also ideal for transplanting, so you can easily transfer your indoor herb plants to your backyard.
The biodegradable herb pots are housed in a decorative planter box made from renewable wood. One potential downside is that the pots have a tendency to grow mold. It’s also important to note that the pots don’t have drain holes at the bottom, so be careful not to overwater them. Despite a few minor flaws, this is an excellent start kit for small-space gardening. Plus, the manufacturer offers a lifetime promise: If you’re not happy with the product, it will give you your money back.
Price at time of publish: $30
Type of Herbs: Basil, parsley, and cilantro | Capacity: 3 plants | Dimensions: 4.5 x 4 x 12 inches | Container Material: Wood, coco coir | Placement: Indoor | Special Features: Not listed
The iDOO Indoor Herb Garden Kit is our top pick, because it holds up to 12 plants and provides water and a full spectrum of light automatically. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option that’s more hands-on, the Garden Republic Indoor Herb Garden Starter Kit includes four types of seeds, a grow box, and shears.
What to Look for in an Herb Garden Kit
Type of Herbs
What type of herbs you want to grow should be the primary factor when choosing an herb garden kit. For example, if you frequently make salsa, then chives and cilantro may be high on your list, while if you love to cook Italian food, then perhaps varieties like basil and oregano are most important for you. Some kits offer more options than others, so take a close look at the herbs each kit comes with, and whether you’re able to add your own to the mix. Several of the picks on this list, including our best overall pick, the iDOO Indoor Herb Garden Kit, allow you to add your seeds, or they have more herbs available on the product's website.
Placement
Whether indoors or outdoors, most herbs thrive in full sunlight and require six or more hours of direct sunlight per day. “If you have longer winters, and the temperatures aren't quite optimal for outdoor growing, you can always use your kit indoors,” says Ashlie Thomas, an author, gardener, and food security advocate known on social media as The Mocha Gardener. “Just make sure that your plants are in well-draining pots and in a south-facing spot with direct sun.”
Features
Some indoor herb gardens are self-watering; these units have a timer connected to their water reservoir and will automatically water your plants on a specific schedule. Certain units also feature customizable LED lights, which can also be programmed to illuminate your plants at set intervals, mimicking the natural sun cycle. Our best overall pick, the IDOO Indoor Herb Garden Kit, features a self-watering feature, timer, and LED lights. For even more convenience, a smart indoor herb garden, like the Aerogarden Harvest Elite, allows you to program the lighting and water schedule through an accompanying mobile app. Setup requires a few more steps with these advanced models, but they eliminate the need to tend to plants daily.
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How long do the plants in herb garden kits last?
This will depend on what types of plants you get in your herb garden kit and how you take care of them. To increase the longevity of your plants, make sure you understand each one's requirements so you can give them exactly what they need. Providing strong light, selecting the best herb pots, and avoiding overwatering are also key if you want your plants to last as long as they possibly can.
If you don't intend to set up your herb garden right away, Thomas provides the following advice: “When kits are stored at room temperature and in a dark place, the herbal seeds that are typically included can maintain viability for up to a year or longer.” She notes that keeping the kit refrigerated in a moisture-proof container can also extend the life and quality of the seeds.
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How often do I need to water the plants in an herb garden kit?
Most herbs actually like semi-dry soil. Generally, if your plants are wilting, and the soil is wet, you could be overwatering. Be sure to plant herbs in groups based on their watering needs. “For instance, some herbs such as mint, basil, and parsley require a substantial amount of water,” says Thomas. “On the other hand, herbs like lavender, dill, sage, and oregano are a bit more drought-tolerant and do not require frequent watering.”
One good rule of thumb is to water slowly, thoroughly, and less frequently. That will promote the greatest root growth, which is what herbs need to flourish. It's also best to look for signs that your herbs need watering rather than simply watering on a set schedule. Be sure to water only round the root area.
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How do I know when the plants in the herb garden kit need to be repotted?
If roots are protruding from the bottom of the pot, the plant has become limp, or it has stopped growing, it's time to repot your plants. Soil can also sometimes become exhausted, which may cause the plant to suffer. “If a plant begins to tip over, this may mean that the pot can no longer support or provide a stable foundation for the plant,” Thomas notes. These are all cases that indicate it's time to repot your plant.
Thomas also says to be on the lookout for what’s known as “leaf drop,” a defense mechanism that causes leaves to yellow and fall off due to overcrowded roots or lack of nutrients. Repotting your plants is a great way to remove tangled roots and allow more nutrients and water to reach the plant.
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When can you start using a herb garden kit (indoors versus outdoors)?
Since most herbs thrive in slightly cooler indoor temperatures, you can grow them in your home year-round. If you’re rooting stem cuttings from an existing outdoor plant, it’s ideal to do this in the fall as the weather cools. Once you’ve cultivated the plant indoors through the winter, you can plant it outdoors in the spring. If you’re using purchased seeds, it’s a good idea to start your indoor herb garden a few weeks before the first frost.
Why Trust The Spruce?
This article was written by Sage McHugh, a lifestyle writer for The Spruce who specializes in the home and garden sector. To select the best herb garden kits for this roundup, she considered dozens of products, carefully evaluating their size, capacity, placement, and special features. For expert insight on herb garden kits, McHugh interviewed Ashlie Thomas, a gardener and food security advocate known on social media as The Mocha Gardener. Thomas is also the author of the book How to Become a Gardener: Find empowerment in creating your own food security.
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