Take your fresh herbs indoors before it gets too cold! Today I'm sharing how to make an indoor herb garden out of items you already have at home so you can enjoy the flavors year-round.
Hello! Hello!
As much as I hate to admit it, summer is winding down and that means gardening season is winding down as well. I usually sob a little inside when my outdoor herb tower gets hit with the first frost. I use fresh herbs year-round, but it is so much easier when I'm growing them myself. Those little herb packets at the store just aren't the same as pulling them out of your garden!
I thought that this year I'd try growing them inside for the cold season and created this simple indoor herb garden in a basket using easy supplies you might already have!
For a little extra fun and whimsy I added some simple DIY foil plant tags! Aren't they cute?
For this project you'll need fresh herbs of your choice, a basket (I always seem to have these lying around the house!) and some sort of watertight container that fits inside of the basket. I found a small, galvanized container at my local craft store, but feel free to get creative. Cheap pots or even plastic wear from the kitchen are options.
Indoor Herb Garden Supplies:
- Basket
- Some sort of Pot
- Herbs
- Glad™ Standard Aluminum Foil
- Potting Soil
- Rocks
- Ribbon
I'm using Glad™ Standard Aluminum Foil for this project because of its versatility in the kitchen and beyond. This stuff is literally part of my everyday life! I use it in the kitchen to keep pans clean, line cookie sheets, cover dishes or even to cook in foil packets! The hubs uses it for the grill all the time.
Glad™ Foil is 30% stronger than other leading foils, meaning I can use it for the toughest of jobs from the freezer to the oven or even my crazy crafting ideas.
How To Make An Indoor Herb Garden
The first thing I did was make some drainage holes in my make shift pot. I used a screwdriver and a hammer to get these.
Next I added some rocks to the bottom. That helps with the drainage and keeps the soil from just falling out of those holes.
I then planted my herbs! I used rosemary and basil because I use them most in my kitchen, but feel free to use any herb.
Note: I would NOT try to do cilantro with this. It needs to be reseeded and is harder to grow.
I then used my Glad™ Foil to line my basket!
Glad™ Standard Aluminum Foil is easy to work with in the kitchen or with DIY because of it's handy "pull up" cutting feature that gets a clean cut every time AND a Ready Edge which makes it easy for me to grab the next time.
It also has these cool thumb dots on the side of the box for easy opening and keeping the foil from just falling out of the box. Plus you can't go wrong with the stay-closed lid!
I lined the basket to keep the basket dry when I water it. You'll need to pour the water that collects inside out at least once a week!
Next I place the pot inside the basket and start on my DIY foil plant tags!
Supplies for Plant Tags:
Kabob sticks (metal or wood)
To make the tags I fold the foil into a rectangle. It needs to be several layers thick. Next I use the sticks to "write" on the foil. I don't have awesome handwriting, but feel free to get creative here! Finally I poke a couple of holes in the side of the foil and thread the kabob stick through them.
Easy peasy!
If you used metal sticks, you could even use this idea outside next spring!
You can either leave the basket plain...
Can't you just smell that fresh basil!
... or add a sweet bow for a homier look depending on your decor. Feel free to modify the style of basket as well to match your style!
Adding the bow would also make this a great gift! Just sayin...
I took my basket indoors and placed it next to my kitchen window so it can get sun.
I'll also be able to pour off any water that collects in the foil easily.
You will want to water the herbs lightly every 2-3 days. Don't over water!
The foil tags and ribbon are just the right touch for my kitchen!
I hope you get a chance to make this fun simple project! I'm looking forward to using fresh herbs through the winter.
If you'd like to stock up on Glad™ Standard Aluminum Foil for the kitchen or DIY, start HERE with a $1 off coupon wherever Glad™ Foil is currently sold!
Like this idea? I'd love it if you could pin this image or the DIY foil tag pin above to your favorite board. Thank you!
Thanks for stopping by today! Tomorrow I’m sharing a few ways to update your wardrobe for Fall without breaking the bank!
I’m linking up with: Thinking Out Loud Thursday, Meatless Monday with Sarah and Deborah, Meatless Monday with Annmarie and Rachel, Delicious Dish Tuesday, What’s Cookin’ Wednesday, Full Plate Thursday with Miz Helen, FoodFriDIY, Foodie Friday, and the Weekend Potluck. Thanks so much ladies for the link up parties!
Your turn!
Do you ever garden indoors? Tell me in the comments for a chance to win a $100 Visa gift card!
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Ellen Casper says
Tweeted - https://mobile.twitter.com/usnamom2014/status/784585064109801475
Ellen Casper says
I grow herbs indoors year round indoors.
Anastasia Falling says
Tweeted 🙂 - https://twitter.com/Enter_Now/status/784511376874102784
Anastasia Falling says
I don't have any indoor plants right now... Ok, I don't have any outdoor plants either! This is super cute tho'! I like the ideas 🙂
Kristen M says
I've grown a few herbs indoors. I'm fortunate though to live in a climate where I can garden outdoors year round. Love the basket idea and diy instructions!
Thomas Murphy says
tweeted
https://twitter.com/thomasmurphy40/status/784462009203056640
Thomas Murphy says
I have never gardened indoors.
Tabathia B says
tweet https://twitter.com/ChelleB36/status/784436791986286593
tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com
Tabathia B says
No, sometimes I build my garden inside but I always take it outside to the enclosed patio
tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com
angie says
I tweeted here: https://twitter.com/MsTofuFairy/status/784383704848330752
angie says
I have a variety of house plants but no herbs or edibles. I have started seeds indoors in the spring before though.
Sarah L says
https://twitter.com/slehan/status/784301533877854208
Sarah L says
I just have some houseplants that will deal with low light since my windows face north.
Thanks for the contest.
Tina W says
tweeted: https://twitter.com/tinawoo21/status/784249027982348288
Tina W says
I don't garden indoors anymore: my cats tend to think any patch of dirt is a litterbox. (ewwwwww!)
Tamara says
Tweeted! https://twitter.com/calebaw3s0m3/status/784129593074528256
Tamara says
I keep a few indoor plants like aloe vera and Christmas cactus. Those are easy to keep up with.
westiemks5 at yahoo dot com
Susan Smith says
https://twitter.com/susan1215/status/784102137072488448
Susan Smith says
I have some indoor plants.
Annette says
https://twitter.com/ThatTuxedoCat/status/784083998905602048
Annette says
I've tried to garden indoors, but my cat thinks it's a game. He digs up/pulls up the plants before they have a chance.
maria cantu says
No gardening.
sherri crawford says
other than a couple indoor plants i dont but i may try this
Ellie Wright says
Tweeted
https://twitter.com/eswright18/status/783889555476795392
Ellie Wright says
I don't garden indoors, but I'd like to grow a few herbs.
Robin M. says
I haven't but I would like to try it.
Kristen says
tweeted
https://twitter.com/rubylorikeet/status/783660894983036933
Kristen says
I have thought about growing some herbs, but currently I do not garden indoors.
Betty C says
Tweet - https://twitter.com/willitara/status/783641768457666561
Betty C says
I don't have much luck with indoor gardening as I don't have a great source of sunlight but I just may try this. I love having fresh herbs.
Rebecca Graham says
I haven't had an indoor garden.
Debbie B says
i posted a tweet here;
https://twitter.com/purplepanda1966/status/783531364905803776
Debbie B says
i don't garden indoors - i do good to keep my house plants alive
Kerry says
tweeted: https://twitter.com/KerryBishop/status/783406599536779264
Kerry says
I don't - I don't have much of a green thumb.
Kevin E says
tweeted:
https://twitter.com/kjmaje/status/783266970749825024
Kevin E says
We do not get enough sunlight in our house to do much indoor gardening. We just start seeds indoors.
Denise L says
tweeted - https://twitter.com/dmarie824/status/783022442583252992
Denise L says
I do some indoor gardening, but it pretty much consists of just trying to keep things alive until they can go outside again.
Cynthia C says
I don't get enough light because of the trees around my house but I wish I could garden indoors.
Esther says
What a great idea! I have a little indoor garden at work, but not at my house! I def need to make one asap!
LaTanya says
https://twitter.com/sweetums82/status/781884963276939264
LaTanya says
no, I do not
Erin Will says
Tweeted! https://twitter.com/elw484/status/781561345971859456
Erin Will says
My husband and I have done small inside herb garden before but never this beautiful and creative! I love how the basket, bow, and aluminum sign make it decorative...seems easy enough to do also! Thanks for sharing, I love it!
kelly towe says
Love, love your basket of herbs. This is now going to be my go to present for friends. It looks like a ray of sunshine. Cheers.
elizabeth says
https://twitter.com/eliza_elliott/status/780549781227577344
elizabeth says
Interesting post on herb gardens - I will try it.
Stephanie Phelps says
I tweeted
https://twitter.com/my4boysand1/status/779700088155299840
Stephanie Phelps says
I do garden inside but these tips are so great I am going to be using them from now on!
Mary Jean Henson says
I love the basket idea. Lining with foil is a great idea!
Mandy Turner says
I try, but it always ends in a disaster!!!
BusyWorkingMama says
I mostly have houseplants indoors. My townhome doesn't have the best indoor lights, but I do have herbs on the back porch.
Mike Anderson says
Hello Julie, I like your idea as it is something new. I’ll definitely try this for once. Thank u so much for all the instructions you provided.
Jeffrey says
I tweeted: https://twitter.com/FireRunner2379/status/776791653373927425.
Jeffrey says
We've grown herbs indoors during the off season, but they don't always make it very long. I use basil the most and also like rosemary and mint.
Elle says
Tweet: https://twitter.com/PrettyHotPink6/status/776048674891640832
Elle says
I have a couple small flower plants in my kitchen but that's about it. I mostly garden outside.
Mary Jean Henson says
I love to garden indoors. I plant herbs in matching pots and corral them on a large tray. I place them on a counter near a sunny window. Love the foil labels!!
Mita says
This is nice, I will have to give this a try.
Mita says
https://twitter.com/mitadav/status/775873341320224768
Margaret Smith says
Tweeted: https://twitter.com/peg42/status/775463963349880832
Thanks so much.
Margaret Smith says
Only a little bit. I have a few plants and as they grow I replant them. Thanks so much.
Ifeoluwa Anani says
wow Amazing! This is such a great idea and so beautiful can't wait to try these!
http://ifesstyleroom.com
Kristi says
How much sun are you giving these? How long do you have them last through winter?
Erika says
I haven't, but I recently started keeping some of my plants indoors, so maybe I will now!
chambanachik(at)gmail(dot)com
Emily says
Oh yes, and here is my tweet: https://twitter.com/Emily11949309/status/775151065599578113.
Emily says
First of all I just really need to try something like this, but I have to find the motivation... It looks so easy, and I absolutely love fresh basil; this gives me hope that we could do fresh basil during the winter!!! I really love it so much Julie, and your herb garden looks so vibrant.
masala girl says
i love my outdoor herbs! i really need to do this so i can have them year round. BUT i have a question!! Why do you have to add holes in the inside container to drain the water?
Kevin @ Zentiz says
This is such a cute project and so simple! I will have to give this a try this fall.
Allison Swain says
I tweeted:
https://twitter.com/allisonrswain/status/774720824985124864
Allison Swain says
What a cute idea! I have had an herb garden indoors before but I prefer outdoor gardening the best.
Thanks for the chance to win this
allisonrsdswain(AT)gmail(DOT)com
katherine says
https://twitter.com/mkjmc/status/774712021623463936
katherine says
NOt too much but I do have several house plants
Stacie S-Hoxsie says
My living space gives me a very small front yard to garden in so that's what I've done in Utah the past 5 years. I would be interested in gardening inside though, esp in the winter months!
Amy Tong says
tweeted:
https://twitter.com/uTry_it/status/774290967369101312
amy [at] uTry [dot] it
Amy Tong says
yes, I just started a little herb garden indoor recently. Because I always forgot to water my plants, keeping them at the kitchen window helps a lot. Plus, I use these herbs all the time, it's more convenience to just cut right there so I don't have to go outside. 😀
amy [at] uTry [dot] it
rachel says
I used to, before I had kids! Now my toddler and baby get into everything and my prime gardening/sun spots are right where they can reach. Maybe in a few years 🙂
OFG says
I'm not much of a gardner. I don't have the patience for it 🙂
OFG says
https://twitter.com/OneFrugalGirl/status/774065648724946944
Rebecca says
Tweet. https://mobile.twitter.com/Michael64263870/status/774048621784293376
Rebecca says
I don't garden indoors, but I'd love to try to if I had a sunny spot. I have a few house plants though that I enjoy.
paige c says
https://twitter.com/RunforBerries/status/773673986727157760
paige c says
I have never tried to garden indoors! I do want to grow my own herbs though!
natasha lamoreux says
I have not done an indoor garden but I may try !
natasha lamoreux says
https://twitter.com/Natashalamoreu1/status/773655996870918144
Heather says
Our house wouldn't be a home without a garden. We have a raised bed for veg, a fig tree, a "wild garden" in the way back, and multiple pots on the patio with a variety of fruits, veg and herbs. Great for our meals and health, plus it's so cathartic and peaceful to get out every day to pick weeds, harvest, etc.
JulieWunder says
I totally agree! Thanks Heather!
Darla Peduzzi says
I love this idea! This would be a fun project for my little grandson and I. Thanks so much for the easy instructions too.
Darla Peduzzi says
https://twitter.com/Darla412/status/773518598304247808
JulieWunder says
Thanks Darla! Hope you get a chance to try it.
Lindsay Cotter says
This is such a cute project and so simple! It's the perfect idea for keeping fresh herbs available during the winter months!
JulieWunder says
Thanks Lindsay! Hope you are having a good weekend.
Arminta Stacy says
I love the little foil tags - easy & cute sounds like my ideal craft ;). Definitely going to pin those!
The herb garden is super adorable too, but my decided lack of skills in keeping plants alive may limit me with that one.
Super informative and easy-to-follow post; keep up the great work!
JulieWunder says
Thanks Arminta! Hope you are having a good weekend.
amanda -runtothefinish says
I would love to have an herb garden, but I'm positive our cats would eat it!
JulieWunder says
Haha! Now that's a serious problem!
Rachel says
This is super cute. I haven't tried indoor gardening, but this post makes it look like something I could do.
Kelly D says
tweet
https://twitter.com/Kellydpa/status/772620995152777218
Kelly D says
Yes, I have a pot of herbs indoors right now, mostly Greek oregano.
Jessie C. says
tweet-https://twitter.com/tcarolinep/status/772566165386240000
Jessie C. says
This is one great idea, I haven’t gardened indoors but would love to try.
tcarolinep at gmail dot com
Madeline says
Tweet link: https://twitter.com/shala_darkstone/status/772485267873730560
Madeline says
I've tried to garden indoors but we don't get any sun in the house so it never turns out well!
Jessica To says
We have only planted small things and let them grow on our kitchen counter.
mami2jcn says
tweet--https://twitter.com/mami2jcn/status/772446744160395264
mami2jcn says
I haven't gardened indoors.
Julie Wood says
tweet-https://twitter.com/JewelWood/status/772418663353753601
Julie Wood says
What a cute idea! I grow herbs indoors and I really like having fresh herbs for cooking.
Lisa Brown says
https://twitter.com/LuLu_Brown24/status/772306270606852096
Lisa Brown says
i do not garden indoors, i have birds that would chew it all to bits 🙂
Farrah says
I so want a garden but living in what I like to call a concrete jungle (even though it's really probably not, haha) has made me a little sad. I haven't started one yet, but this indoor herb garden is definitely something I gotta try out! <3
Cindy says
https://twitter.com/benz1171/status/772149705669312514
Cindy says
No, I have not. I have seen gardens for cats.
Elena says
https://twitter.com/ElenaIstomina/status/772141752400490496
Elena says
I used to grow herbs indoors, but now I do it outside only
jamie says
So pretty, I would love to have that herb garden on my counter!
Tami says
This would make a perfect gift for both my momma and my mom-in-law. I might even put together one for my kitchen counter. Beautiful.
Cassandra @ Powered By BLING says
What a super quick way to start an herb garden. I love this idea for a housewarming gift for friends or a new neighbor.
Mindy says
What a great idea! I'm sad to think about winter coming. :/ I have plants and a citrus tree in the house, but I've not done herbs. I've got limited space near a window in my house. I'd love to give the tags it a try....
Liz says
Aww nice idea! I've got a couple indoors-always plants that do better in controlled climate (like my aloe and orchid), but since I just moved I've got root balls of my herbs that are going to be indoors for a while until they're established. The basket is a cute idea for keeping those herbs neat and pretty 🙂
Tweet url: https://twitter.com/ekgoodman/status/771825152959000576
Michele says
I love this idea!! I know our weather can be unpredictable so this would be a great way to grow herbs at home.
Sonali- The Foodie Physician says
This is awesome! Living in a condo, I'm sometimes bummed that I can't have a garden but this is totally doable! I also love those cute foil tags 🙂
Heidi B says
TWITTER ENTRY HERE: https://twitter.com/zanderbear/status/771735021891616769
Heidi B says
I don't have an indoor garden but this makes it look super easy! Should give it a try!
Tee says
Can't wait to make this! I've been itching to do s project and this is perfect, looks beautiful!
Kimberly says
I love an indoor herb garden as we head in to Winter! It's great to have.
glenneth says
what a cute idea! perfect for fresh herbs and decoration! thanks!!!
Linda says
Super cute! Love this simple idea!
Pam says
How beautiful and creative! It is a great way to have that summer feeling all year round. I will have to give this a try this fall.
Adriana Lopez says
Such a beautiful idea for a house warming party or to bring as a gift to a friend. I love herbs and gardening so if I was to receive such a gift I will be very excited =)
Toughcookiemommy says
This garden basket is so beautiful and easy to make. I love the color combinations and how inviting it makes your home.
Alisa @ Go Dairy Free says
What a super cute idea! I can't believe you did that with tinfoil Such a great gift idea for house-warming or a get well basket, too.
Natalie says
https://twitter.com/yarbr012/status/771491118320148480
Natalie says
I keep a potted tomato plant in my kitchen and I also grow my own herbs, such as parsley.
Abbey says
Love it!! I wish I had space for a garden! One day ?
Mary Beth Jackson says
Love this! You know I love my plants and I am going to make some of those tags this weekend- how cute they are! I did pin it! I am getting more saavy at that! LOL!
Chrissy @ Snacking in Sneakers says
What a cute idea! I was just thinking that I should do an indoor herb garden. I always buy herbs and then don't use them all (who uses that GIANT bunch of cilantro at once?!) so I think I'd do much better picking off just what I need from a little garden.
Liz Mays says
Love these! It's the sweetest gift and so thoughtful. I would be tickled pink to receive it.
Neely says
My husband is the green thumb in the family. He would love this!
Runaway Bridal Planner says
This is a super cute idea. I never thought about having an indoor herb garden before, love it!
I'm seriously thinking of giving this a try!
Susie @ SuzLyfe says
You know that I have tried to garden indoors, outside, I might as well pull a Matt Damon and get left on Mars and then maybe I will be able to grow something. I wish I had your green thumb, Julie!!! I would be set with zoodles with pesto for LIFE
heather says
I haven't tried to garden indoors yet. I have grown some herbs but that is about it so far.
Jessica @ Nutritioulicious says
These are so fun and cute! I always say I'm going to plant a herb garden, but never do. No green thumb abilities in my body! This looks like something I could do though!
Heather @ FITaspire says
What a cute project! I swear I have a brown thumb, but this actually looks doable (even for me!). I'm lucky that my hubby enjoys gardening and manages this for us, because I love fresh herbs for cooking! 🙂
Nellwyn says
I love this! I had a little herb garden on my balcony for a while but it gets way too much sun so i'll have to try this indoor version. I love having fresh herbs available to cook with.
Deborah @ Confessions of a mother runner says
This is great! I am so not a green thumb but I can grow basil! I am going to do this pinning!
Emily says
This is just so adorable! I am such a passionate gardener and get so sad when summer is over, I will be so happy to bring my plants inside with this adorable basket idea!
Marilyn says
Such a cute idea, I may even be able to do this! 🙂
Blane Sherer says
Nice blog.
Very informative and easy to follow.