What kind of plants should I put on my kitchen window sill? There are many options, from hanging baskets to indoor trees. Which ones grow well in low light conditions?
Window sills are often overlooked spaces in our homes. They provide us with some much-needed greenery and fresh air. In addition, they also act as focal points in our home interiors. At the same time, some prefer simple pots filled with potted plants or hanging baskets, which can be used to create a little kitchen garden. In this article, we want to explore some best small kitchen windowsill plants.
Table of Contents
Here are some Small Kitchen Windowsill Plants
Parsley
Parsley (Petroselinum crispum) is an annual herbaceous plant in the carrot family native to Europe, Asia, Africa, and North America. It has been introduced into other parts of the world and is now found worldwide.
The Ancient Greeks and Romans first cultivated it for its culinary uses. Parsley is one of the most common herbs in Italian cooking. It is part of the cuisine of France, Spain, and Portugal, where it is called cresson.
It is sometimes referred to as “the poor man’s lettuce” because it grows quickly, does not need constant care, and requires very little water. This is perfect for the kitchen garden. This will also help you make a little bit of extra touch to your dishes.
Snake Plant
The snake plant is one of nature’s most beautiful plants. Its sword-shaped leaves are often used as decoration during weddings and parties. But did you know that the snake plant also provides numerous health benefits?
Snake plant is known to help lower blood pressure, improve digestion, reduce cholesterol levels, and even boost memory. In fact, the plant contains high amounts of vitamin K, calcium, magnesium, iron, potassium, copper, manganese, zinc, and phosphorus.
Green Onion
Green onions are among the best choices for growing on a kitchen windowsill. A good quality potting mix and a small pot of this plant will ensure it will grow to its full potential. Green onion is easy to grow and maintain. It is a perennial herbaceous plant that grows in temperate climates worldwide.
Cilantro
Cilantro is another great choice for growing on your kitchen window sill. Cilantro is commonly grown as a leafy vegetable in tropical areas such as Mexico and India. However, it is also a popular herb around the world.
This herb is used in cooking, especially in Mexican, Asian, and Indian cuisines. Cilantro is used as a garnish, seasoning, and flavoring agent in various dishes. It adds flavor, aroma, and color to food. It contains essential oils that can prevent bacteria and fungus growth.
Basil
This herb is commonly known for its use in pesto sauce and pasta dishes. Basil is an evergreen herbaceous perennial plant from the mint family. The basil plant can be grown indoors or outdoors. Growing basil in the house can be tricky, though. You have to keep the humidity level at about 75%. If you don’t, then it will likely wilt within a few days.
You should choose a sunny spot near the window. Avoid placing them next to heat sources like radiators. The ideal temperature range for basil is between 60°F and 80°F. You may want to provide a humid environment, so they do not dry out.
Aloe
A kitchen windowsill can be a good place for growing Aloe Vera and other species from the Aloe genus if it receives bright light.
Aloe vera is a succulent plant that grows in warm climates worldwide, especially on Africa’s southern coast. The leaves are used to make aloe-based products such as lotions, creams, balms, and teas. However, there’s another use for these leaves: they make great garden plants. In fact, you can grow them indoors too.
Growing aloes in the home involve minimal maintenance. So, you just need to keep them watered occasionally and check for pests or diseases. Also, avoid overwatering it since that could cause root rot.
Chives
Chives are members of the Allium family and look similar to garlic. They are considered an annual herb, but some varieties can live up to 15 years. But before you start growing chives, know that they require lots of space. These herbs prefer cool weather and well-drained soil. They also need plenty of sunlight.
If you want a more compact option, try planting dwarf types instead. Dwarf chives generally grow only four inches tall. They usually grow very quickly and produce flowers early in spring.
Cilantro
Cilantro (also called coriander) is a type of flowering herb. Its fruit shape looks like a cross between a cherry tomato and a pepper. This herb belongs to the Apiaceae family and is native to South America. It is now cultivated all over the globe.
It is most commonly used in Latin American cuisine. The leaves contain essential oils that help fight bacteria and fungi. They are also rich in antioxidants.
The best way to grow cilantro indoors is by starting seedlings in small pots. Make sure you water them regularly and keep them away from direct sunlight.
Oregano
Oregano is a spicy, aromatic herb used for centuries in Italian, Greek, and Spanish cuisines. Oregano has a slight lemon scent when crushed.
However, this herb doesn’t need much sunlight to thrive. It prefers full sun and slightly acidic soil. To grow oregano successfully inside, you must first purchase seeds. Then, sow them into individual containers filled with potting mix.
Once established, you can transplant your oregano into a larger container. But remember to fertilize it once every two weeks during its growth cycle.
Lemon Balm
Lemon balm is a popular culinary herb that has been grown since ancient times. It is part of the mint family and is native to Europe.
Lemon balm can be divided into three main categories: upright, semi-upright, and trailing. When choosing which variety you want, consider how large you plan to grow it.
Upright varieties grow about 18 inches tall, while semi-upright ones reach heights of 24 inches. Trailing lemony balms have stems that grow down to ground level.
Choose a pot with drainage holes if you want to grow lemon balm indoors. You should also select a light shade location that won’t get too hot or cold.
Marjoram
Marjoram is a common kitchen herb that grows as a bushy perennial plant. However, it isn’t related to oregano; marjoram shares many of its qualities.
This herb is available in both fresh and dried forms. Both versions can be used interchangeably. Fresh marjoram contains essential oils that make it smell nice. Dried marjoram has no aroma at all.
You may use either form of marjoram inside or outside of the house. However, if you plan to keep yours indoors, ensure you provide adequate lighting.
Sedums
Sedum plants come in a wide range of colors and sizes. Many people consider sedums annual because they die after just one season. However, these plants can live for five to ten years.
They are easy to grow and will survive even under harsh conditions. Sedums are tolerant of poor soil and low temperatures. If you grow them indoors, don’t forget to give them enough light. At night, they require bright artificial lights.
Pothos
The hardy trailing vines pothos are a favorite of most gardeners who have a kitchen garden since they can grow well under all kinds of lighting conditions. Pothos prefer moderate climates with cool nights and warm days.
It is possible to buy seeds for pothos directly online. Alternatively, you can find several starter kits that include everything you need to begin growing one yourself.
Peace Lily
The peace lily’s spoon-shaped spathes and glossy green leaves make it a lovely addition to any home, including the kitchen windowsill. There is, however, a difference between the plant’s ability to tolerate low light conditions and its ability to bloom in bright light conditions.
Peace lilies (Spathiphyllum) are among the easiest indoor plants to grow. They only require water every few months. This makes them perfect for people with busy schedules.
Their leaves are shaped like small fans. The flowers on peace lilies bloom continuously throughout the summer. They produce white or pink blossoms with vibrant yellow centers.
Start with a single plant if you’ve never tried growing peace lilies before. After a month, you can divide them by cutting off their roots.
Rosemary
Rosemary is one of the most popular herbs used in cooking. It gives dishes a distinctive flavor and aroma.
Like cilantro, rosemary doesn’t like freezing temperatures. When growing rosemary outdoors, you should protect it during the fall months. This way, it can withstand colder temperatures before the harsh winter sets in.
To ensure that your rosemary stays healthy, water it regularly. Once the leaves start turning brown, you know it needs more water.
Frequently Asked Questions [FAQs]
1. Which indoor plant is good for the kitchen?
You can grow aloe vera, chives, and parsley in your kitchen. There is no doubt that greenery brightens your mood and elevates your surroundings.
2. How much sunlight do my kitchen plants need?
Kitchen plants need direct sun exposure. Be sure to place them where there is plenty of natural light.
3. What does “potted” mean when we refer to an indoor plant?
A pot refers to the container in which a plant is placed. A potted plant usually means that the plant is not grown from seed but instead bought in a store.
4. Do I really need to water indoor plants?
Yes. Indoor plants need frequent watering so they can breathe properly. You must also report them once a year.
5. Can I eat some parts of an indoor plant?
Yes, you can. Some varieties of greens, such as kale, lettuce, spinach, arugula, collard greens, and Swiss chard, contain nutrients.
Conclusion
Adding small kitchen windowsill plants that thrive in low light can bring life and beauty to your space, even if you don’t have access to abundant natural sunlight. There are plenty of options, from the vibrant and easy-to-care-for pothos to the delicate and resilient snake plant. These plants not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of your kitchen but also have the added benefits of purifying the air, reducing stress, and boosting productivity.
