Thanksgiving dinner is arguably one of the most fussed-about meals of the year. Our families are gathered, and good food is abundant. If you’d like fresh herbs for this year’s Thanksgiving dinner, you’ll be glad to know many types grow great indoors!
Growing indoors is one way to cut down costs on your grocery bills while also having plenty of fresh herbs at your fingertips whenever you need them. Luckily for all of us, growing herbs inside is fairly simple.
In this article, I have listed 13 herbs you can grow in pots indoors that can also enhance the flavors of your Thanksgiving dinner.
Bay Laurel
During spring, bay laurel trees bear yellow flowers that eventually become glossy black berries.
| botanical name Laurus nobilis | |
 | sun requirements Full sun to partial shade |
 | height 12-40 feet |
 | hardiness zones 8-11 |
Bay laurel, which produces bay leaves, is an evergreen tree that grows nicely indoors and out. The leaves from this tree are harvested and used in a variety of dishes. In the spring, the bay laurel will produce yellow flowers, which mature into shiny black berries. Unfortunately, the berries are not edible despite being very pretty to look at!
Bay leaves can be used to flavor broths that can be used to cook Thanksgiving potatoes, stuffing, or other vegetable dishes. Add bay leaves to your gravy for an extra flavor boost.
Bay laurel plants can be purchased as bare-root plants or potted plants from a nursery. The beauty of planting bay laurel in a container is that you can move it indoors or outdoors as your needs and weather change. Use well-draining soil in your container, and situate your plant in a sunny area.
Chives
These leaves offer a subtle onion taste and enhance your dishes with a touch of color.
 | botanical name Allium schoenoprasum |
|---|---|
| | sun requirements Full sun to partial shade |
| | height 1-2 feet |
| | hardiness zones 3-9 |
Chives are a member of the onion family. This cool-season perennial produces flavorful, aromatic leaves and pretty yet petite purple flowers. The leaves have a very subtle onion flavor, adding a nice dash of color to your dishes.
Chives can be used as a garnish on any Thanksgiving dish. However, they are commonly used in potato dishes, such as mashed potatoes or roasted potatoes, to add color and a pop of flavor.
Choose a cute little pot with drainage holes for your chive seeds. Fill the pot with a houseplant potting soil. Plant your chive seeds at a depth of ¼”. You will probably only need about 10 seeds to fill your pot. Keep the soil moist and in full sun. You should have chives ready for your meal in about 1-2 months.
Dill ‘Tetra’
This dill variety features frilly leaves with an anise-like flavor.
| | botanical name Anethum graveolens |
|---|---|
| | sun requirements Full sun |
| | height 2-3 feet |
| | hardiness zones 2-11 |
Dill is a very loved herb. The frilly leaves have an anise flavor, and the plant produces flat umbels of yellow flowers. The leaves are best served fresh but can also be dried or frozen.
Dill is commonly used in soups, egg, or fish dishes. However, it is a fresh addition to any vegetable dishes or even your stuffing.
Select a container that is deep and has drainage holes. Many tall, narrow pots on the market would work nicely for dill without taking up too much windowsill or counter space. Fill the container with soil, and press your dill seeds into the soil’s surface. Harvest the leaves at any point before your dill flowers. If you want to collect seeds from your plant, let the plant go to flower for about three weeks. Remove the flower and allow it to dry by hanging it upside down with the head secured inside a paper bag. The seeds will fall out on their own.
Fennel ‘Finocchio’
To cultivate fennel indoors, choose a deep pot that accommodates the bulb and roots.
| | botanical name Foeniculum vulgare |
|---|---|
| | sun requirements Full sun |
| | height 2-4 feet tall |
| | hardiness zones 4-9 |
Fennel is a delicious and beautiful plant to add to your indoor or outdoor vegetable garden. The beauty of fennel is that you can eat every single part of the plant: the leaves, bulb, and flowers.
You can incorporate fennel in cooking in a variety of ways. Use the leaves like any fresh herbs: in sauces, cooked into the dish, or as a garnish. The leaves have a citrusy flavor. Eat the sliced bulb raw in salads or roasted alongside other autumn veggies, such as sweet potatoes. You can even use the bulb to stuff your turkey.
To grow fennel indoors, you must select a deep pot that can support the fennel bulb and its roots. Fill your container with all-purpose potting soil and plant a few seeds ¼ inches deep. Seedlings will emerge in about two weeks. Harvest fennel leaves as needed, while the bulb will be ready to harvest when the base of the stem swells.
Marjoram
Similar to oregano in flavor, marjoram has a long history of use in America.
| | botanical name Origanum majorana |
|---|---|
| | sun requirements Full sun |
| | height 1-2 feet |
| | hardiness zones 9-10 |
Marjoram has deep English roots and traveled to America with the English in the early days of settling.
Marjoram is similar to oregano in flavor but more mild. You can stuff your turkey with marjoram sprigs or tuck it under the bird’s skin. Marjoram adds a nice flavor to potatoes and stuffings as well.
Marjoram grows nicely indoors and out. If you have been growing it outdoors, you can bring it inside when the weather cools off.
To start it from seed, select a container with drainage holes and fill it with well-draining potting soil. Press the seeds into the soil’s surface and prepare for germination in about two weeks. Harvest the leaves as needed. Use fresh or dried.
Mint
Versatile and tasty, mint grows well in containers.
| | botanical name Mentha spp. |
|---|---|
| | sun requirements Full sun to partial shade |
| | height 1-2 feet |
| | hardiness zones 5-9 |
For most herb growers, mint is a must-have. You can use its aromatic leaves in cocktails, desserts, and even savory dishes.
Mint makes a great fresh addition to homemade cranberry sauce or cranberry chutney. There is a variety of mint, orange mint, that has a bit of a citrusy flavor and aroma and would be perfect for Thanksgiving.
Many gardeners grow mint in containers because it spreads aggressively. Indoors, this is less of a concern, but robust growth and tenacity make mint an ideal kitchen window herb.
Choose a pot that suits your kitchen, ensuring that there are drainage holes. Bring in your plants from outdoors or start new plants by seed. Press your mint seeds into the surface of the potting soil and water. You will see seedlings in about two weeks. Keep your mint in a well-lit area and harvest as needed.
Oregano
These leaves are suitable for culinary use when fresh or dried.
| | botanical name Origanum vulgare |
|---|---|
| | sun requirements Full sun |
| | height 1-3 feet |
| | hardiness zones 4-8 |
Oregano is an easy-to-grow woody herb. The leaves may be small, but they are very aromatic. Your oregano plants will produce purple flowers from the middle of summer into the fall. Oregano leaves can be used dried or fresh in your culinary dishes.
You may think of oregano as being classically used in Greek or Italian dishes, and you are correct about that. Oregano makes its way to our Thanksgiving tables in stuffing or through the main dish: turkey. It’s also prevalent in several side dishes we enjoy during the holiday season.
Select a pot at least 12 inches in diameter for your oregano to spread happily. Your pot should also have plenty of drainage holes at the bottom. Epic grow bags are a great choice for outdoor oregano growing, but for indoor use, you’ll need to place them into a larger shallow pan or tray to catch any water that drains through the potting media.
Fill your container with an organic potting mix, and gently press the seeds into the soil surface. Place your container in a spot that gets about six hours of sunlight per day. Seedlings will emerge in about two weeks. Harvest the leaves regularly and use them fresh or dry for later use.
Parsley
Among herbs, parsley stands out as one of the most widely utilized and adaptable options.
| | botanical name Petroselinum crispum |
|---|---|
| | sun requirements Full sun to partial shade |
| | height 10 inches to 1 foot |
| | hardiness zones 2-11 |
Parsley is another must-grow herb. You can select curly-leaved parsley or the more popular and versatile flat-leaf parsley.
Parsley is likely one of the most widely used and versatile herbs. It can be used as a garnish, in stuffing, or added to your mashed potatoes.
Growing parsley is as easy as it can be. Find a container with drainage holes. Even a seed-starting tray will work! Fill with potting soil and press the seeds ¼” into the dirt. Water, and keep in the sun. Harvest the leaves as needed, but don’t forget to use the stems in stocks and soups.
Rosemary
To start a new indoor garden rosemary plant, you’ll require a sizable container with proper drainage.
| | botanical name Rosmarinus officinalis |
|---|---|
| | sun requirements Full sun |
| | height 2-6 feet |
| | hardiness zones 8-11 |
Rosemary can be grown as a perennial in warm zones, but you can keep it going even in cold climates if you bring your containers indoors!
Rosemary is a great herb to flavor turkey or enhance roasted root vegetables. If you use it with lemons to stuff the turkey, it will hold up nicely and be easy to remove when the roasting process is complete.
If you are starting a fresh plant for your indoor garden, you will need a large plant with drainage holes. Scatter seeds on the top of the soil in your container, or purchase a plant from a nursery. Keep your rosemary in full sun and allow the soil to dry out before watering again.
Sage
This versatile herb not only provides a wealth of flavor but also possesses an appealing aesthetic quality.
| | botanical name Salvia officinalis |
|---|---|
| | sun requirements Full sun |
| | height 1-2 feet |
| | hardiness zones 4-10 |
When I think of herbs and Thanksgiving, my first thought is sage. This mellow herb packs a lot of flavor, is pretty enough for a garnish, and can be used in just about any of your main course dishes.
Sage adds a warm flavor to gravy, stuffing, and your turkey. The leaves can be used fresh or dried.
Sage is pretty enough to grow indoors year-round. Consider selecting a decorative, self-watering container. The pretty and functional Marly container from Epic Gardening is stackable for maximum herb production in limited space. Fill your container with soil, and press your sage seeds ¼” into the soil. You should notice seedlings emerging within two weeks. Harvest the leaves as needed.
Thyme
If space is limited, thyme is an excellent indoor herb choice due to its slow growth.
| | botanical name Thymus vulgaris |
|---|---|
| | sun requirements Full sun |
| | height 6 inches to 1 foot |
| | hardiness zones 5-9 |
Thyme is a beautiful herb that is easy to grow and use. Use thyme leaves fresh, dried, or even frozen in a bit of olive oil.
Thyme can be used in many ways for your Thanksgiving meal. Use it in your green bean casserole, stuffing, and in your fresh bread rolls.
Thyme is a great herb to grow indoors if you do not have a lot of space. This herb is slow-growing, and you can start out with a smaller container; just make sure there are holes for drainage! Plant your thyme seeds ¼” deep in potting soil. Place your container in the full sun in a dry area.
Watercress
These leafy greens are versatile in both raw and cooked dishes.
| | botanical name Nasturtium officinale |
|---|---|
| | sun requirements Full sun to partial shade |
| | height 10-14 inches |
| | hardiness zones 2-11 |
Watercress, found living wildly among river banks, is the most nutrient-dense vegetable on the planet. These leafy greens are easy to grow and easy to add to dishes!
Watercress can be consumed raw or cooked. Add it to fresh salads for a pepper flavor. You can also sautee the greens in the same way that you would sautee spinach.
Watercress is easily sown into potting soil about ¼” deep. Once your plants have emerged, you need to keep your plants wet. You can place a deep saucer under your potted watercress filled with water to ensure that the soil does not dry out. Snip watercress as you need it for your dishes.
Winter Savory
With a flavor akin to thyme with a hint of mint, winter savory complements a variety of recipes.
| | botanical name Satureja montana |
|---|---|
| | sun requirements Full sun |
| | height 6 inches to 1-foot |
| | hardiness zones 5-8 |
Winter savory is a woody herb that can be grown indoors or outdoors. This plant is typically grown for its culinary use of the leaves, but it is also an attractive ornamental.
The flavor of winter savory is similar to that of thyme with a mint twist. Use winter savory with your turkey or in rich dishes like stuffing.
Once you have selected a pot with drainage holes, fill it with potting soil and scatter seeds on top of the soil. Germination will take place within two weeks. Harvest leaves before your savory flowers for the best flavor.
Final Thoughts
Planting herbs indoors for Thanksgiving will take a bit of planning. If it’s too late to start seeds, you may still be able to find nursery starts in garden centers. Consider planting some of these herbs together in one large planter. You can use this as a centerpiece for your meal or as a decoration for another area of your home. Remember to keep your herbs in the sunniest spot you have or use a grow light.
