No Yard? No Problem! How to Start a Garden in Your Kitchen Window
For the tired parent who still wants to grow something good.
Why We Started Growing Veggies in a Sunny Window
It started with wilted cilantro.
I bought it, forgot it, and it melted in the back of the fridge. Again. I looked at that sad bunch of greens and thought: “Why can’t I just grow this myself?”
But we don’t have a yard. Or time. Or space.
Still, I couldn’t shake the idea. What if our kitchen window became something more?
So one weekend, we planted three little pots—cilantro, basil, and chives—right on the windowsill. We watered them, talked to them (Squish gave each one a name), and to our surprise... they grew.
They grew us, too.
That was the beginning of our indoor garden, and honestly? It’s one of the easiest, most rewarding things we’ve done as a family.
And now? I want that for you too.
5 Easy Steps to Start Your Kitchen Window Garden
This is for the person with no yard, no time, and no clue where to start. You don’t need a greenhouse. Just a window, a little sun, and a fresh start.
Step 1: Choose the Right Spot
Look for a sunny windowsill—ideally south or west-facing.
Most herbs and small veggies need about 4–6 hours of sunlight a day.
💡 Why it matters: Without enough light, your plants will get leggy and sad. Let them soak up the sun where it naturally shines.
Step 2: Pick 1–3 Low-Maintenance Plants
Start with herbs or greens that thrive indoors. We recommend:
Basil
Chives
Mint (great for tea!)
Lettuce
Green onions (they regrow from scraps!)
💡 Why it matters: Quick wins = motivation to keep going. Don’t overcomplicate. These plants forgive forgetfulness and still grow strong.
Step 3: Use the Right Containers
Drainage is key. Pick pots with holes or add small rocks to the bottom.
Even a recycled yogurt cup works if you're on a budget.
💡 Why it matters: Roots sitting in soggy soil will rot. Drainage = happy plants.
Step 4: Water—But Not Too Much
Stick your finger into the soil. If it feels dry an inch down, water.
Most indoor plants prefer less water than we think.
💡 Why it matters: Overwatering is the #1 way people kill houseplants. Underwatering is usually fixable. Less is more!
Step 5: Involve the Kids (or Just Your Inner Kid)
Let your child name a plant, spray the leaves, or draw little signs.
Connection makes the habit stick.
💡 Why it matters: Kids copy what we do—not what we say. Growing something together becomes a shared story.
A Loving Message to Squish
Squish,
I hope when you're older, you remember the little basil plant in the window.
The one you named "Greeny." The one you watered too much, then too little, then just right.
I hope you remember that even when life felt too busy, too loud, or too messy—we still made space for something small to grow.
Because growing something teaches us patience, joy, and hope.
And I hope you always carry that with you, no matter how big the world gets.
Love you always,
Mom and Dad
5 Things from Amazon That Helped Us Grow (and Why We Love Them)
This post uses affiliate links. We may make money if you click and purchase at no extra cost to you. We only recommend what we use and truly love in our own home.
Indoor Herb Garden Starter Kit – Comes with everything you need: seeds, soil, pots. Easy and beginner-friendly.
Self-Watering Planters – Great if you forget to water. These saved our basil more than once!
LED Grow Light Clip Lamp – If your window doesn’t get much sun, this small light makes a BIG difference.
Organic Potting Soil for Indoor Plants – Good soil = good growth. This one’s gentle and safe.
Mini Water Spray Bottle – Kids love misting the plants. It’s therapeutic and cute.
Final Thoughts
If your kitchen feels chaotic right now, maybe what you need isn’t another to-do—but a tiny reminder that life still grows here.
Start with one pot. One plant. One window.
You don’t need to be a gardener—you just need to care enough to try.
🌞 Let something grow in your world today.
And if you need help? We’re here to cheer you on, mess-ups and all.
