A kitchen window box herb garden not only adds beauty and charm to your cooking space but also provides a convenient & sustainable source of fresh herbs all summer long.
One of my favorite additions to our home in the last couple of years is the window box we hung outside of the window behind our kitchen sink.
I’ve always dreamed of opening our kitchen window and snipping fresh herbs to add to our dinners. Well, Mr. ERH made that dream a reality for me a couple of years ago when he installed a window box outside our kitchen window.
Every summer I’m able to not only enjoy the beautiful view outside while washing dishes as well as smell the delicious scent of the herbs wafting through the window, but I’m also able to incorporate fresh herbs into our home cooked meals.
Herbs are a flavorful garnishes but they are also packed with valuable nutrients and antioxidants which makes them the perfect addition to a kitchen window box.
In this blog post, I’ll share the reasons why you should consider adding a herb garden to your kitchen window, how to select the right herbs to grow, and where to shop for the best kitchen window boxes.
Get ready to add charm to your kitchen, enjoy the fresh scents of herbs, and elevate your cooking game!
The Cozy Creative Collaborative May Blog Hop
Welcome to the Cozy Creative Collaborative May blog hop!
For those of you that are new here, the Cozy Creative Collaborative is a group of blogging friends who gather together once a month to share seasonal inspiration and ideas with you right here on the blog.
This month’s Cozy Creative Collaborative theme is all about the outdoors.
If you’re joining me from Nicolle ofOur Tiny Nest, thank you so much for stopping by! Nicolle’s homemade lemon zucchini bread looks delicious and is the perfect way to use all those zucchinis you’ll have growing in the garden this summer.
After you’ve finished reading my post about adding an herb garden outside your kitchen window, make sure to head over toCharity of Mornings on Macedoniafor a fun post on how to hang string lights in your backyard without trees.
I’d also like to give a shoutout to our guest host this month, Rachel of The Ponds Farmhouse! Rachel’s blog is full of beautiful farmhouse ideas on a budget, I hope you give her a visit.
At the bottom of this post, you’ll find links to all the outdoor ideas this month.
4 Benefits of a Kitchen Window Box Herb Garden
1. Easy Access to Fresh Herbs
Having a herb garden outside your kitchen window means you have access to fresh herbs whenever you need them, adding an immediate burst of flavor to your dishes.
No more running to the store or settling for dried herbs. You literally just reach out the window and snip what you need!
2. Cost Effective & Sustainable
Growing your own herbs is a budget-friendly alternative to buying pre-packaged herbs. You’ll also enjoy the fact that you grew & nurtured the herbs yourself.
By cultivating your herbs organically, you can ensure they are free from harmful pesticides, herbicides, and other chemicals. This empowers you to create dishes with fresh, flavorful, & chemical-free herbs, promoting a healthier and more sustainable approach to your homemade dishes.
3. A Kitchen Window Box Herb Garden is Aesthetically Pleasing
A kitchen window box herb garden adds a touch of greenery and natural beauty to your cooking space.
I love looking outside our kitchen window to see our herbs basking in the sunlight, which adds freshness and life to our kitchen decor.
4. Health Benefits
Many herbs are known for their health-promoting properties.
By incorporating fresh herbs into your cooking, you’re infusing your meals with antioxidants, vitamins, and other beneficial compounds that support you & your families well-being.
Selecting the Right Herbs for Your Kitchen Window Box Herb Garden
The herbs you add to your kitchen window box will depend on you and which herbs you prefer. You want to plant herbs that you will enjoy and will use to flavor your dishes.
These are the herbs I planted in our kitchen window box. I have planted these herbs together through the years and they have always thrived our window box.
- Parsley: This is my favorite herb because of its versatility. I prefer to grow flat leaf parsley, but curly parsley is another option. Parsley offers a fresh & bright flavor, perfect for garnishing and adding a pop of green to your dishes.
- Rosemary: Known for its woody fragrance, rosemary is excellent for seasoning roasted meats and vegetables. I also love to add rosemary to stovetop potpourris because of its earthy scent.
- Thyme: With its earthy & slightly minty taste, thyme is a go-to herb for soups, stews, and roasted meats. It’s also great for seasoning vegetables and homemade salad dressings.
- Chives: These mild onion-flavored herbs are fantastic for adding a pop of flavor to salads, omelets, and creamy soups. I add chives to almost every dish during the summer months. Their leaves can be snipped for a delicate garnish. Oh, and their purple blossoms are so beautiful and can be used in cooking as well!
- Lavender: Adds a delicate floral flavor to both sweet and savory dishes, such as desserts, teas, and even roasted meats. Its soothing aroma can also create a calming atmosphere in your kitchen, making it a perfect herb to have in a kitchen window box herb garden.
Other Herbs for a Kitchen Window Box
These herbs would be great in a kitchen window box as well. Honestly, I would include all of them in mine if they would all fit!
- Basil: A versatile herb with a distinctive aroma, basil adds a sweet and slightly peppery flavor to dishes. It pairs well with tomatoes, mozzarella, and is a staple in Italian cuisine.
- Oregano: Offers a robust and slightly bitter taste. It’s a great herb for pizzas, pasta sauces, and roasted vegetables.
- Sage: With its earthy and slightly peppery flavor, sage adds depth to a variety of dishes. Sage goes well with poultry, pork, and roasted vegetables, infusing them with a rich and savory taste. Also, sage leaves can be used to make flavorful teas and infused oils.
- Dill: Known for its fresh, tangy flavor with hints of anise & lemon, dill used in a variety of dishes. Dill adds a fresh, vibrant taste to fish, seafood, salads, and pickles.
- Cilantro: Cilantro has a citrusy flavor that is widely used in various cuisines, especially in Mexican, Indian, and Southeast Asian dishes.
An Herb I Would Not Include in a Kitchen Window Box
The only herb I would not plant in a kitchen window box herb garden is mint. It can become invasive and overtake the other herbs. I plant mint in its own container on the deck outside our kitchen so it has plenty of room to grow all by itself.
Mint is a great herb to have on hand because of its refreshing & cool flavors which are perfect for infusing water, teas, and co*cktails. It pairs nicely with fruits, chocolates, and can be used in both sweet & savory dishes.
This strawberry mojito mocktail includes muddled mint and is the perfect refreshing drink for summer.
Where is the best place to buy herbs for planting?
There are a number of places you can purchase herbs to plant in your window box from big box stores to local plant growers.
I prefer to shop for herbs & plants at local farms to not only support small business but, I also like knowing where the plants I am buying originated from. When you purchase herbs or any plant material for that matter from a big box store you just don’t know that.
You could also purchase packets of seeds and start your herb garden from scratch. I have not done this, so I can’t offer any advice on this!
4 Tips for Growing Herbs in a Kitchen Window Box
1. Choose a Sunny Location
Herbs love sunlight, so select a kitchen window that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day.
2. Proper Drainage
Ensure your window box has drainage holes to prevent waterlogging. You can also line the bottom of the window box with pebbles or gravel for better drainage (we did not do that).
3. Quality Potting Soil
Use a well-draining potting mix enriched with organic matter to provide the ideal growing conditions for your herbs.
4. Watering & Maintenance
Water your herbs when the top inch of soil feels dry (about every other day or so depending on your rainfall). Be careful not to overwater, as it can lead to root rot.
Make sure to trim your herbs regularly to promote growth and prevent them from becoming overgrown.
Purchasing a Window Box for an Herb Garden
There are a few things to consider before investing in a window box for an herb garden.
The right window box should provide a suitable environment for your herbs to thrive, while also adding beauty & functionality to your kitchen space. Take your time to consider these factors and select a window box that meets your needs, allowing you to enjoy the pleasure of growing your own fresh herbs right at your fingertips.
- Size and Capacity: Consider the available space on your kitchen window sill and choose a window box that fits comfortably. Ensure it is wide & deep enough to accommodate the growth of your selected herbs.
- Material: Window boxes come in various materials such as wood, plastic, or metal. Each with its own advantages. Wood provides a natural and rustic look, while plastic and metal options offer durability & lightweight convenience. Think about the aesthetics, functionality, and durability of the material before making your choice.
- Drainage: Proper drainage is crucial for the health of your herbs. Look for a window box with pre-drilled drainage holes or ensure it has the option to add them. Adequate drainage prevents waterlogging, which can lead to root rot and other issues.
- Maintenance and Cleaning: How easy it is to clean and maintain the window box? Look for options that are easy to wipe down or wash. Avoid materials that may corrode or deteriorate over time with exposure to moisture.
- Style and Aesthetics: Choose a window box that complements the overall style and aesthetics of your home.
8 Window Boxes I’m Loving for an Herb Garden
Here are 8 window box options that would be beautiful installed outside of a kitchen window. Don’t forget to consider the factors above before investing in a kitchen window box.
- 3′ Weatherproof Traditional Vinyl Window Box in White: This is the exact window box we have on our kitchen window.
- 30″ Stainless Steel With Antique Copper Finish Window Box
- Resin Nantucket Easy Care Window Box (available in multiple sizes)
- Newport Cedar Window Box (available in multiple sizes)
- 3′ Cape Cod White Vinyl Window Box
- Teak Window Box (available in multiple sizes)
- 36″ Faux Lead Window Box
- 36″ Veda Window Box Planter
Kitchen Window Box Herb Garden Final Thoughts
Have I convinced you to add an herb garden outside your kitchen window yet?!
It really is a practical & rewarding addition to your kitchen. Not only does it provide easy access to fresh herbs, but it also enhances the aesthetic appeal of your kitchen.
By carefully selecting herbs that align with your taste preferences, you can enjoy an abundant supply of fresh flavors all summer long.
So, roll up your sleeves, grab your gardening tools, and embark on this delicious journey of growing your own kitchen window box herb garden where flavor and convenience meet at just an arm’s reach away!
Watch my google web stories, The Benefits of a Window Box Herb Garden, Selecting the Right Herbs for a Window Box Herb Garden, & 5 Tips for Growing Herbs in a Window Box.
Plant Labels for Your Herb Garden
Don’t forget the plant labels once you plant your herb garden!
I shared these herb markers made with scrabble tiles recently, and they would be the perfect finishing touch on your window box herb garden.
Find the full tutorial on herb markers for your garden, here.
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I look forward to sharing more of my home with you and inspiring you to have a well loved home! Follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and LIKEtoKNOW.it.
xoxo, heidi
The Cozy Creative Collaborative May Blog Hop
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