Why a windowsill works well

You do not need a garden to enjoy fresh herbs. A bright windowsill provides a warm, sheltered spot that suits many culinary favourites. In the UK, a south- or west-facing window is best because it captures the most sunlight. East-facing sills can work for parsley and mint, but north-facing spots are best avoided unless you use a grow light. Basil, parsley, chives and mint all grow happily in pots when given the right conditions, and they stay within easy reach of the kitchen.

Choosing pots and position

Most herbs need four to six hours of direct sun daily. Aim for pots at least 15 centimetres across for parsley and chives, and 20 centimetres for basil and mint. Always use containers with drainage holes. Terracotta dries out faster than glazed ceramic or plastic. A saucer underneath catches excess water, but empty it after half an hour to prevent soggy roots.

• Light: South or west facing is ideal.
• Pot size: 15–20 centimetres minimum, with drainage holes.
• Airflow: Leave space between pots to reduce mould.

The best herbs for pots

Basil is the classic windowsill herb but also the fussiest. It loves warmth and strong light, so give it the sunniest spot. Water when the compost surface feels dry, and never let it sit in a puddle. Pinch out growing tips regularly and remove flower buds as soon as they appear, or the leaves turn bitter.

Parsley is slower from seed but well worth the wait. Flat-leaf has the strongest flavour. It develops a long taproot, so choose a deeper pot. Keep the compost evenly moist but not waterlogged. Parsley tolerates partial shade, making it a good choice for an east-facing sill. Cut outer stems at the base to keep the centre growing.

Chives are hardy and forgiving. They grow in tight clumps and send up slender leaves you can snip with scissors. They prefer a sunny spot but manage in light shade. They die back in winter and reappear in spring, so do not panic if the pot looks empty in January. Divide congested clumps every couple of years.

Mint is the easiest of the four and also the most thuggish. It spreads by underground runners, so always grow it in its own pot. Spearmint and peppermint are popular choices. Mint likes moist compost and tolerates a little shade, but grows best with a few hours of sun. Cut sprigs regularly to prevent it becoming leggy.

Watering, feeding and compost

Use a good-quality peat-free multipurpose compost. It holds moisture well and gives young plants a clean start. Mix in a handful of perlite or horticultural grit to improve drainage. Never use garden soil straight from the border, as it compacts in pots and may harbour pests.

Watering is the most common downfall. In spring and summer, check the compost every day or two. Push your finger into the top centimetre; if it feels dry, water thoroughly until it runs out of the drainage holes. If it still feels damp, wait. Overwatering causes yellow leaves, root rot and fungus gnats. Underwatering makes plants wilt and toughens the leaves.

Start feeding two weeks after potting on, using a liquid seaweed or balanced liquid fertiliser diluted to half strength. Feed every two weeks through spring and summer. Do not feed in winter, when growth slows. Overfeeding causes soft, leafy growth that is prone to pests.

• Compost: Peat-free multipurpose, with perlite for drainage.
• Watering: Check daily in summer; water when the top centimetre is dry.
• Feeding: Half-strength liquid feed every two weeks from spring to late summer.

Harvesting and troubleshooting

Regular harvesting keeps plants bushy. For basil, pinch out the top pair of leaves above a leaf node. For parsley, cut outer stems close to the base, leaving the inner rosette. Chives should be snipped with scissors, taking leaves from the outside of the clump. Mint can be cut back freely, but never remove more than a third of the plant at once.

Leggy, pale plants need more light. Move them to a brighter spot and pinch out growing tips. Yellow lower leaves often mean overwatering; check drainage and let the compost dry slightly. Fungus gnats breed in soggy compost, so reduce watering and cover the surface with a thin layer of grit. White mould on the compost is a sign of poor airflow and damp conditions; scrape it off, open a window occasionally, and water less often.

• Leggy growth: More light and regular pinching.
• Yellow leaves: Less water and better drainage.
• Fungus gnats: Allow compost to dry, add a grit mulch.
• Mould: Improve airflow and reduce watering.

With a little daily attention, your windowsill can provide fresh herbs for months. Start with these four reliable favourites, give them the brightest spot you can, and adjust your watering as the seasons change. The reward is a constant supply of flavour, just a few steps from the chopping board.