Many herbs are quite easy to grow and require minimal care. Here are 13 of the simplest kitchen herbs to cultivate.

1. Basil is a great starter herb for indoor gardens. Its strong, peppery flavor pairs well with many Italian dishes. Basil needs full sunlight, plenty of water with good drainage, and warmth. Basil also has anti-inflammatory properties, which can reduce swelling in arthritis patients by up to 73%.

2. Lemongrass is incredibly easy to grow. Just place a stalk in water and let it be. For soil planting, use high-quality potting soil with good drainage. It needs at least six hours of sunlight daily and prefers warmth. Lemongrass aids digestion, calms nerves, lowers blood pressure, and helps with insomnia. It also has antibacterial and antifungal properties.

3. Mint adds a fresh scent to your indoor space. It likes morning sun and afternoon shade but should be kept away from heat sources. Mint can help with digestion, act as a natural decongestant, and even suppress appetite.

4. Chervil, a member of the parsley family, has a delicate flavor and thrives indoors. It prefers light shade and cool temperatures. Use chervil to flavor vegetables, soups, and salads.

5. Chives are easy to grow and add a lot of flavor to food. They need full sun, evenly moist soil, and regular trimming to encourage new growth. Chives have a mild onion flavor and are great in salads, soups, and omelets.

6. Dill has a tangy flavor and can grow taller indoors. It needs a sunny window and moist soil. Use dill’s seeds, flowers, and foliage to season foods.

7. Garlic is antibacterial and anti-inflammatory. It’s easy to grow from a single clove. Plant a clove in potting soil, cover it with an inch of soil, and place it in a sunny spot. Water regularly and harvest in a few months.

8. Oregano thrives in hot, dry, and sunny conditions. Oregano has 42 times the antioxidant power of apples and can fight inflammation. Use it in soups, stews, and salads.

9. Parsley needs six to eight hours of sunlight daily. Keep the soil lightly moist and fertilize twice a month. Parsley tea has anti-inflammatory and diuretic benefits.

10. Thyme is a small shrub that needs at least six hours of sunlight daily. English thyme is commonly used in cooking and has pain-relieving properties.

11. Tarragon doesn’t like cold temperatures, making it perfect for indoor growing. It needs six to eight hours of light daily and should be misted regularly. Use tarragon to add an anise flavor to dishes.

12. Cilantro needs a large container and a sunny spot. It dislikes repotting and needs regular watering. Use cilantro leaves in salsas and guacamole. The seeds, known as coriander, have medicinal properties.

13. Marjoram thrives indoors with a sunny location and well-drained soil. Marjoram has antibacterial properties and can relieve nausea and bloating.

Growing herbs indoors is easier than you might think. Most herbs prefer South or southwest-facing windows, though east or west-facing windows can also work, good drainage to prevent root rot, normal indoor temperatures, slightly higher humidity, like in a kitchen, monthly or bi-monthly fertilizing, regular rotation to maintain even growth. Avoid common mistakes that can kill houseplants, and you’ll have a thriving indoor herb garden in no time!