herb growing blog3

6 Herbs You Can Grow Year-Round in Your Home Herb Garden

Growing herbs at home is one of the easiest and most rewarding ways to keep your meals fresh, flavorful, and healthy — even in the peak of summer heat or the chillier Riyadh winter nights. Whether you're planting in a sunny kitchen window or keeping pots on a shaded balcony, here are six herbs that thrive year-round indoors in Saudi Arabia's climate.

Indoor herb garden in sunny window with basil, mint, oregano and thyme

🌿 Basil ('Genovese')

Beloved in Italian and Middle Eastern kitchens, 'Genovese' basil is fragrant, fast-growing, and easy to pinch into a lush, bushy plant. Sow seeds in autumn or early spring and place pots near a bright window. Avoid cold drafts and always pinch off flower buds to extend leaf production. Use fresh leaves in pasta, pesto, salads, or even smoothies.

🌿 Oregano

This hardy, drought-tolerant herb thrives in containers indoors and out. Start from seed or transplant a nursery-grown cutting into a 6–8 inch pot. Oregano needs full sun and infrequent watering. It adds rich flavor to roasted meats, sauces, manakish, and soups, and also makes a lovely trailing plant for balcony edges.

🌿 Chives

With their mild onion flavor and quick regrowth, chives are a must-have for seasoning eggs, labneh, salads, and soups. Start from seed or divide existing clumps. Keep the pot in filtered light or a windowsill that gets morning sun, and trim leaves regularly to encourage fresh growth.

🌿 Dill

Dill’s feathery green leaves and tangy aroma make it perfect for pickling, grilled fish, or fresh yogurt dips. It prefers cooler indoor spots with indirect sun. Sow directly into deep containers and harvest regularly to prevent flowering, which reduces flavor.

🌿 Thyme

A low-maintenance perennial, thyme is perfect for indoor pots in Saudi homes. It thrives in full sun and sandy soil and complements meat, potatoes, and roasted vegetables. Pair 'Common Thyme' with 'Lemon Thyme' for citrusy notes in both savory and sweet dishes.

🌿 Mint

Whether you prefer classic spearmint or more exotic types like 'Pineapple' or 'Chocolate' mint, this herb loves consistent moisture and bright indirect light. Grow it in pots to control spreading, and use it in tea, salads, tabbouleh, or refreshing summer drinks.

Potted herbs including mint, basil and chives on a kitchen countertop

Tips for Growing Herbs Indoors in Saudi Arabia

  • Light: Place pots near a south-facing window or use grow lights for 12–16 hours daily.
  • Water: Check moisture often — especially during dry months. Keep mint moist; let thyme and oregano dry slightly between waterings.
  • Pots: Use 6–8 inch containers with drainage holes. Avoid terracotta in peak summer as it dries too fast.
  • Soil: Use well-draining potting mix with added perlite. Avoid heavy garden soil.
  • Prune Often: Pinch herbs regularly to promote bushy growth and prevent flowering.

Ready-Made Kits for Easy Success

Starting fresh? Botanvia offers beginner-friendly herb kits that include basil, parsley, dill, and chives — perfect for windowsills or balconies. Each kit includes biodegradable pots, premium seeds, and our Gulf-tested growing instructions.

Final Thoughts

These six herbs aren’t just tasty — they’re also resilient and beginner-friendly, making them ideal for growing in Saudi homes year-round. Whether you're sipping mint tea or adding a pinch of oregano to your kabsa, your homegrown herbs will be ready whenever you need them.

Plant. Grow. Thrive. Green Starts Here.™ — only with Botanvia.