Grow herbs indoors without sunlight – Dark Apartment Guide

📚 Table of Contents

1. Why You Can Grow Herbs Indoors Without Windows
2. Best Herbs for No-Sunlight Indoor Growing
3. Essential Supplies for Windowless Herb Gardening
4. Method 1: Soil-Based Setup with LED Lights
5. Method 2: Hydroponic Herbs Without Soil
6. Choosing the Right LED Grow Lights
7. Watering and Nutrient Schedule
8. Common Problems and Solutions
9. Harvesting and Storage Tips
10. FAQs About Growing Herbs Indoors
11. Final Thoughts: Fresh Herbs, No Windows Needed

Why You Can Grow Herbs Indoors without sunlight

Living in a basement apartment, windowless bathroom, or interior room doesn’t mean you’re stuck buying dried herbs from the store. With the right setup, you can grow herbs indoors without windows and enjoy fresh basil, mint, and parsley year-round.

According to a 2024 indoor gardening survey, over 42% of urban herb growers now cultivate plants in rooms with no natural light. The secret? Full-spectrum LED grow lights combined with proper growing techniques.

Unlike traditional gardening, indoor herb cultivation without windows relies entirely on artificial light. But modern LED technology has made this not only possible—it’s often more efficient than natural sunlight.

The science behind plant growth shows that photosynthesis can occur under full-spectrum artificial light, as confirmed by agricultural experts.
🔗 photosynthesis can occur under full-spectrum artificial light

Best Herbs for No-Sunlight Indoor Growing

Not all herbs perform equally well indoors without natural light. Choose varieties that tolerate lower light intensity and compact growing conditions.

🌿 Top 8 Herbs for Windowless Indoor Gardens

These herbs have been successfully grown in windowless environments by thousands of urban gardeners worldwide.

Some herbs are naturally low-light tolerant, and the University of Vermont’s guide to indoor herb gardening highlights which varieties perform best in apartments.
🔗 University of Vermont’s guide to indoor herb gardening

Essential Supplies for Windowless Herb Gardening

To grow herbs successfully without windows, you’ll need specific equipment that replaces natural sunlight and soil nutrients.

1. LED Grow Lights

Full-spectrum LEDs are essential for photosynthesis. Look for lights with:

• 6500K color temperature (daylight spectrum)
• 300–600 lumens per square foot
• Adjustable height settings

2. Growing Containers

Use pots with drainage holes to prevent root rot:

• Size: 6–8 inches diameter for most herbs
• Material: Plastic, ceramic, or fabric grow bags
• Quantity: Start with 3–5 containers

3. Potting Mix

Never use garden soil. Instead, choose:

• Lightweight, well-draining mix
• With perlite or coco coir
• pH balanced (6.0–7.0)

4. Watering Tools

• Narrow-spout watering can
• Spray bottle for misting
• Self-watering system (optional)

5. Nutrients

Indoor herbs deplete nutrients quickly:

• Balanced liquid fertilizer (10-10-10)
• Organic options like fish emulsion
• Slow-release pellets for beginners

Method 1: Soil-Based Setup with LED Lights

This traditional approach mimics outdoor growing but uses artificial light instead of sun.

Step 1: Choose Your Location

Select a spot in your home that’s:

• Cool to moderate temperature (65–75°F)
• Away from heating vents
• Near an electrical outlet

Step 2: Set Up Grow Lights

Install LED lights 6–12 inches above your plants:

• Use adjustable light stands
• Set timer for 12–14 hours daily
• Position lights evenly over all pots

Step 3: Plant Your Herbs

• Fill pots with potting mix
• Plant seeds ¼ inch deep or transplant seedlings
• Water thoroughly after planting

Step 4: Maintain Light Schedule

Consistency is key:

• Morning light (6 AM – 8 PM) works best
• Use outlet timers to automate
• Rotate pots weekly for even growth

Method 2: Hydroponic Herbs Without Soil

For a cleaner, faster approach, try growing herbs hydroponically using water and nutrients.

What You’ll Need:

• Net cups (2–3 inch)
• Growing medium (clay pebbles or rockwool)
• Hydroponic nutrient solution
• Small water reservoir
• Air pump and stone (optional)

Step-by-Step Process:

1. Prepare net cups with growing medium
2. Place seedlings in cups
3. Fill reservoir with nutrient solution
4. Position under LED lights
5. Check pH weekly (5.5–6.5 ideal)
6. Harvest in 3–6 weeks

Choosing the Right LED Grow Lights

Not all grow lights are created equal. Here’s what to look for:

Types of LED Grow Lights:

• Full-Spectrum LEDs – Best for herbs (contains blue + red + white light)
• Red/Blue Spectrum – More efficient but less visually appealing
• LED Bulbs – Cheapest option, adequate for small setups

Recommended Specifications:

• Wattage: 20–40 watts for small setups
• Coverage: 1–2 square feet per light
• Spectrum: 6500K for vegetative growth
• Features: Dimmable, timer-compatible

Budget-Friendly Options:

• Sansi 15W LED Grow Light – $15–$20
• Roleadro 20W Full Spectrum – $25–$30
• Viparspectra P1000 – $60–$80 (for multiple plants)

Not all lights are equal — the U.S. Department of Energy explains how LED lighting saves energy and supports plant growth.
🔗 the U.S. Department of Energy explains how LED lighting saves energy and supports plant growth

Watering and Nutrient Schedule

Proper watering and feeding are crucial for windowless herb success.

Watering Guidelines:

• Check soil daily – Stick finger 1 inch deep
• Water when top inch feels dry
• Morning watering preferred
• Use room-temperature water

Nutrient Schedule:

• Weeks 1–2: Seedling phase – minimal nutrients
• Weeks 3–4: Vegetative growth – half-strength fertilizer
• Weeks 5+: Full growth – regular feeding every 2 weeks

pH Management:

• Test weekly with pH strips
• Ideal range: 5.5–6.5
• Adjust with pH up/down solutions

Common Problems and Solutions

Even with perfect setup, issues can arise. Here’s how to troubleshoot:

🟡 Yellow Leaves

Cause: Overwatering or nutrient deficiency
Solution: Let soil dry between waterings; test pH and adjust nutrients

🌱 Leggy Growth

Cause: Insufficient light intensity or distance
Solution: Move lights closer or increase light duration

🕷️ Pests (Aphids, Spider Mites)

Signs: Webbing, sticky residue, tiny bugs
Treatment: Spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap; isolate affected plants

🟤 Brown Leaf Tips

Cause: Low humidity or chlorine in water
Solution: Mist leaves regularly; use filtered or standing tap water

🌫️ Mold or Fungus

Cause: Poor air circulation or overwatering
Solution: Add a small fan; reduce watering frequency

Harvesting and Storage Tips

Harvesting correctly ensures continuous growth and maximum flavor.

When to Harvest:

• Basil: 4–6 weeks after planting
• Mint: 3–4 weeks
• Parsley: 6–8 weeks
• Chives: 4–6 weeks

How to Harvest:

• Cut just above leaf nodes
• Never remove more than 1/3 at once
• Harvest in the morning for peak oils
• Use sharp, clean scissors

Storage Methods:

• Fresh use: Store in water like cut flowers
• Short-term: Refrigerate wrapped in a damp paper towel
• Long-term: Freeze in ice cubes or dry for later use

FAQs About Growing Herbs Indoors

❓ Can I grow herbs in a closet?

Yes! Closets make excellent growing spaces with LED lights and proper ventilation.

❓ How much electricity do LED grow lights use?

Most small herb setups use 20–40 watts, costing less than $5/month in electricity.

❓ Do I need special nutrients for indoor herbs?

Yes. Regular plant food isn’t concentrated enough. Use hydroponic or indoor plant nutrients.

❓ Can I grow herbs from grocery store cuttings?

Absolutely! Place basil, mint, or cilantro cuttings in water until roots develop.

❓ What’s the best temperature for indoor herbs?

65–75°F (18–24°C) is ideal. Avoid cold drafts and heating vents.

❓ How often should I replace grow lights?

LED grow lights last 20,000–50,000 hours. Replace every 3–5 years for optimal performance.

Final Thoughts: Fresh Herbs, No Windows Needed

You don’t need a sunny windowsill to enjoy fresh, aromatic herbs in your cooking. With LED grow lights, proper containers, and a little know-how, you can create a thriving indoor herb garden no sunlight required.

Whether you choose soil-based growing or hydroponic methods, the key is consistency. Set up your lights, water properly, and harvest regularly.

Start with one herb-like basil or mint. Watch it grow. Taste the difference.

Soon, you’ll wonder why you ever bought dried herbs at all.