1. Mint (Pudina)
There is hardly a more resilient and rewarding herb to grow indoors than mint. Known for its vigorous growth, it is almost foolproof for beginners. During the monsoon, when humidity is high, mint thrives. In fact, it prefers consistently moist soil, making
the damp indoor conditions of the rainy season ideal. A wide, shallow pot is perfect, as mint tends to spread its runners sideways. Place it on a windowsill that receives indirect light; an east-facing window is perfect for the spring and summer months. You can easily start a plant from a cutting taken from a mature plant and placed in water. Soon, you’ll have a constant supply for your chai, chutneys, and refreshing drinks, filling your home with its invigorating aroma.
2. Basil (Tulsi or Sweet Basil)
Basil is a sun-loving plant, but many varieties, especially those native to India like Tulsi (Holy Basil), can be grown successfully indoors during the monsoon. It's an essential herb for immunity, particularly useful during the damp months when colds and coughs are common. For culinary use, sweet basil is a fantastic choice. Provide it with a spot on your sunniest windowsill, as it needs at least four to five hours of light daily to flourish. Use a well-draining potting mix and ensure your pot has good drainage to prevent root rot, a common issue in humid weather. Water only when the top layer of soil feels dry. Pruning the tops of the plant encourages it to grow bushier, giving you more fragrant leaves for your pastas, curries, and salads.
3. Parsley
Often underestimated as a mere garnish, parsley is a nutritional powerhouse that is surprisingly easy to grow indoors. It is one of the more shade-tolerant herbs, making it well-suited for the lower light conditions of the monsoon months. While it appreciates a sunny spot, it can manage with just a few hours of gentle morning light on a bright windowsill. Both flat-leaf (Italian) and curly varieties do well in containers. Flat-leaf is often preferred for its stronger flavour, while curly parsley is more compact. To get started, it is best to sow seeds directly into the pot, as parsley has a long taproot that doesn't like being transplanted. Be patient, as seeds can take a few weeks to germinate. Once established, regular trimming of the outer stalks will encourage continuous growth.
4. Chives
If you love the mild, delicate flavour of onions and garlic, chives are a must-have in your indoor garden. They are exceptionally easy to grow and are one of the most tolerant herbs for low-light conditions, making them perfect for apartments and monsoon gardening. Chives grow well in pots and don't have a deep root system, so a container that is about 6-8 inches deep is sufficient. They prefer moist soil but require good drainage to prevent the bulbs from rotting. Place the pot in the sunniest spot you have, though they will manage with less. Harvest by snipping the green stalks about two inches from the base. This regular trimming actually encourages the plant to keep producing. Their fresh, sharp flavour is a wonderful addition to eggs, soups, salads, and dips, added right at the end of cooking.
