It’s no secret that New England winters are long and dreary, but an indoor herb garden can be a perfect way to keep spirits bright after the turkey digests and the Christmas lights go back in the box. Not to mention the taste of fresh herbs on a salad or in a hearty stew makes you feel just a little more alive when the temperatures dip below freezing. 

But is it really possible to keep herbs thriving all 12 months of the year? With the right conditions, yes! 

• Choose a south-facing window or another particularly sunny spot for your herb garden set-up. If you’ll remember grade-school science class for a moment, plants need soil, water and sunlight to survive. The sunshine is essential for the plants to create the food they need, so don’t skimp! No sunny windowsills? Consider an inexpensive grow light to create an artificial — but still functional — glow.

• Buy some soil & pots. You’ll want a good-quality potting mix to give your herbs the best chance. If they’ve been in the same pots all season, consider replacing the soil and adding some organic veggie fertilizer to give them a boost. While you might be tempted to toss all the herbs in one window box or a large pot, you can more easily control watering and soil vitality if you leave each herb in it’s own container.

• Pick your herbs wisely. Not all herbs are particularly hearty. While you may love fresh pesto, basil really prefers warmer temps and extra sunshine, so if you keep your home cooler during the winter months — or your windows are extra drafty — it might not make it. Try rosemary, oregano, mint, thyme, chives and parsley instead.

• Design your set up! Your herb pots can become a focal point of your kitchen or living room, or they can blend in, all depending on what kinds of pots or planters you choose. Try one of these hanging designs as seen on Pinterest to maximize your growing space.