There are three ways to start your herb garden; you can start from seeds; with cuttings from store-bought plants; or from transplanting your own garden-grown herbs.
For those who like to get their hands dirty, try starting herbs from seeds. It's the least expensive way to grow an indoor herb garden, but it does take some patience and special attention to your plants.
When purchasing seeds, make sure you choose compact varieties. The regular varieties are meant for growing in large spaces and can be difficult to grow indoors.
Use small pots around 6" in diameter. Terra cotta or heavy clay pots work best, but any pot with good drainage will do. Fill each pot with potting soil, and following the directions on the packets, add the seeds to the depth specified by the manufacturer. Mist the soil with water, keeping the soil damp but avoid over-watering. You may have to mist the herbs every day, especially if your home is especially dry during the winter months.
Stem cuttings are another easy method to grow herbs indoors. Before the growing season ends, start your indoor herb garden with some cuttings from your outdoor plants if you have them or use cut herbs available from retail stores. Cut about six inches of a stem at the base of the plant. Once the branch is cut, strip the foliage off the bottom so it won't rot. A root should develop anywhere a leaf or stem has grown. Place the cutting in a small jar of water so it can set roots. Keep in mind that these cuttings need a sunny location, and the water should be changed out every day. Once the cutting has sprouted roots, you'll need to plant it in a pot. Fill the pot with potting soil and plant the cutting.
To keep your herbs growing, use them! Snipping off enough leaves for a recipe or garnish will keep the plants healthy and thriving.
Consider placing your pots inside a window planter when you're done planting for a consistent look to your garden.