My 'sound advice' would be not to grow them inside at all. Indoor herbs are far harder to get right than outdoor, especially if you are a beginner, which it sounds like you are. It would also be very helpful to know a) where you are located and b) what herbs you want to grow. Not all herbs need the same conditions.

Yes, I am a beginner! This book is really helpful though! Eventually I want to have my own fruits/vegetables. Well, the reason why I went this route is because I am a apartment dweller. I don't want to plant them in the ground because of this and besides that, insects and pesticides are a problemo too. I am in located in South Texas (lots of sun here). I'm already working on a diy window box and plan on choosing two or three herbs. Definitely basil and cilantro, maybe oregano or thyme. My father has rosemary, so I don't need that.

As Flora said, it's really much better to grow outdoors. But, I've been in similar situation and do a lot of indoor growing, as well as overwintering within apartment (now townhome) situation, using both window and artificial light. It is possible, but you really need to know the plants needs because it is a completely different ballgame in many ways.

First, I have several EarthBoxes and Earthbox Jrs. They are by far the easiest way to start, and I have good luck with most herbs in them. For a beginner, it may be a good way to start. Being plastic, they're not the most attractive, but are much easier than assorted pots.

Second, I would not recommend a window box where you're trying to grow multiple herbs together. It's possible if you match needs (ex--thyme and oregano have similar needs, and basil and cilantro do, but not mixing thyme and basil). The EB's work a little different, so I do mix in them, but there's other considerations to consider with that. My current indoor herb EBjr has oregano, thyme, lemon thyme, and lemon savory. But I have to keep them pretty pruned back, as all are really small shrubs and want more space. You really are much better of with dedicated pots instead of a plain window box.

Basil is a tougher indoor plant because it wants more light and heat than commonly indoors, even in a sunny window. I have done it, but the flavor wasn't same par as my outdoor pots, so I gave it up and consider it a summer treat, and freeze as much pesto as I can. I have not tried cilantro indoors personally--here it bolts so quickly that I grow it for coriander seed and just purchase my leaf at the grocery.

Thyme and oregano are small shrubs that need very well draining soil, and are more difficult to grow indoors. They are prone to rootrot, as well as powdery mildew (rosemary and lavender too). For my individual pots, I mix bonsai or succulent soil in with my potting mix to help the drainage, then have to be very careful with the watering.

Have you considered chives? They're an easier start and very useful. I'm sure your book on containers is interesting, but many herbs are much pickier than most container plants.

Here in Denver I am doing well. It's a beautiful day and my yard is full of plants hardening off and just waiting for better weather?

get a mint plant!

I am new to this too. for me, a mint plant started it all. It grows pretty quickly so you can definitely notice the progress and if you have exams to study for, watching a mint plant grow is strangely therapeutic. And you can have a fresh mojito while you are at it.

Savannah, I agree with the others about outdoor being better. it's easier and tastier. Herbs need a lot of sun to produce strong flavors. Outside they take care of themselves, while indoors they're just a little sad unless you have a sunroom,

My advice if you must produce edibles indoors is to try microgreens. They're easy and pretty tasty. My favorite microgreen is mustards in seed flats, but cilantro is very nice too. I let cilantro go to seed so cilantro is always sprouting everywhere for me, You can microgreen just about any annual plant. Also, microgreens are packed with flavor and nutrients.