I think there is a group in this website that deals with organic gardening. The folks there would love some of these questions.

Meanwhile I will spin my own web:

5. Herbs get the best flavor from full sun. Given proper soil type, they do best in the ground outside. They can also do very well in pots with full sun--at least 6 hours, the more the better.

4. Bugs tend to eat most herbs less than other greens. If you have sheltered conditions, be wary of the mite which is most indiscriminate.

3. The best kind of organic compost is the stuff you compost yourself. If you need to buy compost, you are only buying what someone is selling you. OMRI certification is supposedly a good organic standard. There is a forum here that is passionate about organic amendment.

2. I don't want to live in a world where I have to eat something I picked less than 30 minutes ago, so my answer to that is no.

1. I certainly don't know exactly what is used by nurseries to help the plant grow when the plant is not labelled 'organic'. I would assume the biggest difference is the use of synthetic fertilizers to make them grow fast.

Best of luck with your entry into gardening.

1. Chemicals used would vary by the supplier and there is no way we can even begin to answer such a general question.

2. Many herbs used in medical preparations such as tinctures are actually dried first. In those situations, their medicinal constituents are still very much intact. So harvesting is not inherently bad by itself. But I think you would have to specify the herbs in question for any real answer to this question.

3. Yes, to organically grow your herbs means you must use organic pesticides, fertilizers, and potting soil marked thusly if you are buying commercial products. Given your questions, this may be your best bet until you educate yourself further.

4. Insects are part of our world and not to be blanket hated or discouraged. Some are benign, some are helpful, and some will indeed chew the plants. This all varies on your location and plants. Beneficial insects are part of organic gardening so again, you will need to educate yourself on that.

5. Indoors is a challenge at best. There are reams of back posts here that talk about the difficulties of indoor herbs. Check them out. Outdoors, even if in a container, would be the best option.

FataMorgana

I never had bugs eat my herbs. I don't spray anything on them. I do use chemical fertilizers like 6-6-6 and Miracle Gro.

A grocery store is generally not the best place to buy healthy transplants. Not that they're chemical filled, but just forced and unhealthy, as they're meant for harvest, not growing. Now, there are stores where I've had good luck. For me, the local Whole Foods have good organic ones (and I've been to the farm). Had good luck with Sprouts Farmers Market Grocery herbs too, but it really depends where you are, and you didn't list.

GMO is primarily used in cash crops. I don't know of any GMO herbs--anyone else?. I have noticed that one of the brands of herbs at local greenhouses has changed their tag to mention NON-GMO, but figured it was just marketing and not switching seeds or so forth. Personally, the only things I avoid are "wetting agents" and mixes with added fertilizer, other than minor nutrients from vermicompost, or other Organics. But, I don't stick to only "certified organic".

I do lots of potted herbs, both indoor and out and a mix overwintering in. It is possible, but as Fata says, it's not always easy and you really need to know your plants. Most herbs want a lot more light and pot size than a kitchen counter or windowsill garden. Without enough light, the flavor oils will not develop. Bugs--aphids, whiteflies, and powdery mildew are common in my indoor ones. And fungus gnats, but I ignore them. I use dishsoap spray or neem. When possible, outside with a good shot from the hose does wonders.

If you're really concerned, then stick to certified or learn to grow your own from seed. Some are easy, some more difficult, and many are slow growing perennials. Lots of research involved (but fun). Never heard of losing half strength in 30 min.

Well, I do totally agree with the thought that consuming expected vitamins in a grocery story can be a big mistake. There are so many chemical ingredients in the products nowadays. Honestly, it's difficult to find any products without GMO on the shelves of the shops. At least, for me. That's why I decided to consume vitamins only from https://www.nhc.com/brand/bluebonnet the proven distributors. I have found L-Carnitine 500mg licaps and multiminerals plus boron capsules. I have been searching for them for so long... And now I am totally delighted with my healthy discovery!