10 Best Kitchen Windowsill Plants: Fresh Herbs & Easy Growing

8. Cherry Tomatoes – Compact Yet Rewarding

When I first tried growing cherry tomatoes on my windowsill, I’ll admit I was skeptical. But after discovering the right dwarf varieties, I’ve been harvesting fresh tomatoes year-round! Here’s everything I’ve learned about growing these tiny treasures indoors, including some mistakes you’ll definitely want to avoid.

Best Dwarf Varieties for Indoor Success

Not all cherry tomatoes are created equal when it comes to windowsill growing. Through lots of trial and error, I’ve found these compact varieties to be the real champions:

• Tiny Tim – My absolute favorite for beginners, only grows 12-15 inches tall
• Red Robin – Incredibly productive for its small size
• Micro Tom – The world’s smallest tomato plant at just 6-8 inches!
• Yellow Canary – Perfect for hanging baskets

I learned the hard way that regular cherry tomato varieties get way too large for windowsills. Trust me, you want to stick with these determinate dwarf varieties specifically bred for container growing.

Essential Care for Indoor Tomatoes

Growing tomatoes indoors requires a bit more attention than outdoor plants, but it’s totally worth it! Here’s what I’ve found works best:

• Use a deep pot (at least 6 inches) with excellent drainage
• Choose a well-draining potting mix specifically for vegetables
• Place in your sunniest window (south-facing is ideal)
• Maintain temperatures between 65-80°F
• Water consistently but never let roots stand in water

The game-changer for me was installing a small clip-on fan for air circulation. It not only prevents disease but also strengthens the stems – something I wish I’d known when I started!

Indoor Pollination: Making the Magic Happen

Here’s something that took me by surprise: indoor tomatoes need help with pollination! Since there’s no wind or insects indoors, you’ll need to play matchmaker. I use these techniques:

1. Gently tap or shake your plant daily during flowering
2. Use a small electric toothbrush against the flower stems
3. Pro tip: Run your hands gently across all open flowers

I was amazed at how much my yield improved once I started hand-pollinating regularly. It’s actually become one of my favorite morning rituals!

Pruning and Harvesting Guidelines

The secret to keeping your windowsill tomatoes productive is proper pruning. Here’s my tried-and-true approach:

• Remove any suckers (shoots between branches and main stem)
• Pinch off lower leaves that yellow
• Harvest fruits when they’re fully colored but still firm

Here’s something I discovered by accident: leaving tomatoes on the vine too long actually signals the plant to slow down production. Regular harvesting encourages more flowering and fruiting!

Getting ready for our next plant? You’re in for a treat! Our #7 pick, chives, might just be the easiest herb you’ll ever grow. Click the next button below to learn why these perennial powerhouses deserve a spot in your windowsill garden, and discover my secret tip for having fresh chives available all year long!

Remember: While tomatoes need more attention than other windowsill plants, there’s nothing quite like plucking a sun-warmed cherry tomato from your own kitchen window. The flavor is absolutely worth the extra effort!