Herbs are among the easiest and most useful plants to grow. Though the cold winter months won’t allow you to grow anything outside, it’s a great time to start up a windowsill herb garden.

Keeping a few choice herbs on hand is an easy way to brighten up a dish. It’s also a good way to try out your green thumb for the first time. All you really need to get started is a windowsill, some pots, and some seeds. But what kind of seeds should you get? Well, for their versatile uses in cooking and for their ability to thrive indoors, here are five of the best herbs to grow on your windowsill.

Peppermint

Peppermint is the perfect herb for beginners who are just discovering their green thumb. This hearty plant grows like a weed and will even thrive on a windowsill that only gets a few hours of sunlight each day. Peppermint grows quickly and requires little maintenance beyond watering. You don’t even have to worry if your peppermint ever dries out a little, as one good watering will have it springing right back to life.

Oregano

Oregano is a staple in Mexican, Italian, and Middle Eastern cuisines. While oregano is also fairly simple to care for, it does require more sunlight than peppermint, preferably at least six hours a day. You’ll want to place your oregano on a south-facing window or underneath a few grow lights. Watering should take place once the soil surface has dried out. Greek oregano tends to be the hardiest and easiest type of oregano to grow.

Parsley

No windowsill herb garden is complete without parsley. This versatile herb can be used in salads, soups, and sauces, and as a garnish for just about any dish. It doesn’t require too much light and will thrive on east- or west-facing windowsills. Parsley tends to be a bit of a slow grower but it’s certainly worth the wait. Once individual leaves are ready, you can harvest them by simply pinching them off near their base.

Thyme

Thyme is a timeless herb used in cuisines all around the world. Not only is it tasty, but it’s a very beautiful plant to look at as well. Like oregano, thyme is happiest with six or more hours of sunlight per day, so place it near a bright, sunny south-facing window and water when the soil is dry. Lemon thyme is a wonderful variety of time that has a citrusy flavour and is just as easy to grow as regular thyme.

Basil

Not only is basil the perfect complement to any dish featuring tomatoes and a critical component of pesto, it can also be used in sandwiches, salads, and a variety of sauces. Basil prefers plenty of sun and plenty of warmth, so choose a south-facing window in a warm room that isn’t too drafty. The easiest basil varieties to grow indoors are African Blue and Spicy Globe. Once the leaves are ready, simply pinch them off and add to any dish you like.

Windowsill gardening is a fun and easy hobby that just about anyone can pick up, especially if you’re planting herbs. Beat the winter this year by bringing the taste of fresh herbs to your food and fresh look of green, thriving plants to your home.