Window boxes were popularized centuries ago in Venice, Italy where they were filled with ivy geranium and nasturtium to deter mosquitoes. They should have been obsolete after the invention of window screens, but are still enjoyed by a few garden enthusiasts who want flowering annuals or perennials directly outside. Window screens inhibit irrigation of window boxes from within the home, but eliminate the necessity for species that deter mosquitoes, so that many other interesting species may be enjoyed.

A window box outside a screenless kitchen window is a perfect place to grow fresh herbs and provides an opportunity for hungry mosquitoes. Few herbs provide colorful blooms like the more popular seasonal annuals, but many provide appealing and compact foliage. Parsley, rosemary and thyme but not sage are all suitable for window boxes, as are mint, basil and chives. Trailing rosemary is better than more shrubby forms and must be confined by pruning. Because window boxes are in direct proximity to exterior walls and are higher than grade, they are closer to eaves, so would be too shaded to grow most herbs if below windows that face north. Window boxes should not be attached directly against walls, but suspended slightly away from direct contact. Rot would otherwise likely become a problem.

Herbs of course need not be grown exclusively in window boxes or pots outside the kitchen door. They are also useful in the garden and landscape. In fact, there is so much variation of form among herbs that some are more suitable for other functions than for window boxes. For example, sweet bay is actually a small tree that may be confined by pruning or even sheared into a formal hedge. Trailing rosemary is useful as a groundcover.

Contrary to variation of form, most herbs have similar cultural requirements. They generally prefer full sun exposure and well-drained soil. This is why they are sometimes grown separately in an ‘herb garden’. Some may eventually become invasive. Mint, oregano and thyme, which are all incidentally in the same family, proliferate by stolons (subterranean stems). Chives, dill, fennel and cilantro may seed profusely. Basil is not so invasive, but is often given a larger part of an herb garden because it is used in larger quantities than can be supplied by a window box.

Like vegetables, many herbs are easily grown from seed, but some are planted as small seedlings, rooted cuttings or even somewhat mature plants. Basil is easily grown from seed and is used in such substantial quantities, that it is most practical to grow it from seed. Cilantro and parsley are likewise most commonly grown from seed. Chives, dill, thyme and oregano are easily grown from seed, but are more commonly planted as established seedlings because they are required in such minimal quantities and because they grow so profusely. Sweet bay, rosemary, sage and mint should be planted as established plants.