10 Slow Living Garden Projects for Any Space —Even a Sunny Windowsill
Lately, I’ve been spending my afternoons repotting herbs, brushing the soil from my hands, and listening to the wind whisper through the trees outside my kitchen window. The kind of work that’s simple and grounding—the very heart of slow living.
Just this week, I moved my rosemary into a bigger pot and gave it a home out on the porch where it can stretch out a bit. I imagine it’ll love the Texas sunshine, and the occasional spring rain will do it good, even if the wind tries to boss it around now and then. My mint and sweet potatoes are still nestled in my windowsill, soaking up the light and minding their own business like quiet little blessings. Basil has moved outside and is thriving in this warm spell—such a happy herb when it gets the sun it loves. I’ve also added purple basil and some cheerful marigolds to the mix. The garden is growing, and so is my heart.
Whether you have a full yard or just a bright windowsill, there’s a project here for you. These slow living garden ideas are meant to bring peace, beauty, and usefulness to your home—all in a way that honors the rhythm of the seasons and the space you have.
1. Start a Windowsill Herb Garden
Even the smallest kitchen can host a cluster of terra cotta pots filled with mint, thyme, or oregano. I started mine years ago out of pure necessity, and it turned into a source of daily joy. Choose a sunny window (south-facing is best), water when the soil feels dry, and snip what you need as you cook. Herbs like mint love shallow pots but will try to take over if given the chance—don’t be afraid to give them a haircut often.
2. Grow Sweet Potatoes in Water
If you’ve never grown sweet potato slips, now’s the time. All you need is a sweet potato, a mason jar, and some toothpicks. Suspend the potato over water, and in a few weeks, you’ll have leafy green vines perfect for transplanting or just admiring in your kitchen window. Mine are in a jar right now—just little trailing vines soaking in the afternoon light.
3. Create a Pollinator Planter
Even if you don’t have a garden bed, you can support bees and butterflies with a large container. Fill it with marigolds (like mine!), lavender, or zinnias. These blooms thrive in sun and don’t mind Texas heat. Just make sure your container has drainage holes—we’ve had a few sudden downpours, and nobody likes a soggy root.
4. Build a Rustic Raised Bed
If you have a little yard space, try assembling a raised garden bed using reclaimed wood. My dad always says, “Use what you’ve got before you go buy something new.” That wisdom runs deep in my roots. A raised bed warms up faster in spring and gives you more control over soil. Add a mix of compost and potting soil, and start with something forgiving like lettuce or radishes.
5. Move Pots with the Weather
Texas can be unpredictable—one minute the sun is blazing, and the next we’re caught in a storm with sideways wind. I keep most of my potted plants mobile for that reason. Basil, rosemary, and even small peppers do beautifully in pots. When a strong storm rolls in, I can move them to a sheltered porch or even back inside. Think of it as helping your plants "chase the good weather."
6. Dry Herbs the Old-Fashioned Way
Once your herbs are producing, dry some for later. I bundle mine with twine and hang them upside-down in a dry corner of the kitchen. There's something so soul-soothing about seeing bunches of lavender or basil hanging like little bouquets. You can crumble them into jars for cooking, tea blends, or homemade gifts.
7. Plant Companion Flowers
If you're growing herbs or vegetables outside, tuck some marigolds or nasturtiums nearby. Not only are they lovely and bright, but they also help repel pests. My marigolds are thriving near the purple basil, and they make the whole pot look like a still-life painting.
8. Create a Garden Tea Tray
Collect clippings of mint, lemon balm, or chamomile and dry them for tea. I keep a little basket on my counter just for this purpose. When the kids are reading or doing schoolwork, I’ll make us a pot of fresh mint tea. It’s a ritual now—one of those quiet, gentle things that make a day feel complete.
9. Make a Rainwater Catcher
Rain has been making surprise visits lately, and I welcome every drop. Consider placing a clean bucket or ceramic pot beneath your gutter to catch rainwater for your plants. It’s softer and kinder than tap water, especially for herbs and flowers. Just be sure to use it quickly so mosquitoes don’t make it their home.
10. Decorate with Purposeful Beauty
Slow living means bringing beauty into utility. Use mismatched teacups as tiny planters for succulents. Turn an old colander into a hanging strawberry basket. Thrifted finds can become garden treasures. You know I love a good find—especially when it can be repurposed into something lovely and useful.
A Final Note from My Porch
Spring in Texas means days that flirt with summer heat, nights that can still be cool, and the kind of rain that makes everything smell like earth and honey. The wind here can be a little feisty, especially in the evenings, so I always check the forecast before leaving anything too fragile outside. But all of that—sunshine, storms, breezes—it’s part of the rhythm that makes gardening here so magical.
No matter the size of your space or the time you can give, I promise a garden will give back. In beauty. In nourishment. In quiet little lessons about patience and care.
Here’s to making room for green things—even on a windowsill.
Brooke
Hello Gorgeous Threads
You can find all my favorite gardening essentials right here—everything I use to create a cozy, slow-living garden whether I’m planting on the porch or in a sunny windowsill. From charming terracotta and thrifted floral pots to heirloom seeds, indoor grow lights, and my countertop composter that keeps my soil rich and happy, it’s all thoughtfully chosen for both beauty and purpose. I’ve also included my go-to gardening gloves, hand tools, watering cans, and organic soil blends. These are the tools I rely on season after season to make gardening feel joyful, simple, and a little bit magical.
My Gardening Favorites
Everything I use for my slow-living garden—from windowsills to porch pots.
Terracotta Clay Pots – Various Sizes
Perfect for herbs like rosemary, basil, and mint
➡️ [Amazon]Floral or Vintage-Style Planters
Great for adding charm and that French country touch
➡️ [Shop Here]Heirloom Seed Packs (Herbs + Veggies)
I especially love basil, mint, and marigolds
➡️ [Get Your Seeds]Composter (Odor-Free!)
Keeps my kitchen scraps useful and my garden soil thriving
➡️ [Easy Composter]Indoor Grow Light for Herbs
Especially helpful during cloudy weeks or winter months
➡️ [Link to a pretty or minimalist grow light setup]Pretty Watering Can (Indoor + Outdoor)
I love something functional but display-worthy
➡️ (Thrifted Watering Cans Are The Best)Gardening Gloves (Soft + Washable)
Lightweight gloves that still feel feminine and breathable
➡️ [Link to gloves with cottagecore flair]Organic Potting Soil or Compost Mix
My herbs thrive in this nutrient-rich soil
➡️ [Link]
Welcome to my cozy corner of the internet! I’m Brooke, and I’m so thrilled you’re here. As a homeschool mom and a lover of all things Cottagecore, I’ve built a life that’s all about creating warmth, charm, and simplicity—and I can’t wait to share it with you!
Cottagecore, for me, is about slowing down and embracing the beauty of intentional living—finding joy in baking fresh bread, tending a garden, or savoring a quiet moment with a cup of tea by a sunny window. It’s about blending the rustic charm of Cottagecore with the refined elegance of French Country style to create a life that feels both beautiful and attainable.
One of my greatest passions is curating unique, timeless treasures that reflect this way of life. Whether it’s a vintage find, a sustainable piece, or a handmade item with a story to tell, I love sharing these special discoveries with you. And now, you can shop these carefully chosen pieces right here! Each item is selected with love, bringing charm, sustainability, and elegance into your home and wardrobe.
This little community of like-minded women makes everything even sweeter. I’m so excited to connect, inspire, and celebrate the magic of Cottagecore together. Thank you for stopping by—it means the world to me. Let’s embrace a simpler, more beautiful life, one lovely find at a time!
I’ve packed picnic baskets for tea parties under the trees, quiet moments in the garden, and post-swim snack breaks in the backyard. From thrifted blankets to strawberry jam, here’s how I make each picnic feel magical—no matter how close to home it is.