The first-pot series
Read your window’s light
Count direct sun where the leaves will be—not just how bright the room feels.
01
Watch the actual growing spot
On a representative clear day, note when a direct beam reaches the proposed plant position and when it leaves. Repeat if buildings, trees, or balcony overhangs interrupt the light. A bright room without a direct beam is not the same as several hours of direct sun. Record what you see; an uncertain answer is more useful than an optimistic guess.
02
Indoors is not outdoor partial shade
Maryland Extension recommends a south- or west-facing window with at least five hours of sun for indoor herbs. Clemson’s general outdoor guidance is at least six hours for most herbs, while mint and parsley prefer partial shade. These are broad guidelines, not a promise for every cultivar. Window direction alone cannot account for obstructions.
03
Recheck when the season changes
Maryland recommends supplemental grow lights in winter, describing 14–16 hours of light per day. That is light operating time, not a direct equivalence to sun hours or a fixture-distance instruction. Follow the light manufacturer’s guidance. The matcher does not model grow lights, glass transmission, or seasonal sun angles.