When growing indoors, herbs can be grown quite effectively in containers or pots. In fact, they can also be grown on window sills, boxes or baskets. Growing herbs in pots is not any more difficult than growing herbs in an outdoor garden. Indeed as you would expect, indoor herbs require the same conditions to flourish as those outside. Click here for more: how to grow herbs in pots
The main ingredients are of course; water, sunlight and fertile soil. Herbs are no exception. Sunlight is key to growing any type of plant including herbs whether they are grown indoors or in a garden. You should place herbs grown in a kitchen or other room in a south or west facing window to get the best kind of sunlight. Some herbs have slightly different light requirements but all need a bright and sunny location. It is possible for some herb growers to enhance natural light sources with fluorescent or ‘grow’ lamps.
Herbs also need a well drained, not too rich soil to grow in. Add two parts of sterilized potting soil with one part coarse sand or perlite for herbs that are grown in containers. You will also need about an inch of gravel at the bottom of each pot to ensure that the plant has good drainage. Herbs grown in pots indoors can also be supplemented with one teaspoon of lime per 5-inch pot to ensure that the soil is sweet enough for the herbs.
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Herbs grown in pots also need water. You can spray your herbs with water ‘mist’ if they are in humid climes. This will also moisten the pebbles and help the herbs keep. Since they are being grown in containers they do need to have more water than herbs that are grown in a garden but, you should avoid getting the roots of the herbs drenched or soggy. Of course the main reason to have your herbs in pots is so you can move them around.
Annual herbs can spend all of their time indoors but, perennial herbs do better if they were to be placed outside during the summer. Although all herbs should be brought inside before the first frost in order to avoid the loss of foliage. This rule is overlooked when it comes to mint, chives, and tarragon. The reason is that a light frost to these herbs can leave them with a firmer, healthier growth. You can grow all herbs in pots but some will probably do better than others. Mint is an herb that needs to be contained or it will take over the garden.
On the whole it is quite easy to manage an indoor herb garden. It keeps the herbs handy and within reach anytime you need them for cooking. And with these tips listed above, you will be able to care for your herbs and ensure a healthy plant. You should also include periodic light feeding and yearly repotting for optimum health of the herbs. Remember also to move perennials outside in warmer weather and to replant annuals. Plus, use your herbs as much as you want as well as harvest them occasionally. By regularly pruning plants you will stimulate new growth. This rule also applies to herbs. So use them in your recipes, store them and give them away to friends! Click here for more: Herb Garden Guide
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