Growing Herbs Indoors
As an alternative to the outdoor garden, you might also want to consider growing herbs indoors in containers or pots. You can also grow them in hanging baskets and windows boxes. Container grown herbs are not anymore difficult then growing herbs in outdoors. Indoor herb gardens have the same growing requirements that outdoor herb gardens need.
The three main things that all plants need to flourish are soil, water and sunlight. Herbs are no exception. The proper amount of sunlight is key to growing any type of plant including culinary herbs, whether they are grown indoors or out. When growing herbs indoors place your plants in the kitchen or any other room in a west or south facing window to get the best sunlight. Different herbs have different sunlight requirements but, for the most part, all need a bright, sunny location. Home herb growers might also supplement the light source with fluorescent lamps or “grow lamps”. All Herbs need well drained soil that is not too rich to grow in. Adding two parts of sterilized potting soil along with one part coarse sand or perlite for herbs that are grown in containers should do it. You will also need roughly an inch of gravel at the bottom of each pot to ensure that good drainage. Growing herbs indoors, you might also consider supplementing the soil with one teaspoon of lime per 5-inch pot to ensure sweet soil for the herbs. Pot grown Herbs also need plenty of water. Moistening the pebbles and misting the plants and will help to keep them within the needed humid conditions. Since they are being grown in containers, they do need to have more water then herbs grown outdoors but, you should avoid getting the roots of the herbs soggy or drenched.
The advantage to growing herbs indoors is that you have the freedom to move them around as you please. Annuals can spend all of their time indoors but, perennial herbs will do better if they are placed outside during the summer. All herbs should be taken inside before the first frost in order to avoid the loss of foliage. The exception to this rule is when it comes to mint, chives, and tarragon. These types of herbs will go into a rest period then form fresher, firmer growth after it is introduced to a light frost.
All herbs can be grown in containers but some herbs will do better then others. But you can be succesful growing herbs indoors. Mint is an herb that should be contained or it will take over the garden. Over all it is fairly easy to maintain your indoor herb garden. Your herbs will be handy and within reach anytime you need them for cooking. With the tips listed above, you will be able to successfully care for your herbs and ensure a healthy plant. Be sure to also include periodic light feeding and yearly re-potting for the optimum health of your herbs. Also remember to replant annuals each and every year and move your perennials outdoors as needed. Plus, be sure to use your herbs as much as you want and harvest them occasionally. It is well known that pruning plants encourages new growth. This rule also applies to herbs.
