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 grow as those outside. Click here for more: growing herbs in containers
The three things all plants need are; sunlight water and soil. Herbs are no exception. Obviously sunlight is crucial to growing any kind of plant including herbs, indoors or outdoors. If growing your herbs in the kitchen make sure they are placed in a window which is west or south facing. 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.
Soil is the next factor which is essential and one that is well drained but not too rich. When growing herbs in pots, it is always good to add one part coarse sand and two parts potting soil into the mix. To ensure adequate drainage, place about an inch of sand aat the base of your containers. Indoor herbs like to be supplemented with a teaspoon a lime (per 5 inch pot) to help sweeten the soil.
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Your potted herbs will also need a good supply of water. Misting the plants and moistening the pebbles will help to keep the herbs within humid conditions. Just because they are indoors does not mean they will need more water than herbs grown in the garden but make sure you don’t waterlog the roots. 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 is a rule can often be missed out when considering tarragon, mint and chives. These types of herbs will go into a rest period then form firmer and fresher growth after it is introduced to a light frost. It is possible to grow all herbs in a container but some will thrive more than others. Mint can get out of hand if left to it’s own devices and is better contained.
It is reasonably easy to maintain a herb garden inside. It is handy for cooking, being within easy reach. And the information above should enable you to keep a healthy herb plant. You should also include periodic light feeding and yearly repotting for optimum health of the herbs. You will also have to remember to replant annuals each year and move perennials outdoors when needed. 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 dry them, store them and add them to your cooking recipes! Click here for more: Herb Garden Facts
