Indoor herb gardening is an inexpensive way to attain a healthier lifestyle. Not only will you have
fresh herbs right on hand when you want to cook but herb gardens are an attractive addition to any kitchen windowsill.
The best way to start your herbs is from seeds as they are very easy to get going and they grow fairly quickly. If you are anything like me and are impatient for results, this is the right hobby for you!
Use regular potting soil, mixed with perlite or vermiculite to improve drainage.
When planting the seeds, follow the directions on the individual seed packages.
Each pot/container should only have one type of herb in it.
After the seeds are planted, moisten each pot and place the pot in a sunny location. Keep the soil moist (not soggy!) until the seeds sprout. This will happen fairly quickly but wait about 3 weeks before you start to use your herbs.
Once the herbs are established (about 6 inches tall) you can snip the herbs as often as you want, in fact, this will promote further growth. Add them to your favorite recipes and enjoy your new hobby!
Where is the best place to keep
my indoor herb garden?
Just like outdoor plants, indoor herbs need about 6 hours of direct sunlight a day. Place your "kitchen garden" in your kitchen window or another sunny spot in your house. For maximum growth, keep the temperature at about 70-75 degrees during the day and approximately 10 degrees lower at night. Heat lamps can be used if you don't have the ideal spot.
How often do I need to water my garden?
Herbs require good drainage and should be watered thoroughly. Let the soil dry out between waterings...you don't want soggy roots!
What type of container should I use for my herbs?
Remember, each container should only have one type of herb in it. It really doesn't matter what type container you choose as long as it has holes on the bottom to ensure proper drainage.
If you want to cut costs, you can grow your herbs in Styrofoam cups or yogurt containers (make your own drainage holes.) Of course you can order beautiful herb pots online!
If you have the space, take several smaller containers filled with different herbs and put them in a window box and add soil around each pot. This will increase humidity and promote better growth...it looks pretty too!
What herbs grow well indoors?
Some of the more popular cooking herbs that are well suited for growing in containers are:
