Tips On Growing Herbs Indoors
Is it true that herbs you can grow indoors? This may seem unbelievable, but the truth is herbs can be grown inside. It is true that you will have to put in a bit more work and know-how than if you were planting herbs outdoors. But herbs do not require that much work and can be very rewarding for the gardener.
The question I want to pose is whether it is really possible to grow herbs inside. The short answer is Yes it is! Herbs which are grown inside are just as good as those which are grown outside, it is just that they don’t get the right amount of sunlight or moisture. The first step to being able to grow herbs in your own home is knowing exactly how to do it.
You will need a well-draining potting soil and you will need a windowsill or a dark area outdoors to grow herbs in. The best place to start growing herbs is in a well-draining potting soil that has good drainage and is rich in nutrients. You will want to use a potting soil that is full of organic matter such as well-rotted garden compost. Basil, dill, sage, chives, and lavender are all excellent choices. These herbs are known to be excellent growing herbs year-round in well-drained potting soil.
You will also want to keep your herbs healthy by supplying them with plenty of light. All herbs love the sun, provided they get it. Parsley, Rosemary, and marjoram thrive in the sun the most. Basil prefers shaded areas, so look for pots with holes for the herbs to enjoy the shade. All three herbs like the weather to get warmer during the spring and fall months. However, during the summertime they are more susceptible to heat than other herbs.
Many people mistakenly think that herbs only like direct sunlight. However, you can still have herbs growing inside of a small pot. Purchase a small pot that has drainage, but place it in a window to bring some light into the herbbed. All three herbs will love this little change.
Harvest sage when the leaves start to appear. Keep the plant watered as the plant swells to create new leaves. Harvest sage when the roots have become a thick green mass on the floor. Cut the herb into smaller pieces and store the pieces in a colander or strainer. If you don’t have a colander or strainer, just pick the sage up with a spade and place it in a glass and hold the stem over a bowl of water.
Like all herbs, caution should be used when you repot herbs in pots. Potting herbs in a room temperature environment increases the risk of root rot. Once the plant begins to rot, there is no turning back. It is best to keep herbs in their own pots for their entire life cycle.
Cilantro is an excellent choice for a small pot because it likes full sun. It does not do well in partial shade. This herb also loves moisture so it makes a great addition to a dry herb garden. The beautiful green foliage of cilantro grows quickly, so it makes a beautiful addition to your herb garden even in the summer. Cilantro is easy to maintain and grows easily from seed or cuttings.
Parsley is another excellent choice for a small pot. This herb thrives in full sun and will turn purple in the sun. Parsley is very easy to grow and often starts out as a small plant just before the leaves are small and crisp. As the plant matures, it adds more foliage to the top. The beautiful green leaves add flavor and aroma to almost any dish.
All herbs love moist soil. In fact, herbs like a lot of moisture. Some herbs can handle drought conditions better than others so you will have to experiment to see which herbs will thrive in your area. Rosemary and mint can handle dry soil better than lemon balm and basil. Most herbs prefer full sunlight but if they do not get it, watering is not a problem as most herbs do well on a sunny window porch.
Air circulation is key to any type of herb garden. Herbs like a well drained environment because they require a lot of water for their growing roots. A good way to provide the proper air circulation is by installing some type of roof or casing to keep the roots of the plants off of the windowsill and roof. These herbs are grown mainly for their colorful flowers and the colorful blooms are what make them very appealing to the eye. So keep the air flowing and the beautiful colors of these herbs will be at your fingertips whenever you want them.