Planning an Indoor Herb Garden
There's nothing better than being able to use fresh herbs in home cooking, and planning your own indoor herb garden will allow you to do so. In addition to saving money on your produce bill, you'll have a relaxing and rewarding hobby. This article will help you properly plan your herb garden and consider the steps necessary to keep your herbs healthy and thriving.
Which Herbs To Grow
Though just about all herbs can be grown indoors with the right conditions, you should think about which herbs will best suit your needs. Consider the types of cooking you do — for instance, if you cook a lot of Mexican food, chives and cilantro would be great plants to grow. If you like Italian food, basil is a must.
How To Grow Herbs Indoors
Once you've chosen which herbs you'd like to grow, you can either start them from seed or buy small starter plants from your local nursery. Herbs need lots of sunlight, so plan to place them in a sunny south or west facing window. Ideally, they should receive five or six hours of bright sunlight per day. If you want to grow herbs throughout the winter, you can purchase a fluorescent grow light.
Before you plant your herbs, consider their watering needs. For instance, basil likes quite a bit of water, while rosemary needs to completely dry out between waterings, so you shouldn't plant them in the same container. You should also consider how large your herbs will grow and spread so you can plant them accordingly.
Once you've determined how you'll plant your herbs, choose a well-drained potting soil for planting, and make sure your planters have drainage holes in the bottom. Buy drip trays if necessary to prevent water damage to your furniture or windowsill. Plant your herbs, fertilize them monthly and enjoy!
