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 Select a variety of herbs you and your family
enjoy and use for cooking, decoration, or fragrance. Basil, chives,
cilantro, oregano, marjoram, mint, parsley, sage and thyme are some
of the easier herbs to grow indoors. Purchase plants or seeds from
your local garden center, favorite garden catalog or produce section
of the grocery store.
Most herbs need six to eight hours of bright light each day. A
south-facing window in winter is best but an east- or west-facing
window may be sufficient. Increase success with artificial lights.
Set the timer for 14 to 16 hours a day and keep lights 6 to 12”
above the plants.
You will find lots of energy efficient and stylish options for just
about any space. Sleeker designs like Gardener’s Supply Micro Grow
Light Garden can be placed on the kitchen counter or a small table.
Furniture grade options like Bamboo LED Grow Light Garden (gardeners.com)
make it easy to grow herbs in just about any room in the house.
Use a variety of plants to create an attractive display in a large
windowsill planter. Combine plants that have the same growing
requirements to ensure success.
Or place each herb plant in its own container. A four- to seven-inch
pot is a good size when starting with smaller plants. Growing
individual plants in their own container allows you to provide the
specific watering, care and transplanting they need.
Select containers with drainage holes or reduce maintenance and
increase success with self-watering containers like Viva
self-watering planters. Just fill the water reservoir that gradually
releases water into the soil for the plants to use. You will need to
water less often. Fill the container with a
well-drained quality potting mix. Many contain a slow-release
fertilizer, providing weeks or even several months of nutrients for
your plants. Just check the label for details and adjust
fertilization as needed.
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Water the containers thoroughly whenever the top inch
of soil is dry. Pour off excess water so the plant does not sit in
the excess and succumb to root rot. Or place pebbles in the tray to
elevate the pot above any water that collects in the saucer or tray.
This means less work for you and better growing conditions for the
plant.
Incorporate a slow-release fertilizer or use a dilute solution of
any indoor houseplant fertilizer once the nutrients in the potting
mix are spent. Follow label directions and do not overdo as too much
fertilizer can harm your plants.
Begin harvesting most herbs when they reach six to eight inches in
height and as needed. Use a sharp pair of garden scissors, snips, or
hand pruners. Make cuts above a set of healthy leaves so the
remaining plant is neater and tidier in appearance. As the plant
grows, you will be able to harvest larger quantities and more often.
Start with a few of your favorite herbs and expand your collection
as you gain experience. Soon you will be confident and eager to try
more challenging favorites.
Melinda Myers is the author of more than 20 gardening books,
including Small Space Gardening. She hosts The Great Courses “How to
Grow Anything” DVD series and the Melinda’s Garden Moment TV & radio
program. Myers is a columnist and contributing editor for Birds &
Blooms magazine and was commissioned by Gardener’s Supply for her
expertise to write this article. Her web site is
www.MelindaMyers.com.
[Photo courtesy of Gardener’s Supply
Company/gardeners.com]
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