Herbs can be grown indoors on suitable window-sills. When growing indoor
herbs be sure there is plenty of light. If you are using a south facing
window, be sure that the herbs get a little shaded during the middle of the
day in the summer when the sun is shining. On other window-sills be sure
you turn the pots for even lighting during the day.
Below are a list of herbs for beginners, the containers that are best to use
and a very brief tip on how to care for them. There are, of
course, many other herbs that can be grown indoors but this will get you
started.
Basil; Grow in Provence pots) Requires the sunniest position and tolerates
dry air. Prevent if from flowering to get long life from this herb.
Bay; Large pots or tubs; Prefers filtered sun and rich soil in a cool
place
Chervil; Grow in Troughs; Enjoys some sun but not the hot midday sun. Be
sure it has moist cool soil.
Chives; Pots; Keep well fed and watered. You can pot this up from
divisions from your garden.
Lavender; (Large pots or tubs. Buy the dwarf varieties for indoors.
Enjoys direct sun.
Lemon Verbena; Tubs; Likes filtered sun with rich soil in a cool spot.
Marjoram; Pots; Choose sweet marjoram if you are planning on keeping this
herb in a warm room.
Mint; Pots; Enjoys some sun but not the hot midday sun. Pot in moist,
cool soil
Parsley; Pots; Choose the compact variety. It does well in a room
temperature about 60 degrees.
Tarragon; Pots; Takes full sun but will tolerate light shade
Thyme; Troughs or pots; Keep in full light and water sparingly
Rosemary; Large pots; Likes a bright situation so reflected light can be
used. Be sure however, that the room is cool, about 60 degrees.
Sage; Troughs, Large pots; Select a variegated kind for indoor color.
Sage likes direct sun!
Now that you have chosen which herbs you are going to grow indoors, here
are some tips!
The important think is knowing the temperature, watering feeding and
lighting to give proper caring.
Temperature;
Most herbs prefer a warm temperature about 60-70 degrees. Herbs will
tolerate the temperature range of 45-75 degrees, but they will not thrive
for long.
Watering;
Make sure all your containers can adequately drain. Be sure not
to over-water indoor herbs. Water in the mornings, so that the excess
moisture evaporates during the day. Air is very important for potted herbs
and over-watering can cause root-rot fungus to thrive. If necessary place a
small fan beside your indoor herbs.
Feeding;
Herbs need feeding with a weak fertilizer every two weeks in the
spring and summer, but in the winter you can reduce to a monthly feeding!
Use half the recommended dosage of fertilizer at all times .
Lighting;
There are special grow lights, however, I use the regular 'shop'
fluorescent lights. These will improve the growth of your indoor potted
herbs if you don't have good window placement and lighting. Be sure the
lights are about six to nine inches above smaller herb and twelve to sixteen
inches above the larger herbs.
About the author:
Karen is an avid gardener and crafter. She and her husband have a Backyard Wildlife Habitat,
plus 'Fairy Gardens' where the children can learn about different herbs and hear Karen
read a story about the Garden Fairies and Flowers. For more information about Karen's
herb, aromatherapy and nature related discussion lists visit Karen's Newsletter Page
