If you’re like me, this time of year I’m craving anything green and living. After a couple of months now of snow and grey sludge, I’m ready for spring. I know some of you are lucky enough to live in warmer climates and if this keeps up much longer, I’m coming to visit.
I. Am. Serious.
The secret to growing herbs indoors is simple: Ample sunlight, constant pruning, and not too much water.
Many of us grow herbs indoors during the winter months when the garden is hibernating, but you can grow herbs inside any time of year by following a few easy tips:
Choose herbs that will thrive indoors.
Some herbs like oregano and mint are stimulated by consistent pruning while others like cilantro and dill do not regrow after they are cut. Of course, you can still grow the latter indoors but keep in mind you will need to replant after cutting.
Seeds or plants?
You can find both herb seeds and plants at a local nursery year round. Starting herbs from seeds allows the plants to gradually acclimate to your home but starting with thriving plants allows you to enjoy using much sooner. Which ever method you choose, be sure to use a good-quality potting mix and a container with ample drainage holes in the bottom. Expect herbs that are grown indoors to be a little spindlier than those grown outside but they will still provide plenty of fresh clippings.
Find the best location for your herbs.
Be sure to choose a sunny window that gets a minimum of 4 hours of sunlight a day — the more the better. Ideally this is the kitchen but any room will do. Herbs are happy with cooler temperatures — no higher than 70 degrees during the day and a bit cooler at night.
Water sparingly.
Herbs that are grown indoors tend to need less watering than other houseplants so wait until the soil is dry to the touch between waterings. Also, the air inside our homes can be dry in the winter so be sure to give your herbs a daily spritz and a shower in the sink once a week.
So there ya go. Is it spring yet?
The post Garden Primer: Grow (Healthy) Herbs Indoors appeared first on Green Thumb White Apron.
Ronna F says
February 3, 2015 at 7:53 pmGreat tips, Brett! I have some basil in a little pot on my window sill. I should start some oregano and chives. I have lots of chives outside on an edge of my vegetable garden. I used to grow oregano, but it spread so much, I yanked it out of the ground. A little in a pot inside would be very nice!
Brett Youmans says
February 4, 2015 at 12:10 pmThanks, Ronna! I know what you mean about the oregano being invasive–it’s like mint and once it starts creeping, it’s difficult to control! To try and contain it, I bury the pots in the garden but it still spreads!
Christina Verrelli says
February 4, 2015 at 7:54 amI can use all the plant growing tips I can get! I move my thyme and rosemary pots in from the deck and usually manage not to kill them. I would like to try some other herbs inside! I’ll give them a shot ( : TY for the tips!
Brett Youmans says
February 4, 2015 at 12:06 pmYou can do it Tina! I like to have something green and edible growing inside during the winter because it makes me feel hopeful that spring is just around the corner! 🙂
Kellie W says
February 8, 2015 at 4:14 pmThanks for the great info, Brett! I am not the best gardener so always looking for advice on this front.
Brett Youmans says
February 9, 2015 at 12:15 amGlad you found it helpful Kellie! Let me know if you ever have any questions — I’m happy to help!