How to Grow a Herb Garden Indoors

admin September 3, 2020 in Gardening Tips - 3 Minutes

If you love cooking with fresh herbs, but don’t have a backyard or a balcony, don’t despair. You can still grow your own herb garden indoors, with some creativity and care. Here are some tips to help you get started.

1. Choose the right herbs. Not all herbs are suitable for indoor growing. Some need more sunlight, space, or humidity than others. Some of the best herbs for indoor gardening are basil, mint, parsley, oregano, thyme, rosemary, and chives. These herbs are easy to grow and use in a variety of dishes.

2. Choose the right containers. You can use any type of pot or planter that has drainage holes and is large enough for the herb’s roots. You can also get creative and use recycled or repurposed items, such as mason jars, tin cans, or tea cups. Just make sure to wash them thoroughly and poke some holes at the bottom.

3. Choose the right soil. Herbs need well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. You can buy potting mix specially formulated for herbs, or make your own by mixing equal parts of peat moss, perlite, and compost.

4. Choose the right spot. Herbs need at least six hours of bright, indirect light per day. The best place to put them is near a south- or west-facing window that gets plenty of natural light. Avoid placing them near drafts, heaters, or air conditioners that can affect the temperature and humidity.

5. Choose the right watering schedule. Herbs don’t like to be overwatered or underwatered. The best way to check if they need water is to stick your finger into the soil up to the second knuckle. If it feels dry, water it until it drains out of the bottom of the container. If it feels moist, wait until it dries out a bit more.

6. Choose the right harvesting method. To keep your herbs healthy and productive, you need to harvest them regularly. The best time to do this is in the morning, when the oils are most concentrated. Cut off no more than a third of the plant at a time, using sharp scissors or pruning shears. Always leave some leaves on the stem to allow for new growth.

7. Enjoy your fresh herbs! You can use your herbs fresh or dry them for later use. To use them fresh, simply rinse them under cold water and chop them finely or leave them whole. To dry them, tie them in small bunches and hang them upside down in a dark, dry place until they are brittle.

Growing your own herb garden indoors is a fun and rewarding hobby that will enhance your cooking and your health. With these tips, you can enjoy fresh herbs all year round!