Growing Herbs in Pots
Herbs can be grown both indoors and outdoors. This is a big advantage, especially for those who live in climates that have winter months that are not ideal for growing gardens. Growing herbs indoors is really pretty easy. They can be grown in different varieties of containers, such as pots, window boxes and hanging baskets. The following are some generaly tips for growing herbs in pots.
Like any plant, to grow successfully herbs need soil, water, and sunlight. When growing herbs in pots the soil and water are easy. It is the sunlight requirement that requires extra attention.
Although different herbs have different light requirements, all need to be placed in a location that provides sunlight. For best sunlight exposure, put your herbs in a window that faces west or south. You also have the option of using fluorescent lamps to provide additional exposure.
When growing herbs in pots, the soil needs to be well drained and not too rich. To ensure proper drainage, put about an inch of gravel at the bottom of the pot. Mix two parts of sterilized potting soil with one part coarse sand. It is a good idea to include one teaspoon of lime for a 5 inch pot. This will sweeten the soil for your herbs.
Watering your herbs is very important. Do not water too much. You do not want the roots to get soggy. Misting the plants is recommended as well, as this will provide the herbs with a humid environment.
The nice thing about growing herbs in pots is that they can be moved. Whereas annual herbs can be left indoors year round, perennial herbs do well when moved outdoors during the summer months. Make sure that your herbs are moved back indoors before the first frost or you will have a loss of foliage. There is an exception to this, however. Mint, tarragon and chives actually respond well to a light frost. They go into a rest period and then form fresher and firmer growth.
Although all herbs can be grown in pots, some do better that others. Mint, for example, does very well. As a matter of fact, if not contained, it will take over your garden.
You also want to re-pot once per year. This, as well as a periodic light feeding, will provide for optimum health of your herbs. Don’t forget to replant annuals every year and place your perennials outside when it is warm. As with other plants, pruning will also encourage new growth.
If you enjoy cooking it is really nice to not only have fresh herbs to cook with, but to have them readily available within reach. Growing and maintaining an herb garden is pretty easy and doing it indoors certainly has its advantages. Growing herbs in pots can also be very rewarding and a lot of fun.
Herbs can be grown both indoors and outdoors. This is a big advantage, especially for those who live in climates that have winter months that are not ideal for growing gardens. Growing herbs indoors is really pretty easy. They can be grown in different varieties of containers, such as pots, window boxes and hanging baskets. The following are some generaly tips for growing herbs in pots.
Like any plant, to grow successfully herbs need soil, water, and sunlight. When growing herbs in pots the soil and water are easy. It is the sunlight requirement that requires extra attention.
Although different herbs have different light requirements, all need to be placed in a location that provides sunlight. For best sunlight exposure, put your herbs in a window that faces west or south. You also have the option of using fluorescent lamps to provide additional exposure.
When growing herbs in pots, the soil needs to be well drained and not too rich. To ensure proper drainage, put about an inch of gravel at the bottom of the pot. Mix two parts of sterilized potting soil with one part coarse sand. It is a good idea to include one teaspoon of lime for a 5 inch pot. This will sweeten the soil for your herbs.
Watering your herbs is very important. Do not water too much. You do not want the roots to get soggy. Misting the plants is recommended as well, as this will provide the herbs with a humid environment.
The nice thing about growing herbs in pots is that they can be moved. Whereas annual herbs can be left indoors year round, perennial herbs do well when moved outdoors during the summer months. Make sure that your herbs are moved back indoors before the first frost or you will have a loss of foliage. There is an exception to this, however. Mint, tarragon and chives actually respond well to a light frost. They go into a rest period and then form fresher and firmer growth.
Although all herbs can be grown in pots, some do better that others. Mint, for example, does very well. As a matter of fact, if not contained, it will take over your garden.
You also want to re-pot once per year. This, as well as a periodic light feeding, will provide for optimum health of your herbs. Don’t forget to replant annuals every year and place your perennials outside when it is warm. As with other plants, pruning will also encourage new growth.
If you enjoy cooking it is really nice to not only have fresh herbs to cook with, but to have them readily available within reach. Growing and maintaining an herb garden is pretty easy and doing it indoors certainly has its advantages. Growing herbs in pots can also be very rewarding and a lot of fun.
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