Growing a Home Herb Garden is Easy With a Few Pointers
Herbs can grow year round in most climates. For colder areas, below 55 degrees, it may be best to consider an indoor home herb garden. It is an easy process to grow herbs indoors. There is also the convenience of snipping what is needed without leaving the kitchen. The colors and fragrances add to the warmth and liveliness of the home.
When locating the proper location for herbs think about the South side of the house. This is where the light is most constant. Don’t forget to turn your plants every week or so. This will allow the sunlight to reach all sides of the plant. If an herb needs more than six hours of light, a sun lamp can be used. Basil is one of the herbs which requires about 16 hours of light. Try and keep the home temperature between 55 – 75.
Purchased herb plants can be transplanted to a pot. Be sure the pots have drainage holes. Preparing the pots includes using a mix of sand and organic soil. Humus may be used instead of sand. Use about half soil and half sand or humus for each plant. Loosely fill the bottom of the pot and place the plant into it. Include the soil from the store pot and make sure the roots touch the new soil bed. Loosely place soil to surround the plant. Place the sand and soil mix on top like a mulch. Being gentle is the key. Spritz the plant with a mister. From then on, only water when the soil feels dry in the home herb garden.
Keeping plants rich in nutrients is essential. There are organic options available. Composting helps as does organic fertilizers. Pests are not likely to be an issue. If there are some pests they can be picked off. If they are persistent then a mix of organic soap and water usually works. There are some herbs, such as coriander and dill, which do not grow well in a home herb garden. It is best to stick with others for a sure crop.
Asking a local hardware, plant or feed store for advice may be helpful. When selecting indoor herbs the usual best choices are those which are already potted. A successful indoor herb garden requires use of the herbs. Letting herbs grow without cutting will result in less desirable tastes. They need to be pruned back. If there are more herbs than can be used, they can be dried and stored. They also make great gifts – both dried and fresh. A packet of herbs from the home herb garden can be used for new marriages, cooking classes, and other events. Good cuisine is the end result of these indoor gardens.
