Tips On Indoor Herb Gardens
Every gardener knows that the growing season comes in cycles. In the springtime, seeds are started and then planted out. The summer brings the bounty of the harvest and all the work that entails. Fall is harvest time as you button up the planting beds and cover things that need protection. The winter is not always a fun time for gardeners. Things are cold and not conducive to growing. That is, unless you grow an indoor garden!
You can study herbs and growing and have just as much success with indoor herb gardens. It’s a great way to keep that green thumb active throughout the cold, winter months. Most herbs are perfectly content growing in a container. In fact, some herbs, like mint, need that sort of containment in order to avoid completely taking over a planting bed. Mints propagate by root spread and can easily take over a 4×4 bed in just a few months.
These are some of the easiest herbs to start with in your indoor herb garden. Consider peppermint, spearmint, or lemon mint. Of course, anything else that you are familiar with and regularly use in cooking should also be added when it comes to herbs and growing.
Common herbs to try are basil, dill, cilantro, lavender, thyme, sage, oregano and parsley, to name a few. Keep in mind that some herbs, such as parsley, can take up to two weeks to germinate. That’s completely normal, so don’t panic if you don’t see shoots right away.
Growing indoor herb gardens is not difficult at all. Your plants will need some sunlight, decent soil and plenty of water. A good potting mix should be sufficient. Herbs are not very picky, but you may find that adding a bit of fertilizer, such as fish emulsion, is helpful after a few months.
Many home herb gardeners place pots in window sills. Even in the winter, a south facing window should provide enough light for herbs. Roots should stay damp, but not too wet. If the plant starts to wilt, you aren’t watering enough. However, if caught soon enough a good dousing can perk them right up before permanent damage is done.
Having indoor plants growing through the winter months can tide you over until the main planting season in the spring. For gardeners, winter can be a tough and dreary time. However, by studying herbs and growing requirements, you can get that touch of springtime even during the coldest months of winter with indoor herb gardens.
