Growing Herbs in Pots
If you are thinking of growing your herbs indoors, you will need a suitable pot or container. They can also be grown in window boxes or hanging baskets. Growing herbs indoors away from the herb garden is not any more difficult. Indeed as you would expect, indoor herbs require the same conditions to flourish as those outside. Click here for more: growing herbs in a container
The three things all plants need are; sunlight water and soil. Herbs are no exception. Sunlight is key to growing any type of plant including herbs whether they are grown indoors or in a garden. You should place herbs grown in a kitchen or other room in a south or west facing window to get the best kind of sunlight. Different types of herbs have different light requirements but, for the most part, all need a sunny location. It is possible for some herb growers to supplement natural light sources with fluorescent or ‘grow’ lamps.
Herbs also need a well drained, not too rich soil to grow in. Add two parts of sterilized potting soil with one part coarse sand or perlite for herbs that are grown in containers. You will also need about an inch of gravel at the bottom of each pot to ensure that the plant has good drainage. To sweeten the soil, and give it a ‘flavor’ herbs like, it is a good idea to add a teaspoon of lime to every five inch pot.
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Herbs grown in pots also need water. You can spray your herbs with water ‘mist’ if they are in humid climes. This will also moisten the pebbles and help the herbs keep. Since they are being grown in containers they do need to have more water than herbs that are grown in a garden but, you should avoid getting the roots of the herbs drenched or soggy. One of the main advantages of growing herbs in a container or pot is the ability to move them.
Annual herbs can spend all of their time indoors but, perennial herbs do better if they were to be placed outside during the summer. Remember though, make sure all your herbs are brought in before the first frost to protect their leaves. This rule is overlooked when it comes to mint, chives, and tarragon. The reason is that a light frost to these herbs can leave them with a firmer, healthier growth. All herbs can be grown in containers but some herbs do better then others. Mint can get out of hand if left to it’s own devices and is better contained.
Over all it is fairly easy to maintain an indoor herb garden. The herbs are within easy reach for cooking for example. And the information above should enable you to keep a healthy herb plant. You should also include periodic light feeding and yearly repotting for optimum health of the herbs. You will also have to remember to replant annuals each year and move perennials outdoors when needed. Plus, use your herbs as much as you want as well as harvest them occasionally. By regularly pruning plants you will stimulate new growth. This rule also applies to herbs. So use them in your recipes, store them and give them away to friends! Click here for more: Herb Garden Facts