Many herbs can be grown successfully in a bright, sunny indoor spot. If you live in a northern climate, read our tips for growing an indoor herb garden in containers.
If you live in the northern hemisphere, then it is likely that your garden is tucked up for the winter. However, this doesn't mean you can't enjoy freshly
picked herbs. Many varieties will grow quite happily indoors on a sunny
window ledge or porch. In addition to providing a source of fresh herbs, an
indoor garden can look extremely attractive, and they are a wonderful
introduction to gardening for children.
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Herbs which will grow indoors:
Basil
Oregano
Mint
Parsley
Rosemary
Sage
Thyme
Angelica
Chamomile
Dill
Fennel
Lavender
Geranium
Chives
What you will need:
Herbs (plants or seeds)
Good quality compost
Suitable containers
You will want to find a sunny, well lit spot to grow your indoor herb garden.
Ideally, it should be south facing, but if this isn't possible choose a
situation that will receive plenty of light through out the day. Try to
avoid a north facing place because it is unlikely the plants will receive
enough light to grow properly.
Buy your herbs from reputable suppliers, don't buy seed packets which
are out of date, and avoid any straggly or unhealthy looking plants. The
same is true for compost, choose a good all purpose compost as your
herbs will be relying on it for nutrition for some time.
The containers are easier to select. You will find a wide range at garden
centers and nurseries. Alternatively, you can use ones you already have,
or adapt other objects. I grow my geraniums in a old mop bucket, and my
lemon mint is growing in a teapot with a broken handle.
If your children are helping with your indoor garden, a nice idea is to take
some plain plant pots, and let the kids decorate them with paint, paper
etc. to produce their own unique pots.
Once you have planted your garden, it will need some care. Remember,
indoor plants rely on you totally. Water regularly, but be careful not to
over-water, this is the main cause of death for most indoor plants. No more
than once a week should be sufficient, I water once every two weeks. Check
the compost before watering, if it still feels moist wait and check again
the next day. If you have used a good compost, and your winter is
relatively short you will probably only need to feed your plants once. If
you have a longer cold season, it might be an idea to use the slow release
pellets you can buy in garden centers.
Copyright Kate Gilby 2003
For more detailed information on growing and using a wide variety of herbs, including the medicinal qualities of geraniums, lavender crafts, plus how to grow ginseng, coriander, mint, basil and dill, check out Growing and Using Herbs on Creative-Home.net
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