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are out of date, and avoid any straggly or unhealthy looking plants.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
For Bonnie, in Ohio: I had the problem with gnats ("knats"). Yes, the gnats live in the soil. What I found to work is to use an organic spray (such as Ortho's). Spray the heck out of the plant, and water well. Spray seeps into the soil. Plant grows great, and no more annoying gnats.
Harvey – Viet Nam
Jan 08, 2010 - 19:37
I don't know how to grow herbs in my country. It's too hot in Viet Nam. Help me, please....any advice.
Cheryl – St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada
Sep 25, 2009 - 11:09
I purchased a herb garden in the spring and it's doing fabulous outside, but now that winter is almost here I have to do something with it. It's quiet large (the pot is about 20" in diameter) with sage, rosemary, oregano, parsley, and thyme. I would love to carry it over the winter but I'm not sure how. Any suggestions?
Bonnie – northeast ohio
Jul 09, 2009 - 07:24
I started an indoor garden that is doing great however I have knats in my home and the only way I figure they got here is the soil. I know their coming from the herbs because I see them when I water them. the Soil was never outside other than to be manufactured. Is there anyone who can advise me on a way to get rid of them? I thank you for this site it was a great help for me. I always did my herbs outside and I now enjoy my inside garden. Did I mention this is important to me because my husband swore I could not grow them inside , and they are doing BEAUTIFUL.
Reply to Bonnie
JSurin
Jul 18, 2009 - 15:35
With my indoor herbs I've found that using yellow sticky traps really helps for gnats. You can find them at either Lowe's or Home Depot.
haley – USA
Feb 09, 2009 - 11:29
Thank you. Your page has been a really big help to me. If I hadn't found this information my basil plant probably never would have survived indoors. I learned so much about indoor herb gardening that I really needed to know. like i didn't know that I shouldn't water them more than once a week. so once again thanks. your gardening advice really helped my garden thrive!
dina de rivas – guatemala, central america
Sep 03, 2008 - 13:26
Thanks in advance. I am looking for a herb growing container that I saw in a magazine, that is not too big , ideal for a small apartment. The special features were that it has a day light bulb and some sort of watering system that does not take too much work. It fits in a small area of the kitchen cabinet. I am not sure if it was an electrical appliance . I will like to know where can I buy this item , because my daughter is living in Boston, in a small apartment and she loves to cook, specially with fresh herbs and specially during winter time.I remember that the appliance comes with a variety of seeds in small packages. Thanks for your help.
Reply to dina de rivas
trish – uk
Jan 31, 2009 - 11:36
is it an aerogarden.org.uk you are looking for ? I saw it after i read your mail.
hope you already have one by now!
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