Growing Herbs Indoors

By Karen Hegre

Herbs can be grown indoors on suitable window-sills. When growing indoor herbs be sure there is plenty of light. If you are using a south facing window, be sure that the herbs get a little shaded during the middle of the day in the summer when the sun is shining. On other window-sills be sure you turn the pots for even lighting during the day.

Below are a list of herbs for beginners, the containers that are best to use and a very brief tip on how to care for them. There are, of course, many other herbs that can be grown indoors but this will get you started.

Basil; Grow in Provence pots) Requires the sunniest position and tolerates dry air. Prevent if from flowering to get long life from this herb.

Bay; Large pots or tubs; Prefers filtered sun and rich soil in a cool place

Chervil; Grow in Troughs; Enjoys some sun but not the hot midday sun. Be sure it has moist cool soil.

Chives; Pots; Keep well fed and watered. You can pot this up from divisions from your garden.

Lavender; (Large pots or tubs. Buy the dwarf varieties for indoors. Enjoys direct sun.

Lemon Verbena; Tubs; Likes filtered sun with rich soil in a cool spot.

Marjoram; Pots; Choose sweet marjoram if you are planning on keeping this herb in a warm room.

Mint; Pots; Enjoys some sun but not the hot midday sun. Pot in moist, cool soil

Parsley; Pots; Choose the compact variety. It does well in a room temperature about 60 degrees.

Tarragon; Pots; Takes full sun but will tolerate light shade

Thyme; Troughs or pots; Keep in full light and water sparingly

Rosemary; Large pots; Likes a bright situation so reflected light can be used. Be sure however, that the room is cool, about 60 degrees.

Sage; Troughs, Large pots; Select a variegated kind for indoor color. Sage likes direct sun!

Now that you have chosen which herbs you are going to grow indoors, here are some tips! The important think is knowing the temperature, watering feeding and lighting to give proper caring.

Temperature;

Most herbs prefer a warm temperature about 60-70 degrees. Herbs will tolerate the temperature range of 45-75 degrees, but they will not thrive for long.

Watering;

Make sure all your containers can adequately drain. Be sure not to over-water indoor herbs. Water in the mornings, so that the excess moisture evaporates during the day. Air is very important for potted herbs and over-watering can cause root-rot fungus to thrive. If necessary place a small fan beside your indoor herbs.

Feeding;

Herbs need feeding with a weak fertilizer every two weeks in the spring and summer, but in the winter you can reduce to a monthly feeding! Use half the recommended dosage of fertilizer at all times .

Lighting;

There are special grow lights, however, I use the regular 'shop' fluorescent lights. These will improve the growth of your indoor potted herbs if you don't have good window placement and lighting. Be sure the lights are about six to nine inches above smaller herb and twelve to sixteen inches above the larger herbs.

About The Author

Karen Hegre

I feel very fortunate to have met Karen, and to be able to share her wonderful crafts and herbal inspiration with our visitors. She has a gentle soul and contributes not only her words but encouragement as well.

Karen is a Master Gardener specializing in herbs, a mom and grandma. She and her husband have a Backyard Wildlife Habitat, plus 'Fairy Gardens' where the children can learn about different herbs and hear Karen read a story about the Garden Fairies and Flowers. They are open to the public May through September.

Karen owns several discussion lists, which we have listed below with the subscription information. All are free to join and a joy to be a member of!

Karen's Herbal Kitchen: A list for exchanging herbal recipes! Click Here to subscribe.

Nature Crafts: This is a list for those who enjoy crafting with Nature and want to learn more!! We will share projects, learn ways of preserving those natural items and much more. Click Here to subscribe.

Keepers Of the Gardens: This list is a 'learning & sharing' list on how to create beautiful back yard habitats for birds, butterflies, hummingbirds, and other wildlife including bees, dragonflies, frogs, toads & other friendly insects & reptiles. Click Here to subscribe.

Aromatherapy One-0-One: This is a list for learning the basics of Aromatherapy and Essential Oils. A friendly place for questions and ideas... a place where we can learn from each other. Click Here to subscribe.

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