The Herban Corner - Growing Herbs Indoors

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The Herban Corner - 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 is an avid gardener and crafter. 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.

 

GrannyMoon's Herbal Course - <http://goddessschool.com/courses/Herbs/herbology.html>

http://goddessschool.com/courses/Herbs/herbology.html

 

 

The world is a dangerous place, not because of those who do evil, but because of those who look on and do nothing.~ Albert Einstein ~

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