Are You Thinking Of Growing Herbs In Pots?
November 8th, 2009 | by |If you are contemplating 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 in pots is not any more difficult than growing herbs in an outdoor garden. Indoor herb gardens need the same growing conditions that garden herbs need. Click here for more: growing herbs in a container
All plants need three main things in order to grow successfully; sunlight, soil and water. Herbs are no different. Whether grown inside or in the garden sunlight is key to growing herbs. When growing indoors, place your herbs in a south or west facing position to make maximum use of the available sunlight. Although there are a few herbs with specific light needs, all of them need a sunny bright spot in the house. Some home herb growers enhance the light source with “grow lamps” or fluorescent 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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Your potted herbs will also need a good supply of water. Misting the plants and moistening the pebbles will help to keep the herbs within humid conditions. Just because they are indoors does not mean they will need more water than herbs grown in the garden but make sure you don’t waterlog the roots. One of the main advantages of growing herbs in a container or pot is the ability to move them.
It is ok to leave annual herbs indoors all the time but it is recommended to place perennial herbs 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. It is possible to grow all herbs in a container but some will thrive more than others. One herb that will need containing is mint as it tends to take over a garden.
Over all it is fairly easy to maintain an indoor herb garden. The herbs are within easy reach for cooking for example. And with these tips listed above, you will be able to care for your herbs and ensure a healthy plant. It’s also a good idea to repot your herbs once a year and give a light feed every so often. Remember also to move perennials outside in warmer weather and to replant annuals. Plus, use your herbs as much as you want as well as harvest them occasionally. It is no secret that pruning plants it encourages new growth. Herbs are no exception. So dry them, store them and add them to your cooking recipes! Click here for more: Herb Garden Guide
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