Growing Herbs in Pots
Herbs can be grown quite effectively indoors in pots or containers. In fact, they can also be grown on window sills, boxes or baskets. It is not really any more difficult than growing herbs outside in the garden. Indeed as you would expect, indoor herbs require the same conditions to flourish as those outside. Click here for more: growing herbs in a pot
The three things all plants need are; sunlight water and soil. Herbs are no different. Obviously sunlight is crucial to growing any kind of plant including herbs, indoors or outdoors. If growing your herbs in the kitchen make sure they are placed in a window which is west or south facing. Although there are a few herbs with specific light needs, all of them need a sunny bright spot in the house. Growing herbs for some means enhancing the light with lamps and artificial light.
When considering the soil, herbs need a soil that is well drained but not too rich. When growing herbs in pots, it is always good to add one part coarse sand and two parts potting soil into the mix. You will also need about an inch of gravel at the bottom of each pot to ensure that the plant has good drainage. Indoor herbs like to be supplemented with a teaspoon a lime (per 5 inch pot) to help sweeten the soil.
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Water is the next important factor to consider. Misting the plants and moistening the pebbles will help to keep the herbs within humid conditions. Since they are being grown in containers they do need to have more water than herbs that are grown in a garden but, you should avoid getting the roots of the herbs drenched or soggy. An advantage to growing herbs in a container is that you have the freedom to move them about as you please.
It is always a good idea to place perennial herbs outside during the warmer months, whereas annuals can quite happily be left inside. Make sure you bring in all your herbs early so as not to exposed them to the first frost. This is a rule can often be missed out when considering tarragon, mint and chives. The reason is that a light frost to these herbs can leave them with a firmer, healthier growth. You can grow all herbs in pots but some will probably do better than others. Mint can get out of hand if left to it’s own devices and is better contained.
Over all it is fairly easy to maintain an indoor herb garden. The herbs are within easy reach for cooking for example. And the information above should enable you to keep a healthy herb plant. It’s also a good idea to repot your herbs once a year and give a light feed every so often. You will also have to remember to replant annuals each year and move perennials outdoors when needed. Make use of them as much as possible and harvest them on occasion. By regularly pruning plants you will stimulate new growth. This rule also applies to herbs. So use them in your recipes, store them and give them away to friends! Click here for more: Herb Gardening
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