Are You Thinking Of Growing Herbs In Pots?
Tuesday, February 23rd, 2010 Subscribe To Our Feed
Herbs can be grown quite effectively indoors in pots or containers. In fact, they can also be grown on window sills, boxes or baskets. Growing herbs indoors away from the herb garden is not any more difficult. As you would expect indoor herbs need the same growing requirements that garden herbs need. Click here for more: growing herbs in pots
All plants need three main things in order to grow successfully; sunlight, soil and water. Herbs are no exception. 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. 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. 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.
For more visit our blog: Herb Garden Blog
Water is the next important factor to consider. You can spray your herbs with water ‘mist’ if they are in humid climes. This will also moisten the pebbles and help the herbs keep. 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. Of course the main reason to have your herbs in pots is so you can move them around.
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. However, it is something you can miss when it comes to chives, mint and tarragon. The reason is that a light frost to these herbs can leave them with a firmer, healthier growth. All herbs can be grown in containers but some herbs do better then others. Mint can get out of hand if left to it’s own devices and is better contained.
It is reasonably easy to maintain a herb garden inside. 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. You should also include periodic light feeding and yearly repotting for optimum health of the herbs. 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. It is no secret that pruning plants it encourages 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 Garden Facts
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