Starting an Indoor Herb Garden

Starting an indoor herb garden is a simple and rewarding pursuit that will provide you with fresh herbs in the winter to dress up your meals. You also get the enjoyment of playing in the dirt when the soil outdoors is still frozen. All you need is a sunny window and your herbs of choice. If you have those two things, the rest is easy.

Fresh chives add flavor

The Right Start

First on your to-do list is to be sure you have adequate lighting for starting an indoor herb garden. Herbs love the sun, most prefer about six hours of sun a day, so a window with a southern or western exposure is ideal. Be sure you will have enough space in this window for your pots of herbs. Depending on your space and interests, you can consider installing a greenhouse window to provide maximum sun exposure for your herbs.

Once you have your growing space selected, it is time to gather your supplies. Most experienced gardeners prefer to use a non-soil mixture of perlite, peat moss and vermiculite. Others feel it is better to use an organic potting soil. You can opt to start your seeds in the potting mix and later transplant into the organic soil. The choice is yours.

Now you just need your seeds or plants, some small clay pots and a spray bottle or mister to keep your seeds moist.

Tips for Starting an Indoor Herb Garden

You should plan on starting an indoor herb garden either with seeds, purchased plants or cuttings. You can also elect to bring established, outdoor plants indoors for the winter. If you decide you want to do this, check each plant thoroughly for insects before bringing them into your house. You don't want to provide any pests with a cozy home for the winter.

Cuttings can be placed into the non-soil potting mix and kept moist until roots form. This isn't always a successful way to start herbs so most people prefer to start from seeds or purchase small plants.

Seeds

Seeds are very easy to start with, even if you are a beginner. Most herb seeds are very small, so you can simply press them into the potting mix. A good rule of thumb is that seeds should be at a depth of three to four times the diameter of the seeds.

Using you spray bottle or mister, moisten the soil. Using a regular watering can may result in soil and seeds being splashed everywhere. Gently keep your seeds moist so they can germinate properly. Damp is good, soggy is not.

Many people have the most success by covering their planted herb seeds with plastic wrap or a plastic baggie to create a greenhouse of sorts. This will help keep seeds warm and moist. Once they germinate, the plastic can be removed.

Plants

The easiest way to start you indoor herb garden is to buy established plants. You can find plants at a local nursery or home center. You may also be surprised to find how many grocery stores carry herb plants, often in their produce department.

Herb plants allow you to have instant gratification. Simply place it in a decorative clay pot and you are done. You can also create more visual appeal by placing a few different herbs into a larger pot. They can grow together for a lovely display.

Care of Established Plants

Once plants become established, they need to be watered at least weekly. Use an organic fertilizer once a week as well. This is especially important if you intend to use your herbs for cooking. You certainly don't want to add chemicals to your food.

Regular pruning will keep your herbs looking bushy and attractive. It is also a great excuse to add some fresh flavors to your sauces, meats and other dishes. Pinch off flowers, unless the flowers are your goal as with chamomile, to keep plants growing all winter.

Herb Themes

There are countless varieties of herbs, so deciding which ones to start with can be a bit overwhelming. If you are having trouble deciding, consider a theme garden for your indoor herbs.

If you enjoy herbal vinegars, consider planting tarragon, dill or chives. The possible combinations are endless and just depend on your favorite flavors. To make your vinegar:

• Pack a quart jar full of the desired herbs.
• Pour apple cider vinegar over the top and cover with plastic of cloth.
• Put it aside for about four to six weeks.
• Strain through a coffee filter before use.

If you love Italian food, you should think about planting a spaghetti herb garden. Grow oregano, parsley, garlic chives and basil. Use them liberally while preparing your favorite sauce. Even a store bought sauce can be dressed up with the right herbs.

Herbs for tea are also very popular. Excellent varieties to try are chamomile or any of the mints. Flowers or leaves can be harvested, dried and brewed into a relaxing herbal tea.

Enjoy your indoor herb garden and be creative. You can find so may uses for herbs in your home, you may find yourself running out of places to grow these versatile plants.

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