Herbs can be used to add flavor to the foods. Herbs have some great tastes and they have health benefits. If a person has a small apartment where they cannot have a garden or if they live in a cold climate they may not think they can have an herb garden. Some herbs can be grown indoors. These are common herbs that are easy to grow inside even with limited space.
Best Indoor Herbs to Grow
There are plenty of herbs that can be grown inside. Parsley can be grown indoors and a person can start from the seeds. Oregano and Cilantro can also be started from seeds or clippings. Basil is one of the easier herbs to grow inside and as long as they have water or sunlight a person should have a plant of herbs.
Plenty of Sun
Herbs need a lot of suns to grow. This does not mean they cannot be grown indoors. They need to be placed in an area with a lot of sunlight. A windowsill that is in the sun most of the day is a great place to put these herbs. The herbs should get at least six hours of sun a day so it is important to find a good spot.
Start With Seeds
When growing herbs indoors it is easier to start growing the plant by starting at seeds or using small clippings. This will take up less room and will allow a person to grow herbs with full flavor.
Selecting the Correct Soil
Soilless potting mix is the best type of soil to use for these herbs. This will help reduce the chance of diseases from affecting the plants. Do not use soil that is designed for use in a garden. This may compress over some time and this will make it difficult for water to get to the roots of the herbs.
Correct Soil Amount
It does not take a large amount of this soil mix to grow herbs. Only a two or three-inch layer is needed. This can be placed at the bottom of a container. A small coffee filter can line the container if a person thinks that the soil is going to come out. Do not use anything such as foil that can completely block the holes.
Caring for the Soil
It is important to make sure the soil is moist. If the soil feels dry then a little water can be added. The herbs need to be rotated on the windowsill to make sure they are getting enough light.
Water Sparingly
Herbs do not need to be watered every day. Herbs do not do well if they are left to sit in water. If there is water accumulating in the pot it should be emptied. To test the water put a finger in the soil. If the soil is dry around an inch below the surface it is time to give the herbs some water. The heat of the home in the winter can cause the soil to dry out.
Feeding the Herbs
For the herbs to grow big some fertilizer can be used. When beginning to use a fertilizer with the herbs start with half of the recommended amount. This will allow a person to see how a plant responds and how it can grow without the use of additional fertilizer. If the herbs look like they are having a hard time or are not growing then more fertilizer can be used. The amount of fertilizer can be adjusted based on the season and the needs of the herbs.
Allow for Adjustment
It will take some time for the herbs to get used to the soil and the condition of the home. A person can expect to see their herbs grow in a couple of weeks. Once a person begins to see new growth from the herbs they can begin to use them. If a person is growing a bushy herb the entire stem can be cut and used and the plant will be able to grow again.
Selecting the Herbs
Look for herbs that are not going to grow to be too tall. Basil, parsley, and thyme are good for growing indoors. The plants will not get to be tall and they will produce a lot of the herbs to use.
Fluorescent Lights
If a person does not have a windowsill that will allow sunlight in these lights can be used. They will need to be placed within 18 inches of the plant and allowed to run for at least 10 hours a day.
These are some tips to grow an herb garden indoors. Even if a person lives in a place where they cannot have a garden they can still have their herbs. These herbs are easy to grow and with just some water and sunlight a person can enjoy some fresh herbs to go with their food.
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