Growing Herbs in Pots
In addition to being grown in outdoor gardens, herbs can be grown indoors in pots or containers. Window boxes or hanging baskets can also be used to grow herbs. growing herbs in pots is not any harder than growing them outside in a garden, and in fact herbs grown indoors have the same growth requirements as outdoor garden herbs.
Every plant needs sunlight, soil and water to successfully grow, and herbs are no exception to needing these three main requirements. Every plant, including herbs, requires sunlight whether it is grown indoors or in an outdoor garden. Herbs grown in a kitchen or any other room should be placed in a window that faces south or west so that it will receive the best type of sunlight. Different types of herbs require different amounts of light, but almost all need a sunny location. Some people who grow herbs in the home supplement the light with fluorescent lamps or “grow lamps.” Herbs grown in containers also require soil that drains well and is not too rich. Place about an inch of gravel at the bottom of each container to provide good drainage, and then add two parts of sterilized potting soil mixed with one part of coarse sand or perlite. One teaspoon of lime in every five inch pot can be added as a supplement to ensure the soil is sweet enough for the herbs. Water is also required by herbs grown in pots. Moistening the pebbles and misting the plants will help maintain humid growing conditions. Because the herbs are being grown in containers they will need more water than herbs grown in an outdoor garden, but do not let their roots get drenched or soggy.
Being able to move them about whenever you please is one advantage to growing herbs in a container. Annual herbs are able to live indoors all the time, but perennials grow better if they are placed outside in the summer. Keep in mind, though, that other than mint, chives and tarragon, all herbs should be brought indoors before the first frost or they will lose their leaves. Mint, chives and tarragon will go dormant after a light frost, but they will then produce firmer and fresher new growth.
All herbs may be grown in pots, but some do better than others. Mint is one herb that will take over the garden unless it is inside a container. It is relatively easy to maintain an indoor herb garden. Growing herbs indoors keeps them handy and within your reach whenever you need them for cooking. The tips above will help you care for your herbs and ensure that your plants are healthy. Periodic light feedings and an annual repotting are also required for optimum health of your herbs. You should also remember to replant your annual herbs every year, and move your perennial herbs outside when you need to. You can use your herbs as much as you like and harvest them from time to time. As everyone knows, pruning plants encourages new growth. This general rule applies to herbs as well as other types of plants, so use them when you cook, store them and even give some of your herbs to your friends.
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