Growing Herbs In Containers
In general, pots are more successful than boxes for herb growing. Glazed pottery makes good containers since the roots do not dry out as quickly as they will in clay pots. Plastic is satisfactory for the same reason. However, there is one danger with nonporous containers. The plants, if overwatered, may become waterlogged and rot. So if you prefer, you may set unglazed pots in the more decorative containers of glazed pottery or metal.
At a gift shop I saw a large bulb dish holding five tiny pots of herbs. The trouble with the miniature pots is that they will not keep the herbs alive for more than a couple of weeks. With 5-inch pots, you can use your herbs all winter, and set them out again in the spring if you also have an outdoor garden. So, if you use this idea, choose a larger container or fill it with fewer individual pots.
If you do not have enough pots for all your herbs, paint tin cans in bright shades, and letter the names of the herbs in gold or some other paint that contrasts. You may punch a few holes in the sides near the bottom for drainage. Instead of painting, you might prefer to cover the cans with the attractive paper which sticks to any surface and can be kept clean by wiping with a damp cloth.
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When you start looking for pots or containers in which to plant your herbs, you will find interesting ideas all around you. Poke into storage shelves, the attic and basement, the kitchen cupboards. A big iron skillet will make an attractive planter when filled with small pots of herbs. First, line it with heavy aluminum foil so that it will not rust, and fill the spaces between the pots with damp peat moss or vermic-ulite. This suggestion is just to get you started. You will enjoy creating planters or containers out of whatever is handy.
If you planted a terra cotta jar or strawberry jar for your terrace, it can come indoors for the winter. Some of the plants should be cut back to ensure vigorous growth before frost, while other plants may need to be replaced. Your family room or basement recreation room would be a pleasant place to put the jar. If sun is lacking, consider fluorescent lighting.
Rose geraniums and lemon balm make interesting bathroom decorations. Keep them trim by pinching off fragrant leaves for your bath water.
A small pot of herbs, or a group of several arranged on the dining table, will make a charming scented decoration ?and you will enjoy clipping a few leaves to add to salads or drinks.
Potting Soil
Most herbs do best in an alkaline soil. Here is a potting mixture for those which are to be kept indoors:
2 parts good garden loam.
1 part leaf mold or peat moss
1 part sharp sand (not the smooth, fine variety).
To each half-bushel of this mixture add:
1 pint raw crushed limestone or finely crushed plaster
? pint bone meal
1 quart well rotted or commercial manure.
Potting
Drainage is extremely important. If you decide to use nonporous containers start with a few bits of broken clay pot or bits of brick, then add a layer of coarse gravel.
Partially fill the container with potting soil. Set the plant in gently, making a hole in which to lower the root if necessary. Then gently pack more soil about the roots, making sure not to cramp them or to cover the crown, the junction of stem and root. The soil should come to within about one-half inch of the top of the pot. Sprinkle well with water and keep in the shade until the plant sends up leaves.
If you set the pots in saucers, elevate them a bit so that the water can drain out easily.
Artificial Light
If your house or apartment lacks sunlight, consider fluorescent lighting. Artificial light for growing plants is becoming more widely used all the time. You can set up a miniature garden in any corner of your house with the use of fluorescent lighting. A strawberry jar, a china cabinet, a bookcase, a table top or set of special shelves can be made into an indoor garden merely by mounting two 40-watt fluorescent tubes in a fixture over the area. This will be sufficient for a growing area of about 3×4 feet, and the tubes should come within a foot of the plants. Keep the lights on for approximately 14 hours a day; the cost will be very little.
If you prefer to use incandescent light bulbs, use 60- or 75-watt bulbs and keep the plants about 2 feet away. This is important since the bulbs give off heat. You will not want to wilt your tender herbs.
