Herb Growing Ideas

Herbs can also be grown indoors in pots or containers. They can also be grown in window boxes or hanging baskets. Growing herbs in pots is as easy as growing herbs in an outside garden. Indoor herb gardens need the same growing requirements that garden herbs need.

All plants need three main things in order to grow successfully; sunlight, soil and water.  Herbs are no exception. Whether they are grown indoors or in an outdoor garden sunlight is the key for growing any type of plant including herbs.  You should place herbs grown in a kitchen or other room in a south or west facing window to get the best kind of sunlight. Different types of herbs have different light requirements but, for the most part, all need a sunny location.  Some home herb growers supplement the light source with “grow lamps” or fluorescent lamps.  Herbs also need a well drained, not too rich soil to grow in. Add two parts of sterilized potting soil with one part coarse sand or perlite for herbs that are grown in containers. To ensure that the plant has good drainage you will need about an inch of gravel at the bottom of each pot.  Herb grown in pots indoors can also be supplemented with one teaspoon of lime per 5-inch pot to ensure that the soil is sweet enough for the herbs. Herbs that are grown in pots also need water, to help keep the herbs within humid conditions mist the plants and moisten the pebbles.  Although they are grown in pots or containers they do need more water than herbs grown in a garden, you need to avoid getting the roots soggy or drenched.

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An advantage to growing herbs in a container is that you have the freedom to move them about as you please.  During the summer months perennial herbs do better if they are placed outdoors, but with annual herbs they can spend all their time inside.  To avoid the loss of foliage all herbs should be brought indoors before the first frost.  This rule is over looked when it comes to mint, chives, and tarragon.  These types of herbs
will go into a rest period then form firmer and fresher growth after it is introduced to a light frost.

All herbs can be grown in pots and containers but there are some that do better than others.  Mint is a herb that if it is not contained will overtake the garden.  
Over all it is fairly easy to maintain an indoor herb garden, it keeps the herbs handy and within reach anytime you need them for cooking.  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.  Also harvest them occasionally and the main thing is use your herbs as often as you want  It is no secret that pruning plants encourages new growth and this rule also applies to herbs.  Use them in your favorite dishes, store them and give them away to your friends and family.

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