Sure, you can enjoy fresh herbs all summer long, but what about those dull cold winter months? Well, growing herbs can be done indoors too! There are several herbs that lend themselves to easy growing indoors. Depending on the space you have, and the conditions indoors, you can pot up most mints, rosemary, savory, oregano and even grow a bay tree. There are compact varieties of many herbs that are suitable for indoor growing.
Both Basil and Parsley can be easily grown indoors
Use unglazed terra cotta pots for growing your herbs indoors. These pots allow moisture and air to move through the walls of the pot, unlike plastic pots. Roots need both air and water, since they are living tissue. If the soil inside your pots of herbs is allowed to get waterlogged, you’ll soon have root rot.
Make sure any pot used has drainage holes at the bottom, so extra water will drain out when you water your plants. The potting soil should allow water to move freely through, so probably needs to contain perlite, vermiculite or coarse sand. Regular garden soil often will pack too densely and restrict the movement of water. Water your herbs only when the soil feels dry when you poke your finger in. Water until water comes out the drainage holes in the bottom of your pot; allow it to complete draining, and then replace it on its tray.
Herbs are light lovers, and need as much natural sunlight as you can supply indoors. Five hours of direct sun is the minimum. If you can’t supply that much natural light, then you must supplement the light with artificial grow lights. Herbs that you are growing indoors will also need some fertilizer periodically. They are not able to create a large root system, so can’t take in as much nutrients as one planted outdoors. Use a natural type of fertilizer such as fish or kelp emulsion or a balanced chemical formula bi-weekly.
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You will probably find that when growing herbs indoorsthe plants are leggier, and less bushy. Selectively pinch out the growing tipsto force more growth, but don’t over-harvest your indoor herbs. You will also find that the essential oils and aromas of your indoor herbs is not as strong as those grown outdoors. However they are still acceptable, and much more flavorful than most dried commercial herbs.
Use your fresh herbs to enhance all your every day foods. Try fresh herbs in omelettes or in potato salad. Use the mints in teas. Add fresh sage and thyme to sauces, and oregano to tomato sauce. Have a little fun with experimentation, and you’ll soon find your winter meals rising to new heights of flavor and aroma.
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