Growing an Indoor Herb
Garden
by Kate Gilby
If you live in the northern hemisphere, then it is likely that your garden is
tucked up for the winter. However, this doesn't mean you can't enjoy freshly
picked herbs. Many varieties will grow quite happily indoors on a sunny window
ledge or porch. In addition to providing a source of fresh herbs, an indoor
garden can look extremely attractive, and they are a wonderful introduction to
gardening for children.
Herbs which will grow indoors:
Basil
Oregano
Mint
Parsley
Rosemary
Sage
Thyme
Angelica
Chamomile
Dill
Fennel
Lavender
Geranium
Chives
You will need to find a sunny, well lit spot to grow your indoor herb garden.
Ideally, it should be south facing, but if this isn't possible choose a
situation that will receive plenty of light through out the day. Try to avoid a
north facing place because it is unlikely the plants will receive enough light
to grow properly.
What you will need:
Herbs, either plants or seeds
Good quality compost
Suitable containers
Buy your herbs from reputable suppliers, don't buy seed packets which are out of
date, and avoid any straggly or unhealthy looking plants. The same is true for
compost, choose a good all purpose compost, your herbs will be relying on it for
nutrition for some time.
The containers are easier to select. You will find a wide range at garden
centers and nurseries. Alternatively, you can use ones you already have, or
adapt other objects. I grow my geraniums in a old mop bucket, and my lemon mint
is growing in a teapot with a broken handle.
If your children are helping with your indoor garden, a nice idea is to take
some plain plant pots, and let the kids decorate them with paint, paper etc. to
produce their own unique pots.
Once you have planted your garden, it will need some care. Remember, indoor
plants rely on you totally. Water regularly, but be careful not to over-water,
this is the main cause of death for most indoor plants. No more than once a week
should be sufficient, I water once every two weeks. Check the compost before
watering, if it still feels moist wait and check again the next day. If you have
used a good compost, and your winter is relatively short you will probably only
need to feed your plants once. If you have a longer cold season, it might be an
idea to use the slow release pellets you can buy in garden centers.
Copyright Kate Gilby 2003
Kate Gilby may be contacted at
http://kategilby.co.uk
justkate@kategilby.co.uk
Kate Gilby lives in the UK, and is the editor of kate blogs, a blog devoted to
writing, web and graphic design. She is also the owner of More Than Mint a
resource for herb growers, and Decorating Divas, a home decorating resource |
