Do you like to incorporate fresh herbs into your meals, but hate to run to the grocery store every single time you need some? Did you ever want to grow an herb garden, but lack the space to do so? While it is great to have space in your yard for a big herb garden, I know this isn’t always possible. You might not have the right soil or climate, or you might be living in an apartment or condo that doesn’t have yard space. You can still grow some herbs indoors by using containers. These tips will help you get started with an indoor herb garden.
Tips for Growing an Indoor Herb Garden
Find the Natural Light
Herbs, just like any plant that grows, need some type of natural light. Try to find a location in your home that has the best light, aiming for four or more hours a day of natural light. This might be near the sliding glass door heading out to your patio. Maybe you are even lucky and have wide window sills, which is even better! Opt for a south-facing window and try to avoid north-facing windows as they don’t usually provide enough sun. An easy way to see how much sun a particular area gets is to just turn off all the lights in that area, then see where the most light comes in.
Plant the Right Herbs
Most herbs can grow indoors under the right conditions, but some of them do better than others. Some of the easiest herbs to start with indoors are thyme, mint, chives, and garlic. Chives are great because they can literally grow almost anywhere. They don’t need quite as much direct sunlight, which makes them good for indoor conditions. Mint, one of my favorite herbs to grow needs its own pot because it grows so fast and likes to spread, but grows great indoors! Thyme is very adaptable and can grow in small pots even the size of just 4 inches. The great thing about thyme is that it is easy to propagate from it’s cuttings as well! Garlic is so easy and requires very little space. Just start with a garlic clove you already have!
Have Good Drainage
Improper watering is the number one thing that will literally kill a plant. But don’t be intimidated! Outside, it is pretty straightforward, but indoors can be a little trickier, your plants need drainage. However, it is not difficult to add drainage for indoor herb gardens, and it is a really important step in the process. For good drainage, you want to put the herb in a potted plant with soil, but one that has holes in the bottom. This should then be placed on a pan that is able to catch the water. Always water your plant from the bottom up when possible. Simply put your water in the saucer and the roots will soak it up when it needs it! Check out these planters that come with drainage trays!
Maintain the Indoor Temperature
Lastly, always remember that plants need a certain climate to grow. While many herbs can be grown in containers inside your home, you still need to pay attention to the climate. Make sure the area you are growing your plants is not too hot or cold. A temperature of around 65-75 degrees Fahrenheit is usually good to stick to. Have a thermometer attached to the window where the plants are being kept so you can see what the actual temperature is near the plant. This will give you a more accurate reading than just the setting on your thermostat.
Looking for other ways to use herbs? Check out how they can help boost your immune system!
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