Growing Herbs In Pots
Herbs can be successfully grown indoors in containers and pots as well as outdoors. You can also be grown in hanging baskets or window boxes. The growing requirements of herbs indoors are the same as growing them in a garden.
Three things that herbs and all plants need to grow successfully are soil, sunlight and water. Sunlight is the key to plant growth, when growing herbs indoors ensure that they are placed in direct sunlight, a south facing window will give the most light throughout the day during all seasons. Some herbs need more light than others, but generally all need a lot sunlight. Some herb growers provide their herbs with additional light by using fluorescent lamps. The type of soil needed by herbs is well drained and not too rich. To growth herbs in a container use two parts sterilized potting soil with one part coarse sand or perlite. Use one inch of gravel at the bottom of the container to help with drainage for the plant. Adding one teaspoon of lime per 5-inch pot will ensure that the soil is sweet enough for herbs grown indoors. Last but not least, herbs will need water. Moistening the pebbles and misting the plants will allow the herbs to benefit from humid conditions. Herbs grown in containers will need more water than herbs grown outdoors but, try to avoid getting the roots drenched.
Growing herbs in a containers allows you freedom to move them around. Annual herbs can be kept indoors all year but, perennial herbs are better outdoors during summmer. All herbs should be kept indoors before the first frost to loss of foliage. Growing herbs in a contaner makes transferring herbs between indoors and outdoors very convenient. This rule is over looked when it comes to chives, mint, and tarragon. These types of herbs go into a “rest” period and form fresher sna firmer growth after experiencing a light frost.
All herbs can be grown in containers however some do better than others. In a garden mint can take over if it isn’t contained. Maintaining an indoor herb garden is fairly easy. With the tips from above, you’ll be able to maintain healthy herbs indoors. Supplement with periodic light feeding and annual repotting for optimal health. Remember to replant annual herbs and transfer perennial herbs outdoors during the summer months. Use your herbs as much as you want, and also the occasional harvest. As with most other plants pruning your herbs will promote new growth, so apply some pruning when you see fit. Herbs in containers means they are always within reach whenever you need them for cooking. Enjoy using them for your recipes, store them and give them away to friends and family.
