Growing Herbs Indoors

Growing Herbs Indoors

It seems that these days, everyone wants to grow herbs. It is probably because of the triple dividends paid by herbs: good scents, good flavors and good looks. Freshly chopped chives' magic sprinkled on soup or omelet; the charms of thyme, oregano and fresh rosemary; lemon verbena's aroma - all of them make it hard to get passionate on herbs.

Not all herbs like indoor life. Dill, garden cress and coriander are short-lived annuals, which when cut for harvest, do not grow again. These herbs need re-sowing to produce continuous crop.

Parsley can be grown in pots. Its older leaves fall off, but its thick taproot drives new growth from the center. But parsley that is grown indoors from seed does not reach the productivity and size of plants that are dug from the garden. The soil on the top root should be maintained intact and the pot to be used should have a depth that can accommodate the roots.

Unless there is a plentiful light, most indoor herbs' growth slow or stops in the winter, even with sufficient warmth. When this happens, control a little on the water and reduce harvests. It can also help if the indoor temperature is reduced to 60º to 65ºF.

There are things to be considered in growing herbs


One is to provide light. It is necessary to install supplementary lightning though your indoor herbs are getting four hours of sunshine daily.
Another is to acclimate the plants gradually. There are two kinds of leaves that plants produce in response to weak or strong light. The high-light leaves are narrow, strong and thick, whereas low-light leaves are broader, more delicate and thinner than the high-light leaves.
Others things to be considered include soil, fertilizer and water. After light, good soil is the second most important factor to produce herb plants that are healthy. With some exceptions, herbs need great drainage, particularly on the winter months, when the rates of transpiration are lowest. When the roots are being confined in a planter or plot, air and water cannot easily move. For improving drainage, but without sacrificing nutrients, perlite or sharp sand should be added to fine sterilized compost-based mix. Majority of herbs do good in soils with 6-7 pH.
Most people think incorrectly that herbs are able to grow better in poor soil. When the culinary herbs are grown outdoors in gardens, their flavors are stronger. However, in the confines of pots, the supplementary feedings with organic fish emulsion or liquid fertilizer are necessary. Herbs should be fed once a week as the plants are growing actively, but not when inactive.
Watering is not an unimportant matter with the herbs. Generally, water more thoroughly and less often, and when the soil becomes dry. If the soil is dry to the touch, just add water till it comes out beneath of the pot. When the water does not come out, it means there is a drainage problem in the pot. If this happens, the first thing to do is to check if the holes are not blocked. If not, then re-pot with soil which has a good drainage.

Kevin Payne is gardener enthusiast, and enjoys helping others get started in this amazing hobby. The newest eBook, "Herb Garden Kits," teaches gardening and everything you need to know about Growing Herbs Indoors. If you need to know more info starting and maintaining a thriving herb gardening visit http://www.herbgarden-kits.com/

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