Herbs in pots

For indoor herbs, it's obvious you're going to need them in pots or containers. Good alternatives include window boxes and hanging baskets. Growing an indoor herb garden isn't much different than growing them outdoors. They are all herbs, and they require the same basic things.

Give plants soil, water, and sunlight, and they'll survive. Herbs need the exact same things. Sunlight should be given to herbs regardless of where you grow them. To get the best sunlight, you can place the herbs in the kitchen or near a window. Different herbs require different doses of sunlight, but generally need a sunny location. You can also use "grow lamps" or fluorescent lamps to provide additional light to your herbs. Soils, should be not too rich, so as for it to remain well-drained. Throw in one part coarse sand or perlite to two parts potting soil to make the best soil for herbs. To have good drainage, throw in about an inch of gravel in the bottom of each pot. You can also keep the soil sweet for herb growth by supplementing it with a teaspoon of lime per 5-inch pot. The last thing you don't want to miss out is water. Moisten the pebbles, and mist the plants to keep them in favorable humidity. Indoor herbs will need more water than outdoor ones, but try not to drench the roots.

The best advantage of containing an herb is that you can move them around as you wish. Annual herbs can stay indoors for the whole season, but perennials should be placed outside on summertime. At first frost, they can be moved back indoors. Mint, chives, and tarragon are herbs where this rule is often overlooked. These three go into rest period and after exposure to light frost, grow better.

While all herbs can be contained, there are times where you should grow them in containers. For instance, mint - unless you want it to overrun your garden, contain it. It's really not hard to grow an indoor herb garden. With it you have your herbs in reach should you need them for cooking. Follow the aforementioned tips, and you'll be raising healthy plants in no time. Don't forget to feed some artificial light and repot them every year. Also know you herbs so you'll know what you'll need to replant, or which ones you'll need to move as the climate changes. Harvest your herbs, use them, and don't let them rot in your garden. Pruning promotes plant growth. This rule applies to herbs as well. Use them, store them, or give them away.

Kathryn D. Burrows has a Chinese herbalist relative and has taken a deep interest in herbs and herb gardening. She started growing herbs in her own backyard for fun and realized that it was so much more than a hobby. You can read more about Kathryn's methods on growing an herb garden at www.superherbgardensecrets.com.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kathryn_D._Burrows