Herbs can also be grown indoors in pots or containers. They can also be grown in window boxes or hanging baskets. Growing herbs in pots is not anymore difficult then growing herbs in an outdoor garden. Indoor herb gardens need the same growing requirements that garden herbs need.
All plants need three main things in order to grow successfully; sunlight, soil and water. Herbs are no exception. Sunlight is key to growing any type of plant including herbs whether they are grown indoors or in a garden. You should place herbs grown in a kitchen or other room in a south or west facing window to get the best kind of sunlight. Different types of herbs have different light requirements but, for the most part, all need a sunny location. Some home herb growers supplement the light source with “grow lamps” or fluorescent lamps.
Herbs are not too picky about having rich soil or potting medium. The soil needs to drain freely, though, and additional gravel in the bottom of the pot or container helps to promote good drainage. A rule of thumb if purchasing soil is to combine two parts soil to one part perlite or sharp sand. Naturally you will want the soil to be sterilized to avoid bringing pests into your herb garden. Occasionally it is necessary to “sweeten” the soil for your herbs. You do this with horticultural lime at a rate of about one teaspoon for each five inch pot of soil.
Moisture is a crucial part of the herb gardening equation. To maintain a sufficiently humid environment, mist the leaves of your herbs or set them on evaporative pebble trays. Growing herbs in pots means that you will need to water more frequently than you would if the herbs were being grown in the ground. Pay attention, though, and do not leave them standing in water. It is very unusual for a plant to do well if it has soggy roots.
When you grow herbs in containers, you can move them to find the best sun. You can also move them to be convenient for you to use. Pay attention to the cultural requirements of the herbs you grown. Annual herbs, for instance, can be indoors indefinitely. Perennial herbs, on the other hand will show better growth if placed outdoors during the summer, and brought back inside before the first frost kills their foliage. Mint, chives and tarragon are exception to the freeze rule, though. A light frost sends them into dormancy, and then they grow stronger new growth when brought into a warm space.
Exceptions to this rule are mint, chives and tarragon. These plants produce fresh new growth on thicker stems if they are allowed to experience a freeze. Some herbs do better in pots than others although they all can be grown in pots. Growing mint in pots prevents it from taking over the entire garden.
You will also have to remember to replant annuals each year and move perennials outdoors when needed. Plus, use your herbs as much as you want as well as harvest them occasionally. It is no secret that pruning plants encourages new growth. This rule also applies to herbs. So use them in your recipes, store them and give them away to friends.
Tony loves nothing more than getting his hands dirty in his garden. To find out more about creating your very own Herb Garden visit Gardening With Herbs Tips Please feel free to browse the site for more vital information, hints and tips. Growing Herbs In Pots