Herbs like sage, peppermint, basil, and rosemary are not only delicious but can also provide some major health benefits.
Growing your own herbs at home is a great way to ensure that you always have access to these benefits. Plus, it will spice up your cooking, promote healthy habits, and even save some money.
If you’re thinking about starting your own indoor herb garden, keep reading for five essential tips you need to know.
1. Choose the Right Spot
Where you choose to place your inside herb garden is perhaps the most important decision you’ll make. Your plant’s environment can make or break its success. Choose the wrong spot, and the time and money you invest in planting your garden will likely be wasted as they slowly wither and die.
There are several key factors to keep in mind when choosing a location for your garden. Considering all of these factors will help you maximize your chance at growing a healthy, thriving herb garden.
Seeking Sun
Every plant needs light to grow, though some need more than others. Most herbs thrive best when they receive six to eight hours of direct sunlight each day.
This means you need more than just a spot that gets bright when the sun shines in through distant windows. Direct sunlight for your herb garden often requires a spot directly in the sunlight, such as in front of a window.
To make sure you’re getting that six hours minimum of sunlight, a Southern facing window is best. This is especially important if you live in a region that doesn’t see lots of consistent sunlight.
If your home has a large windowsill or ledge built in beneath a window, such as in your kitchen, this makes a great spot for your garden. If not, adding a small table in front of a window is a good alternative.
If you’re worried that your windows won’t let in enough light to keep your plants alive, or you don’t have a room near a window, buy a grow light or planter with a built-in grows light instead.
Not all herbs and plants require this much sun. A great way to plant a successful indoor garden if the sun is an issue is to choose plants that thrive in partial light, such as the ashitaba plant. Check out this useful article to learn more about this healthy, fun plant.
Considering the Temperature
One mistake that new herb garden owners often make is not considering the temperature of the environment their plants are in.
While your home may be comfortable for you, it might not be for your herbs. Herbs grow best in an environment that’s between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
If your windowsills are drafty and the temp drops below that, or if your garden is located near a heat vent and the temps soar, your plants will suffer.
Avoiding Hazards
A quick spray from your countertop cleaner, a bump from someone passing by, or an attack from your beloved pet can all spell death for your herb garden.
Choosing a spot away from these and other hazards will help keep your garden alive longer and prevent a disappointing accident.
2. Plant Your Garden Right
Now that you know where your garden is going to live, it’s time to actually plant it.
For this, the first thing you’ll need is containers.
You’ll want to choose pots that give your plants room to grow but aren’t too big. You’ll need depth to allow the roots to spread and grow. But a pot that is too large will make it difficult to keep the soil evenly moist.
You’ll want to choose a plant that offers drainage through holes in the bottom. Standing water in a pot can kill your herbs. You’ll also want a saucer for underneath your planter; this will catch the water and keep it from ruining tables or soaking hardwood flooring.
Each of your herbs should be grown in a separate pot. That way, if one plants begin to die, you can keep whatever is killing it from spreading. It also allows you to address the needs of each individual plant.
3. Choose Your Soil and Fertilizer
With your pots in hand, it’s finally time to fill them. Even if you’re planting plants instead of seeds, you’ll still want to invest in some high-quality potting soil and fertilizer.
The right potting soil can help you manage the proper drainage and give your herbs a great start in their new home. Fertilizer provides important nutrients to your herbs, helping them grow and thrive.
4. Set a Care Schedule
Indoor gardens are never a set-it-and-forget-it thing. Instead, you’ll need to get used to caring for your herbs on a schedule so that you’ll never miss adding fertilizer or watering your plants.
It’s a good idea to set up some form of reminder to make sure that you don’t forget to water them. If you’ll be away from home for a few days, plan to have someone water them in your absence.
Another care item that can help your herbs thrive is to rotate your plants regularly. You want air flowing in between them to keep the air from becoming stagnant and possibly spreading diseases between your herbs.
Simply move the position of each of your pots of herbs to give them some room to breathe.
5. Show Your Herbs Some Love
Finally, if you want to keep your herbs thriving and growing for as long as possible, show them a little love.
Brushing your hand lightly over the tops of your herbs helps to mimic wind, which encourages strong stem growth. Even talking to your plants or playing music for them may improve their health and stimulate growth.
Start Your Own Indoor Herb Garden
Now that you know what it takes to plant and grow a healthy indoor herb garden, it’s time to start your own.
Before you know it, your kitchen will double as a garden! If you’re looking for other great uses for the hearth of your home, check out this article next.
