| These days it is just as easy to grow herbs | | | | well as indoors but remembering that annual herbs |
| indoors as it is to grow them outside and with the | | | | such as Aloe Vera, Basil, Coriander, Dill and Chervil |
| variety of different pots available these days | | | | can spend all of the time indoors but the |
| there is no reason why you shouldn't be growing | | | | perennials such as Bay, Chicory, Chives, Lavender, |
| herbs in pots, in fact the requirements for | | | | Lemon Balm to name but a few seem to do |
| growing indoor herb gardens is very similar to that | | | | better when they are put outside in the summer. |
| of the outdoor garden. | | | | A point to remember though is to bring all of your |
| Sun, soil and water. These are the three main | | | | herbs indoors before the first frosts of the winter |
| things all plants need to survive and herb gardens | | | | arrive otherwise there is a risk of loss of foliage |
| are no different. A south facing window is always | | | | to the herb plant. |
| the best for indoor plants in general as they will | | | | With herbs such as mint, chives and tarragon this |
| almost certainly get the 4 or more hours a day | | | | is not necessary as they go into a state of rest |
| sunshine even in the winter months that they | | | | during frosty periods and this has the effect of |
| need to grow well. Where there is insufficient light | | | | forming firmer and fresher growth when they |
| then an external source such as grow lamps or | | | | start their growth period again. |
| fluorescent lighting can be used to great effect. | | | | It is true that all herbs can be grown in pots or |
| Most herbs also need a well drained soil in which | | | | containers but it is also true that some do much |
| to grow that is not too rich. For herbs grown in | | | | better than others, herbs like mint do really need |
| containers a good mixture is 2 parts of sterilized | | | | to be in a pot so that they don't spread to cover |
| potting soil mixed with 1 part of coarse sand or | | | | the rest of the ground near it, it is also far easier |
| perlite mixture, a layer of gravel about an inch is | | | | to maintain if it is in a pot. Having herbs indoors in |
| sufficient in the bottom of the container to aid | | | | pots also makes it easier to reach them when |
| drainage. Some indoor herbs that are grown in | | | | you need them for cooking or medication ( Aloe |
| pots can also have lime added to "sweeten" the | | | | Vera for example) Remembering that they need |
| soil up for them and about a teaspoon of lime is | | | | periodic feeding and also annual re-potting to get |
| sufficient for this per pot. | | | | the maximum benefit from your herbs, moving |
| Watering your herbs in pots is another area that | | | | the perennials back outside when they need it. It |
| needs care as over-watering can lead to root rot | | | | is well known that pruning plants does encourage |
| but remember that herbs grown indoors in pots | | | | the plant to grow better and this is the same for |
| do need more water than those grown outside, | | | | herbs so don't forget to prune them to |
| by misting the plants or moistening the pebbles if | | | | encourage fuller growth and a better harvest |
| they have them you will help to keep the | | | | from the herb plants, make sure you fully use |
| humidity up in the immediate area surrounding the | | | | them in your cooking or better still give some |
| herb plant. | | | | away to your friends. This way you will enjoy |
| One of the best things when growing herbs in | | | | your herb gardening and can involve the kids in it |
| pots or containers is that you can move the pots | | | | too and enjoy their participation too. |
| around as you wish and this includes outdoors as | | | | |