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Growing Herbs in Pots

Herbs can be grown indoors in pots or containers of your choosing. They can also be nurtured in windowsill boxes.  Growing herbs in pots is any more hard then growing herbs in an outdoor garden.  Growing herbs in pots demand the equivalent growing requirements that garden herbs call for.

All plants require three primary things in order to grow successfully; sunlight, soil and water.  Herbs are not exceptions to the rule of thumb.  Sunlight is necessary to growing any type of plant including herbs whether they are raised indoors or in a garden.  It’s a good idea to locate herbs developed in a kitchen or other room in a south or west facing window to get the best kind of sunlight.  Different varieties of herbs have different light requirements but, for the most part, all call for a sunny location.  A few in home herb growers in addition to the natural light supplement with grow lamps or fluorescent lamps.  Herbs also require adequate drainage and a soil that is not too rich to grow in.  Add two parts of sterilized potting soil with one part coarse sand or perlite for herbs that are nurtured in containers.  You will also demand about an inch of gravel at the bottom of each pot to ensure that the plant has good drainage.  Herb developed in pots indoors can also be supplemented with one teaspoon of lime per 5-inch pot to ensure that the soil is sweet enough for the herbs.  Herbs nurtured in pots also call for water.  Misting the plants and moistening the pebbles keeps the herbs moist and not become overly dry.  Since they are being raised in containers they do require to have more water then herbs that are developed in a garden but, do not over water and thus drown the roots.

A perk to growing herbs in a container is that you have the freedom to move them about as you please.  Annual herbs can spend all of their time indoors but, perennial herbs do better if they were to be placed outside during the summer.  All herbs should be brought inside before the first frost in order to avoid the loss of foliage.  However, the following herbs don’t follow that rule when it comes to mint, chives, and tarragon.  These kinds of herbs will go into a rest period then form firmer and fresher growth after it is introduced to a light frost.

All herbs can be raised in containers but many herbs do better then others.  Mint is an herb that needs to be contained or it will take over the garden.  Over all it is fairly easy to maintain an indoor herb garden.  It keeps the herbs handy and within reach anytime you demand them for cooking.  With these tips listed above, you will be able to care for your herbs and ensure a healthy plant.  It’s best also include periodic light feeding and yearly repotting for optimum health of the herbs.  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.