Herb Garden Part 2

No, what herbs do I really want to grow.  Here is a list.

Basil is simple to grown from seeds but it needs bright light and warm temperatures. 

Chives are a member of the onion family is best used fresh.  It likes bright light and cool temperatures. 

Dill can get really tall, up to 4 feet! So the dwarf variety is best for indoors.  This is also one that has to be planted frequently.  It is one that doesn't grow back after harvesting.

Lemon balm is easy to grow from seeds and has a fresh fragrance that is used in salads and drinks.

Oregano, one of my favorite has a sharp pungent flavor and can also be grown from seeds if you want.

Rosemary doesn't grow well from seeds.  It's better to grow from cuttings or buy the full plant.  This soil also needs to be well drained but not allowed to dry out completely.  It is also one that can get very large if not harvested.

Thyme, another of my favorites comes in many varieties.  They can be grown from seeds or plants but the plants need to be kept moist until they are flourishing.

There are many other herbs that you can grow inside so if you don't find your favorite along with my favorites, look them up or talk to someone at your garden center to make sure you choose the correct one for your location. 

Also, you can find places on line such as the one I found called PH Windowsill Herb Garden Kits which supply you everything.

Herb Gardens Part 1

 

I've really considered starting an herb garden this fall so I've been doing some research to see what it requires.  Here is what I've found so far.

You must have a sunny window that received at least five hours of sunlight per day.  Most herbs come from the Mediterranean area so they need light to survive.  You have to keep your home between 60 and 70 degrees to create the best growing conditions.  For this I decided I could either use a baker's rack in front of my window or a window level table to grow my plants.  Plus, the window doesn't actually have to be in the kitchen.  I have a bedroom and living room window that get more sun than the one in my kitchen. 

Now I need to choose my plants.  Oregano, chives, mint, rosemary and thyme are the most commonly grown indoors.  I use a lot of herbs in my cooking but seldom use mint so the other 4 will work perfectly for me.  These can all be started from seeds but I'm impatient so the starter plants that I can get from the farmers market, local nursery and even some of the grocery stores are what I would opt for.  For your pots you must make sure they have drainage holes in the bottom so the herbs won't rot and keep a dish under each to catch any excess water.  Also make sure the container is deep enough to promote root development, usually 6 - 12 inches deep.  You can use a larger pot and plant multiple herbs in one container but I would suggest labeling them.  I would hate to add the wrong ingredient to a dish.  Also make sure you use the correct soil.  A store-bought potting mixture should work but if you're in doubt ask at your local gardening center.  The mix should be lightweight and drain well.

When preparing your pots put a 2 or 3 inch layer of potting soil into the bottom of the pot.  Gently place your plant(s) in the container.  Carefully finish filling in the potting mix, pressing it firmly around the plants.  Leave about an inch of space at the top to make room for watering.

Don't kill your herbs with kindness by watering too often and fertilize your herbs about once a month, making sure the fertilizer is labeled safe to use on edibles.  And once you start to see new growth, you can start snipping your herbs for cooking.