Growing Herbs Indoor: Enjoy Them All Year Round!
|
Growing herbs indoor makes it possible fior you to enjoy herbs all year round. The indoor herbs’ requirements are basically the same as those grown outdoors. You need at least six hours of direct sunlight and a moderately rich well-drained soil. For herbs that require more lighting than your indoor condition provides, use grow lights.
Types of Herbs Herbs are classified into three groups: the annuals that last only a season (e.g., cilantro, basil); the biennials that live for two seasons but bloom and seed during the second season only (e.g., parsley, caraway); and the perennials that will keep returning once established. Most culinary herbs fall under the perennial category. Indoor Care Growing herbs Indoor means pots. You can plant them in groups or individually. Group those herbs that have the same requirements for soil and moisture. Use high quality potting soil. Bringing Herbs Indoors Annual herbs do fine being potted indoors during its life cycle. Perennials need to be brought outside during the summer months and pruned periodically. Bring them indoors before the frost comes. Herbs like chives and tarragon, however, enjoy light frost. Lavender, thyme, winter savory, garlic chives, and lavender are perennial herbs that you can more easily switch to indoor environment. You will have more success with transplants when growing herbs indoor. Select only healthy plants. Potting Soil High quality potting soil is not sufficient to ensure good drainage for your herbs. Add to one part of potting soil one part of sand and one part of humus. The humus helps the soil retain moisture. Whenever the soil appears compacted, loosen it by scraping its surface with a fork. Irrigation Know the watering requirements of your herbs. For example, mint and geranium want more moisture than bay leaf or sage. The latter two prefer it thoroughly dry in between irrigations. To play it safe, water your herbs only when the soil’s surface is dry. Mist your indoor herbs in the wintertime. You may also need to use a fan for air circulation. This means faster drying and more frequent irrigation. Regularly check for blocked drainage. Fertilization Growing herbs in containers means regular fertilization. Fish emulsions are good, but use them at half strength only. Pest Control Insecticidal soap is effective for all types of herbs. Drench both tops and undersides of the leaves. Check herbs for pests prior to bringing them indoor. Recheck regularly. Lighting Conditions When purchasing seedlings from a nursery, acclimatize the young plants first to your indoor lighting condition. If you need grow lights, remember to place them from six to no more than nine inches above the top of the herbs. Temperatures should be kept between 55 and 70°F. Some Easy Indoor Herbs
|
|
