Top Tips for Growing Herbs in Pots

You can easily grow herbs indoors in containers or pots.Some great options for herb plants are hanging baskets or window boxes.  Growing herbs in pots is not anymore difficult then growing herbs in an outdoor garden.You basically need to provide the same growing conditions for your indoor herbs that you use for outdoor herbs.   

All plants need three main things in order to grow successfully; sunlight, soil and water.Herbs are not an exception.Sunlight is the most important element in a successful herb garden both indoor and out.The best rooms for an indoor herb garden is kitchen or room with a south or west facing window for plenty of sunlight.Although there are some exceptions, most herb plants need full sun to thrive.  Some home herb growers supplement the light source with “grow lamps” or fluorescent lamps.Herb plants grow best in soil that is not too rich and is well drained.  Add two parts of sterilized potting soil with one part coarse sand or perlite for herbs that are grown in containers.To keep roots from sitting in water, pour about an inch of gravel into the bottom of your pots.You can enrich the soil in indoor herb pots by adding one teaspoon of lime per 5 inch pot.  Herbs grown in pots also need water.  Misting the plants and moistening the pebbles will help to keep the herbs within humid conditions.You may need to water container herbs more often but don’t let the roots sit in water or soggy soil.

An advantage to growing herbs in a container is that you have the freedom to move them about as you please.Perennial herbs do best when placed outdoors for the summer, but annual herbs can be kept indoors all year.But all herbs should be brought indoors before the first frost to avoid damage to the foliage.This is not true, however, for chives, mint or tarragon.After being introduced to a light frost, these herbs develop firmer, fresher growth.

While most herbs can be grown in containers, some will grow better than others.Mint is an aggressive herb and must be kept contained.Keeping an indoor herb garden is fairly easy.  It keeps the herbs handy and within reach anytime you need them for cooking.  With these tips listed above, you will be able to care for your herbs and ensure a healthy plant.Periodic light feeding and repotting every year will keep your herbs healthy.  You will also have to remember to replant annuals each year and move perennials outdoors when needed.And, pick your herbs as often as you like and harvest them on occasion.Gardeners know that pruning your plants will encourage new growth.This applies to herbs as well.  So use your home grown herbs in your recipes, store them and give them away to friends.