Indoor Herb Garden
An indoor herb garden is beneficial to all sorts of people. Those who love to cook get delicious, fresh herbs, and those who love to garden get to care for a plants in their home. If you don’t have a lot of space, an herb garden is small and beneficial.
Taking care of an indoor herb garden isn’t that hard if you set it up right and take good care of it. Here are some tips and pointers to get you started on the right path to a luscious herb garden in your kitchen or in another cozy part of your home.
Seedlings
Start with a tray full of several of each variety. If you’re planting from seeds, try to plant at least 5 for every plant you plan to grow. This way you can pick the best one for your herb garden. Start them early and give them plenty of sun and just enough water.
Containers
Choose the best container for your herbs. Keeping them each in their own pot is great. Give each plant plenty of room. Read the instructions of the seed packet to ensure you are giving each plant adequate space to grow and flourish. You can also use a long box for growing your herbs in as well.
Sunshine
Ideally, have your herb garden facing the south. This way it will get the most sun possible. Six hours of natural light each day is adequate, or provide 14 to 16 hours of artificial light. This is an important part for healthy herbs.
Temperature
With an indoor garden, controlling the temperature is a little easier. It should stay within about 60 to 70 degrees at all times. This will keep your herbs in top condition without freezing or baking them. They will thrive in consistent temperatures.
Soil
If possible, get potting soil that is designed for herbs and efficient drainage. You can also add equal parts of sand and peat moss to get the same soil. This will ensure that the roots of the herbs do not sit in water, which is bad for most types of plants but especially herbs.
Fertilizer
Herbs need different fertilizer than other plants. Get a potting soil with the right fertilizer in it, or find the best fertilizer for herbs. For best results, look for an organic fertilizer. Follow the instructions that come with the fertilizer.
Water
Water your plants according to the type. Not all herbs require the same amount of water. With proper soil and controlled watering, you should be able to avoid rotting roots from too much water. Set a schedule and be consistent with watering.
Pest
Be careful with pests that can be more problematic with an indoor herb garden. Keep an eye on your herbs and take care of the pests when you first see them. Soapy water is a good solution, but you can also find other solutions for pest problems.
Take care of your herbs and pick them fresh as you need them. If you must pick them before you use them, keep them stored properly, otherwise wait until you’re ready to use them.