Best Herbs to Grow Indoors

Bring your herb garden inside - With winter upon us we still have many options to “garden”.  Do you have a window that gets at least 4 hours a day of direct sunlight?  How about starting an indoor herb garden?  Just a few plants can provide a full winter of wonderful culinary herbs.  There are even varieties of herbs that have been developed for growing indoors. An important point to remember is that most herbs are of Mediterranean origin.  They need sunlight, well drained soil and not as much water as you would think, especially in winter.

In choosing your herbs, look for plants that fit the space you have available.  Check the specification for the variety and make sure it doesn't grow 4' tall.  Many of the common herbs are suitable for indoor gardens but Conrad Richter has a complied a great list.

In his article on the National Gardening Association website he lists ten herbs that are best for indoor growing click here to see the list. 

Before you start your planting, here are a few considerations:

Sunlight – nothing is as important as adequate light for your herb plants.  For healthy growth they will require direct sunlight for a minimum of 4 hours a day.

Drainage – Herbs require excellent drainage, this is especially true for herbs grown in pots where the roots are confined and plants can become prone to root rot if drainage is not adequate.  To ensure proper drainage select a container with good (large for the container's size) drainage holes.  If needed to retain soil place broken pieces of a pot or even the "shipping peanuts" over the holes.  Use a seed-starting soil or potting soil mix that is light and allows proper drainage.

Water – Again, remember most herbs are a Mediterranean plant.  Do not over-water your plants.  Wait until the soil is dry to the touch, then water thoroughly until the water drains out into the saucer.  Empty the saucer after the plant is through draining.  You do not want the soil to sit in a full saucer and become soggy.

Fertilizing – Outdoors herbs may not need to be fertilized but when confined in pots it is important to feed your established plants with a liquid fertilizer, mixed at half strength and feed every couple of weeks.  During period of rapid growth you may want to feed weekly.

Choosing your herbs – There is a great variety of herbs available either from seed or seedling plants.  Some plants can be brought in from your summer herb garden.  Parsley is a good example of a plant that will do well when transplanted from your garden provided you retain its tap root. 

If you want to pot your herbs together make sure they have similar watering needs.  Basil may be the one herb that will require more water so you won’t want to plant it with an herb that can not tolerate excessive moisture.