Growing Herbs Indoors
Growing herbs indoors is great as herbs are fresh, fragrant and flavorsome. They are fantastic in your favorite dish or for medicinal purposes. They are very versatile and many varieties thrive indoors as well as outside.
There is nothing better than having some herbs growing in the kitchen or on your windowsill where you can easy pick and add them to whatever you are cooking at the time.
So, what is the best way to grow herbs indoors?
Best Herbs for Growing Indoors
Herbs can thrive throughout the year if they have access to sunlight and they are not in a cold draft especially in the colder regions. For me, these are my favorite herbs for growing indoors:
- Basil (choose the smaller varieties so it doesn’t get too big)
- Chives
- Parsley
- Cilantro / Coriander
- Mint
- Thyme
- Oregano
- Rosemary
- Sage
- Bay Leaf
- Lemongrass
Basil, oregano and rosemary can grow quite large so if growing them indoors, remember to prune them regularly. For mint, it is best to plant in it’s own pot so it is contained.
Where to Grow Your Indoor Herbs
Herbs require a lot of sunlight. So it is best to place them near a window where sun streams through for most of the day. Direct sunlight is even better so from time to time it is best to take them outside for a little while. Herbs tend to grow in the direction of the sun, so it is a good idea to rotate them over time. Don’t place herbs where there is a cold draft, especially in very cold regions.
Planting Your Indoor Herbs
When planting your indoor herbs you will need a pot or planter to plant them in. Whilst small pots can be used, the ideal pot size is between 15cm – 20cm. Make sure the pot has a hole at the bottom for drainage and place a saucer underneath. Alternatively, you can use a self-watering pot.
Fill the pot with a premium potting mix or a potting mix specially for herbs and vegetables. If using seeds, press them into the soil so that they are covered and give a light water so the soil is moist. Similarly, if potting a seedling, make a little hole in the soil, remove the plastic pot the seedling comes in (careful to not damage the roots) and place in the hole. Cover the roots with the excess soil and water.
How to Look After Your Indoor Herbs
When maintaining herbs indoors, remember to not overwater. Only water the potting mix and not the leaves. The soil only needs to be moist. Most herbs don’t like sitting in water so remember to empty the saucer under the pot and only return once water has stopping coming out from the bottom.
To encourage thicker, more compact growth, prune your herbs often. This will be done if you them in your cooking frequently, but if not, remember to give them a regular trim.
Ensuring your indoor herbs are fed is important for best results. Your premium/specialty potting mix should contain enough slow-release fertizer to last a couple of months. Beyond this time, supplement this with a fortnightly dose of liquid fertizer.
Recommended Herb Growing Accessories
Premium Organic Potting Natural Soil Mix
ALL-NATURAL MIX: Burpee Organic Premium Potting Mix is formulated with plant food & coconut coir to promote seed & root growth and healthy flower, vegetable & herb plants. OMRI Listed for organic use. This premium mix releases essential nutrients immediately.
Original Huge 8 Layers Herb Drying Rack
Each layer is 8 inches tall, with a 24-inch diameter giving you the functional freedom to lay those herbs on thick. Wide-area, breathable, polyester mesh layers provide the perfect ventilation for quick drying.