How to SAVE Money: Start an indoor HERB GARDEN

With the current state of the economy everybody is looking to save some money. Herbs can be expensive when you buy them at the grocery, and they rarely last very long on the shelf. Fill your kitchen with the scent of spring, and start saving money when you cook up those savory dishes, by growing your own indoor herb garden. Bring the outdoors inside this season with a beautiful selection of green herbs to dress up your windowsill.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Seeds or starter plant
• Potting Mix
• Clay terra-cotta pot
• Water spray bottle

1. 
    
   Basil

   "Nesting", seems to be an ever so popular activity these days. With the unstable economy everyone is spending more time at home with family and friends. Why not cook up a savory meal together and spice things up with some herbs from your own indoor windowsill garden. Below are some simple steps to help you get going.

2. WHAT HERBS SHOULD I BUY? Determine what kind of herbs you normally use in your food. If you love Italian food, why not try classic oregano, parsley, basil or thyme; if your appetite prefers Mexican, why not cilantro or what is sometimes known as coriander; or if Indian cuisine is more your style, you can opt for basil, mint or parsley.

3. NURSERY: Visit your local nursery or farmers market and pick out a few of your favorite herbs.

4. SELECT A POT: Pick out a terra-cotta clay pot for each herb. Clay pots are a safe bet for edibles because they are all natural and don't contain lead.

5. POTTING: Ask the nursery to re-pot the herb for you. In many cases they will do this free of charge. If you re-pot the plant yourself just make sure you use the right kind of soil. Ask the nursery to help you. Make sure you cover the bottom of the pot with 3" of soil before adding the herb. Then you can add more soil to fill up the container. Leave some room at the top so you can add water.

6. SUNLIGHT: Herbs love the sun and need about 6 hours of sunlight daily.
   Using a south facing window is a safe bet.

7. WATERING: Most herbs like a Mediterranean climate so don't over water. When the soil feels dry to the touch add a couple inches of water. A good rule of thumb is that if your finger comes out of the pot with soil on it, it doesn't need to be watered.

8. INSECTS: Indoor herbs can sometimes be subject to spider mites. A simple way to keep them away is to spray them once a day with water by using a spray bottle. Make sure to spray under the leaves and stems as well.

9. ENJOY: Now sit back and enjoy your windowsill herb garden.

[Mndy]

on 5/4/2009 Wanting to start growing my own herbs. This is great info. Now I know what to do. Thanks!

[Merriment]

on 4/25/2009 Wonderful steps for creating an indoor herb garden!

[Irishgirl]

on 2/17/2009 Great ideas. Thanks

[Raphaella]

on 2/17/2009 I have never tried Cherry Tomamtos. But I think that sounds great too. Just make sure you are using a South Facing window. Herbs, especially in the Winter, need lots of sunlight. Good Luck!

[angelfly72]

on 2/16/2009 I have been looking for an easy explanation of indoor herb gardening FOR YEARS! My friends jokingly call me "Angela the plant-killer", and they are right. I love fresh herbs, and they are expensive. But I bought so many herbs and pots and killed all of them eventually that I just gave up and bought the herbs. But I'm going to try again, thanks to you! Does the same principle apply if I want to grow cherry tomatoes indoors?