How to Plant an Indoor Herb Garden

Fresh herbs are easy to grow indoors year round with just a few basic gardening supplies and a sunny windowsill. Growing your own culinary herbs is not only rewarding, it is also cost-effective because you no longer have to go to the supermarket every time you need fresh herbs for a recipe. In addition to picking fresh herbs right off the plant, you can also dry and store them for future use.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Grow lights (optional)
• Plastic planters or window boxes
• Herb seeds or transplants
• Potting mix with fertilizer
• Watering can
• Spray bottle (optional)

1. Choose the herbs you would like to grow. Certain types will grow very well indoors, including basil, sage, chives, thyme, lavender, dill, parsley and rosemary. Try to select herbs you plan to use and enjoy regularly.

2. Locate a sun-drenched space in which to grow your indoor herb garden. Bear in mind that most herbs will need at least 5 to 7 hours of sunlight per day, though some plants such as mint and thyme will thrive in a partially shady environment. South-facing windows provide the best and brightest sunlight; east- and west-facing windows are the next best choices. If your house is shaded by trees or does not receive an abundance of natural light, you may want to consider adding supplemental grow lights, which can be found at most garden centers and hardware stores.

3. Purchase herb seeds or transplants at your local garden supply center. Seeds are the least expensive option and are readily available, but transplants are also a popular choice because they require less time, care and effort to maintain. If you do not have a plastic window box or small plastic planters to house your herb seeds or plants, be sure to buy these as well, along with a small watering can.

4. Plant your seeds or transplants in planters or window boxes. Fill your containers about three-quarters full with potting mix. If you are starting from seed, sprinkle several seeds around the planter then place a thin layer of potting mix over the seeds. If you are adding transplants, simply remove them from their seed flats and gently loosen the roots. Poke a small hole in the potting mix with your hands and drop the transplant in, then cover the open space with potting mix.

5. Water your herb plants or seedlings weekly or as needed. Plants and seedlings can be gently watered with a watering can, or you can use a spray bottle with a fine mist to avoid overwatering. Rotate the plants sporadically to ensure even growth. Harvest your herbs as needed as soon as the plants reach maturity.