How to Grow Spices Inside

You can grow your own spices at home.

Growing your own fresh spices at home ensures that your family is getting the freshest and most natural flavors possible. In addition, growing your own herbs and spices saves money and time. There are many common spices you can grow indoors to use fresh in your favorite recipes. Traditional spices include thyme, rosemary and oregano. Growing these spices requires knowledge of where to grow and each plant's needs.

Things You'll Need

• Spice garden starter kit with seeds
• Flower pots or planters
• Potting soil
• Compost
• Water bottle

Instructions

1. Purchase your seeds from a reputable company or garden center. Each packet includes instructions for planting each herb or spice.

2. Follow the planting instructions on each packet. Decide if you want to grow your spices in a small indoor flowerbed or in pots on a windowsill. Planters or pots allow you to move spices around your kitchen or even outdoors, if needed. Plant your spices in nutrient-rich topsoil or potting soil mixed with compost.

3. Water your spices as indicated on the seed packets. Some spices and herbs require daily misting with a spray bottle. Spice gardens require sunlight to grow. Some spices and herbs require more or less sunlight then others. It's best to keep your indoor spices near a window for at least a few hours each day.

4. Trim plants as needed to control growth and to use for cooking. Create your favorite recipes using fresh spices from your indoor garden. Check if the instructions on the seed packet recommend keeping trimmings from your garden to allow you to replant the crop next year.

Tips & Warnings

• Avoid using chemical insecticides and fertilizers when possible. Always wash your hands after using these products.

References

• Your Spice Garden: Spice Garden -- Healthy Spices Right at Home
• Growing Edge: Spice Gardens for Beginners (PDF)

Resources

• Gourmet Spot: Start an Herb Garden