Uncover The Easy Secrets to Growing Herbs in Pots
Posted: Sunday, January 24, 2010
by Sarah Phillips
HerbGardeningCentral.com
Your herb garden can be easy grown in pots or containers indoors. Beautiful indoor gardens can be grown in window boxes or hanging baskets. Growing herbs in pots can be more convenient than an outdoor garden. There is no difference in the growing requirements for herb gardening indoors versus outdoors.
Three things are needed to successfully grow any plant; soil, water, and sunlight. Herbs are no different. Whether outdoors or in, sunlight is critical to the growth of any plant, including herbs. To get optimal sunlight, place your potted herbs in a room with west or south facing windows. While different herbs have differing light requirements, most need lots of sun. If your herbs are not getting enough sunlight then using grow lamps, or other artificial lighting, can supplement.
Growing herbs in pots also requires attention to water needs. Herbs tend to prefer humid conditions which can be simulated by moistening the pebbles and using a mister on the foliage. While container grown herbs require more water than those grown in an outdoor garden you should avoid getting the roots drenched or soggy.
Moving your plants about as you please is a distinct advantage to having container grown herbs. While annual herbs do quite well left indoors, perennial herbs should be placed outdoors during the summer as these do much better there. To avoid losing foliage bring all our your herbs inside before the first frost. The exceptions to this rule are mint, chives, and tarragon. When subjected to a light frost these herb varieties briefly go dormant then produces new and firmer growth.
While some herbs do better than others all herbs can be grown in pots. A precaution regarding mint; it should be grown in a container, even outdoors, as it will spread over the entire garden. All things considered you can easily maintain an indoor herb garden. When grown in the kitchen it becomes second nature to snip some nearby fresh herbs for cooking. This will add a whole new dimension to your family meals.
Periodic light feeding and yearly re potting will ensure optimum vitality of your herbs. Also remember to replant annuals each year and move perennial herbs outdoors in late spring until early fall. Use all the herbs you desire in cooking and arrangements or simply harvest occasionally to put on the dehydrator. All plants benefit from pruning and herbs especially so. This will give you plenty for use in recipes or treat your friends by giving them fresh herbs.
Following the simple steps above, and with a little practice, your care and attention to your herbs will guarantee a strong healthy plant.
Sarah Phillips is an herb gardening enthusiast, and enjoys helping others get started in this wonderful hobby.
You can be enjoying your own herbs in as little as 7 days.
Discover the secrets of successfully growing herbs in pots. Grab you own copy of Sarah's FREE Herb Gardening Success Mini-Course by going here NOW!
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Top-level comments on this article: (1 total)good article, love gardensThank you Rob!
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