How to Grow Herbs Indoor
Herbs are a great way to add to your kitchen in a simple way and you don’t have to grow them outdoors. Growing these herbs indoors is great for fresh herbs in winter or for those in apartments who don’t have access to a growing plot.
Materials Needed
To grow herbs indoors you will need planting containers, seeds, and potting soil. Look for a potting soil that is used for specifically herbs or vegetables. If you don’t want to start your plants from seed you can visit a local nursery or garden center to find a start to transplant.
There are two main layouts when planting your indoor herb garden. You can choose to use several small planters and grow each herb individually, or you can choose a larger container and combine multiple plants for a central growing location.
Access to the Sun
There are other factors to consider as well. You will want to determine a good location within your house where you can leave your herbs to grow. They will need access to sunlight but you may not want them to be on the window ledge. The glass can magnify the sun’s intensity and sometimes burn the herbs depending on which direction the windows faces. If the window is facing the sun throughout most of the day the amount of heat will build up easier and last longer. In the Northern Hemisphere these are usually south or west facing windows. However, east and north facing windows tend to receive less intense sun, and sometimes almost completely indirect light throughout the day and are therefore safer for herbs.
Water Needs
Water requirements are also an important factor to consider. If you are going to be grouping herbs together in a container, you will want to grow herbs that have similar water needs in the same pot. Keep out those that might need a lot more or a lot less water.
“Dry Herbs” such as lavender, oregano, rosemary, sage and thyme tend to do better together. “Damp Herbs” such as basil, cilantro, tarragon, and parsley will do better together.
Also consider the plants’ heights and group together or arrange plants by height of a fully grown plant. This way smaller or shorter plants aren’t crowded or overshadowed by a larger plant.
Harvesting Herbs
Whenever you need fresh herbs you can simply clip off the tops of the herbs right above a node. Nodes are where leaves are sprouting from the stem in sets. You can also cut the herbs back more dramatically and then dry the herbs for storage. Which is nice if you are using herbs within another product such as lavender soap. It’s best to cut the herbs back in the morning before the sun has dried out the essential oils within them. This will give you the best flavor or scent profile. It’s important to trim down some of your herbs if you find yourself not using them too often so that they don’t become overgrown or end up going to seed.
Perennial vs Annual herbs
Some herbs like Chives or Thyme are perennial herbs which means they grow year after year from the same plant. Other herbs such as dill or thyme are annual which means they die out each year. Typically if you are growing herbs indoors where they aren’t as aware of the elements, the line between perennial and annual can blur since they aren’t receiving the same strong season changing signals. You may not have to replace your annual herbs as often as those who grow outdoors, but don’t expect them to live forever.
Final Thoughts
Having fresh herbs is a great way to enhance your kitchen and recipes. Knowing how to grow herbs indoors can give you that enhancement without needing a greenhouse for the winter, or a garden space at all. Start with just one or two herbs if your a beginner and see just how easy it is!
Thanks again for growing with me here at The Busiest Bee Garden!
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