Herbs make for easy houseplants, and one can enjoy a variety of fresh green herbs whenever the need arises. There are many varieties of herbs one can grow at home as these are easy to grow and used widely in culinary practices.
Before we get to the type of herbs that one can grow indoors, let's get the basics right. All plants need sunlight and good level of air circulation to thrive and grow. While some may need full sun, for others partial sun suffices. So the right location is important. Windowsills and balconies are the best places to develop a herb garden. Grow your herbs in containers, this way you can have a number of herbs growing and you can also control the quantity and quality. Container gardening has many benefits; the soil and watering can be maintained as per individual plant need. It is easier to move them, and even mulch around your delicate herbs.
How to Grow Herbs Indoors?
Choose the herbs you want. Most herbs can be propagated through seeds, saplings, and runners. Seeds, sapling and runners can be easily bought from local nurseries. If you are an amateur gardener, start growing local herbs, and once you have enough experience move on to exotic herbs like scented geraniums, lime thyme, Italian parsley, etc.
The quantity of the herbs you want to grow determines the size of the container. Layer the container with a few small brick and charcoal pieces. Fill it up with soil that is made up of one part of each; soil, humus rich compost and fine sand. Fill the container three forth. For sowing seeds, draw straight lines in the soil very lightly with your index finger, sprinkle seeds in it. If the seeds are very fine, then mix it with a little bit of sand for even distribution. Cover the seeds lightly with some soil, and use a sprayer to moisten it. Cover lightly with a sheet of newspaper for three to four days. After which the herbs will sprout. Move the container to a place where they can receive natural light.
If you decide to plant runners or saplings, use the same soil mix given above, and using small garden tools, plant them. Water it lightly, and leave it undistributed in a place where they will receive adequate sunlight and air. Fertilize once in a month. Herbs do better with organic slow release liquid fertilizers. Mulch very carefully, and check for weeds and diseases regularly.
List of Herbs You Can Grow Indoors
- Bay: Bay is a perennial that will grow well in containers. Plant saplings at a distance as they tend to crowd. They need plenty of air circulation.
- Oregano: This herb sprouts roots very fast if grown from cuttings. It will do well in partial shade as well as full sun.
- Coriander: Coriander grows from seeds, moisten seeds lightly 6-8 hours prior to sowing the. Moistened seeds sprout faster.
- Basil: This herb is also propagated through seeds. It likes lots of sun, so place it on a sill that receives maximum sunlight.
- Mint: Mint is propagated through runners, this herb is invasive in nature, so one needs to control its spread. Prefers partial shade and moist soil.
- Rosemary: Rosemary can be grown from cuttings, stand cutting in some water, the tip of the edge should only be tipped in water. It will sprout roots in a weeks time. It does well with reflected light as well.
- Chives: Chives should be grown by dividing old clumps. Pot the clumps at the end of the growing season. Wait till new leaves sprout, then bring it in. Chives enjoy a good amount of fertilizer and water.
- Parsley: This herb can be grown from both; seeds and division of clumps. For indoors, it is best to choose a compact variety.
- Chervil: Chervil seeds should be sowed in late summer. Not very fussy about light, it can grow well in diffused light too.
- Thyme:Thyme grows from cuttings, enjoys full sun and very little water.
- Sage: Sage is drought resistant, prefers full sun and can be propagated through cuttings.
