Nightmare

Herbs can be grown indoors on suitable window-sills. When growing
indoor herbs be sure there is plenty of light. If you are using a
south facing window, be sure that the herbs get a little shaded
during the middle of the day in the summer when the sun is shining.
On other window-sills be sure you turn the pots for even lighting
during the day.

Below are a list of herbs for beginners, the containers that are
best to use and a very brief tip on how to care for them. There are,
of course, many other herbs that can be grown indoors but this will
get you started.

Basil; Grow in Provence pots) Requires the sunniest position and
tolerates dry air. Prevent if from flowering to get long life from
this herb.

Bay; Large pots or tubs; Prefers filtered sun and rich soil in a
cool place

Chervil; Grow in Troughs; Enjoys some sun but not the hot midday
sun. Be sure it has moist cool soil.

Chives; Pots; Keep well fed and watered. You can pot this up from
divisions from your garden.

Lavender;(Large pots or tubs. Buy the dwarf varieties for indoors.
Enjoys direct sun.

Lemon Verbena; Tubs; Likes filtered sun with rich soil in a cool
spot.

Marjoram; Pots; Choose sweet marjoram if you are planning on keeping
this herb in a warm room.

Mint; Pots; Enjoys some sun but not the hot midday sun. Pot in
moist, cool soil

Parsley; Pots; Choose the compact variety. It does well in a room
temperature about 60 degrees.

Tarragon; Pots; Takes full sun but will tolerate light shade

Thyme; Troughs or pots; Keep in full light and water sparingly

Rosemary; Large pots; Likes a bright situation so reflected light
can be used. Be sure however, that the room is cool, about 60
degrees.

Sage; Troughs, Large pots; Select a variegated kind for indoor
color. Sage likes direct sun!

Now that you have chosen which herbs you are going to grow indoors,
here are some tips! The important think is knowing the temperature,
watering feeding and lighting to give proper caring.

Temperature;
Most herbs prefer a warm temperature about 60-70 degrees. Herbs will
tolerate the temperature range of 45-75 degrees, but they will not
thrive for long.

Watering;
Make sure all your containers can adequately drain. Be sure not to
over-water indoor herbs. Water in the mornings, so that the excess
moisture evaporates during the day. Air is very important for potted
herbs and over-watering can cause root-rot fungus to thrive. If
necessary place a small fan beside your indoor herbs.

Feeding;
Herbs need feeding with a weak fertilizer every two weeks in the
spring and summer, but in the winter you can reduce to a monthly
feeding! Use half the recommended dosage of fertilizer at all
times .

Lighting;
There are special grow lights, however, I use the regular 'shop'
fluorescent lights. These will improve the growth of your indoor
potted herbs if you don't have good window placement and lighting.
Be sure the lights are about six to nine inches above smaller herb
and twelve to sixteen inches above the larger herbs.

About the author:
Karen is an avid gardener and crafter. She and her
husband have a Backyard Wildlife Habitat, plus 'Fairy
Gardens' where the children can learn about different
herbs and hear Karen read a story about the Garden
Fairies and Flowers.


By Karen Hegre