I miss my herb garden! How can I grow one indoors (that will be just as great)?
Mary L. emailed us at expert@sweetspot.ca, and our gardening expert Mark Cullen, answered;
The Canadian winter is the perfect time of year to hone your gardening skills AND grow something worthwhile and tasty! Try your hand at an indoor herb garden.
What you need:
- Begin with a container with drainage holes. Herbs require excellent drainage.
- Use containers that are at least 18 cm [eight inches] deep and 14 to 20 cm [six to eight inches] across for each plant. To group multiple plants in a larger container, simply allow 12 to 18 cm [five to seven inches] between plants.
- Herbs require at least six hours of sunlight each day. A south-facing window can provide natural sunlight but its intensity in winter is often less than one-tenth of the outdoor light during a summer day. It is best to invest in a grow light for consistent UV rays for winter growing.
- Container mix potting soil. Mix with sand for drainage.
- Protect from draughts and drastic changes in temperature.
Herbs for indoor growth:
- Bushy perennial herbs; herbs such as rosemary, thyme, oregano, sage and winter savory, perform better indoors than those with soft stems, such as mint and tarragon.
- Basil and chamomile are two of my favourites for growing indoors.
Maintanance:
- Don’t over water. Too much water can cause the herbs to wilt and lose their flavour. Most herbs will not need to be fertilized. A plant that has been fertilized so that it grows very big may actually lose some of its flavour.
- Water only when the soil is actually dry. When the soil is dry to the touch, add water until it comes out the bottom of the pot.
- If plants are developing long stems and fading leaves, this is an indication that the herb garden is not receiving enough light.
- Use your herbs often! Cutting or picking the leaves will encourage growth!
Keep your knees dirty,
Mark Cullen
Sign up for Mark’s free monthly newsletter at www.markcullen.com and look for his new best seller, The Canadian Garden Primer, An organic approach. You can also visit Mark’s weekly gardening blog at www.yahoo.ca.
Thought that was sweet? You'll enjoy: