Create your Own Indoor Herbal Garden

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Being limited with space doesn’t mean you cannot have an indoor herbal garden. Indoor herbal gardens are becoming increasingly popular as people strive to create a more natural and healthy environment for themselves.

Herbs are something we use daily when we cook but they also offer so many other added benefits. They can be used for medicinal purposes, as natural cleaners, and even as air fresheners. Some herbs such as mint even repel bugs and are excellent at keeping pesky flies at bay.

Which Herbs should I Grow?

Many different herbs can be grown indoors. When choosing your indoor herbal garden, consider what you will be using your herbs for. If you are looking to use your herbs for cooking, then common kitchen staples such as basil, oregano, rosemary, and thyme are always a good choice. If you want to use your indoor herbs for medicinal purposes, then consider growing aloe vera, chamomile, or lavender.

These are just a few examples of the many different types of herbs that can be grown indoors. So long as you have a sunny windowsill or another place where your plants can get plenty of light, you can grow almost any type of herb indoors. Some herbs are easier to grow when you plant them directly from seed, while others are best started from transplants. If you want to skip all the steps and go directly to full grown plant then be sure to check it for pests such as spider mites which are pretty common with herbs.

Here is a useful list of some of the best herbs to grow indoors:

Basil

This herb needs at least six hours of sunlight per day, so a windowsill is a perfect spot for it. Water basil when the soil feels dry to the touch.

Chives

Chives can tolerate lower light conditions, making them ideal for indoor gardens. They also don’t need to be watered as often as other herbs. Allow the soil to dry out completely before watering again.

Cilantro

Cilantro prefers cooler temperatures, so it’s a good choice for indoor gardens in the winter. It also doesn’t need a lot of light, so it can be placed in a spot that doesn’t get a lot of sun. Water cilantro when the soil feels dry to the touch.

Mint

Mint is another herb that can tolerate lower light conditions, making it a good choice for indoor gardens. It’s also a fast-growing herb, so you’ll have plenty of mint to use in your cooking in no time. Water mint when the soil feels dry to the touch.

Thyme

Thyme is a drought-tolerant herb, so it’s ideal for indoor gardening. It doesn’t need a lot of water, so allow the soil to dry out completely between watering. Thyme also doesn’t need a lot of light, so it can be placed in a spot that doesn’t get a lot of sun.

Lemongrass

Lemongrass loves the sun and heat so be sure to expose it to good light. It’s also drought-tolerant, so you don’t have to worry about watering it too often. Allow the soil to dry out completely between watering.

Now that you’ve decided on which herbs you want for your indoor herbal garden it’s time to start growing them.

Pick a Spot

Start with a small windowsill garden. Pick a sunny spot in your home and clear off a windowsill for your plants. Line the sill with foil or plastic wrap to protect it from moisture, then fill the area with potting soil. Plant your chosen herbs in the soil and water regularly. Pots that work well here are small clay pots, plastic pots, or even recycled yogurt containers. If you don’t have a windowsill that gets enough sun, try hanging a planter near a sunny window. There are many different types of hanging planters available, or you can get creative and repurpose items like mason jars or baskets. You can also take advantage of the space on a bookshelf. This stackable vertical planter from Amazon is the perfect solution if you’re limited for space.

Pots/Containers

Choose pots or containers that will fit your space. Be sure to pick pots with drainage holes to allow excess water to escape and avoid root rot. Pots that work well for small spaces are window sills, wall planters, windowsill boxes, or even Mason jars. Try and plant your herbs in separate containers so that you can attend to their water needs eg basil requires more water than oregano.

If you want to get creative, upcycle materials you have around the house into indoor planters. Some examples include toilet paper rolls, egg cartons, mason jars, or even old coffee tins.

Lighting

Make sure your indoor garden has adequate lighting. Most herbs need 6-8 hours of sunlight per day to grow well. If you don’t have a spot in your home that gets that much natural light, you can supplement it with artificial lights such as fluorescent bulbs or grow lights. If you don’t have any spot in your home that gets enough sunlight for plants, you can use grow lights to provide the necessary light. You can buy grow lights specifically designed for indoor plants, or you can use a standard fluorescent light fixture. Be sure to set the timer on the grow lights so that your plants get the right amount of light each day.

Water

Be sure to water your indoor plants regularly and give them the nutrients they need to grow. Each herb will require different amounts of watering. Generally most are watered when the soil is dry to the touch but to be safe read up on the herb you are planting

Temperature

Make sure the temperature in your indoor garden stays consistent. Most herbs prefer a temperature between 68-72 degrees Fahrenheit. (20-22 Celcius)

Potting Mix

Fill your pots or containers with a quality potting mix made for indoor plants. You can find these at most garden centers or home improvement stores. Amazon offers a great selection of Potting Mix at a great price.

Black Thumb Solution

If you have black thumbs then consider using something like the Aerogarden. AeroGarden uses hydroponics and LED lights to grow plants, resulting in a fast and simple growing process.

They have various models available such as this compact model called the sprout perfect for small spaces.

With these simple tips, you can have a thriving indoor herbal garden, even if you’re limited on space. So get creative and enjoy fresh herbs all year long!