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An herb garden entices our senses and enhances our food. For some of us it is the closest we urbanites will ever get to farming for themselves. If you are a city dweller with no outdoor access and would love to grow your own herbs, I’ve got a few tips to get you on your way!
Location:
Your herbs need sun. Chose a window that has at least 6 hours of strong sun, this would be a southern facing window. If you lack sun, grow lights can compensate. (Double the time if using grow lights- 12 hours of grow light- see the link to Aerogardens below!) More light means happier, stronger plants.
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Herbs for indoors:
Mint, rosemary, chamomile, lavender, basil, parsley, bay leaf, thyme, chives, garlic and oregano.
Basil, dill and coriander should be started from seeds and mint, rosemary and bay leaf can be rooted from cuttings.
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Sewing seeds is rewarding and inexpensive. It is also for the more advanced indoor gardeners. For the rest of us, a small investment
of $2-$3 in a full grown potted herb from the farmers market gives instant gratification.
Watering:
Over-watering is the #1 killer of indoor plants. Be sure you are only watering when the surface soil feels dry. It is better to let your plants get too dry rather than too wet. No official watering amounts can be doled out, check the soil before doing anything.
Feeding your herbs:
Fertilize with a fish emulsion at half strength about once a month. To help herbs survive the stuffy air typical in our homes during
winter mist the plants, especially rosemary, on occasion and increase air circulation around them with a small fan. Keep in mind
a fan may cause the soil to dry out faster, requiring you to water more frequently.
Taking cuttings:
Use restraint when harvesting your indoor herbs. Pay attention to new growth, and try to avoid taking more than half. If you discover
that isn’t enough, it’s time to get another plant.
For a more sophisticated indoor herb garden set-up, check out these products that have built in grow lights and all!
Category: NY Green
2 Comments
There should be a link to indoor growing kits at the very end… these have everything you need to grow healthy full plants without the perfect conditions.
http://www.aerogardenstore.com
This is just one style on the market. Do a quick google search for indoor herb kits to see what else is out there!
Nice info, Useful for my job…this has made my life (my projects) goes a lot easier. Keep up the good work, thanks very much…