Click below to listen to my 2 min. Garden Bite radio show: Herbs indoors
Fresh herbs are a necessity in my garden…
…but you can also have them indoors. And there are local nurseries that are happy to supply you with some fabulous plants! Not all herbs enjoy the great indoors but plenty do and I’ll share them with you.
Most herbs need six hours of direct sunlight.
- Place them at or near a window with a southern exposure, or 6 to 12 inches under two 40 watt cool white fluorescent bulbs for 14 to 16 hours.
- Herbs that can tolerate indirect sunlight include mint, bay, rosemary and thyme.
- Lemon balm and tarragon will even grow well in very low light conditions.
- But none of them like wet feet or drafts.
- Plants grown on windowsills need to be turned to get enough light on all sides. Give them a quarter turn every time you water.
- Herbs prefer daytime temps between 65 and 70 F with a drop in the 50’s at night being acceptable
Parsley, winter savory, scented geraniums, oregano and bay are definitely doable indoors. Your pots should be breathable, terra cotta works well.
Fertilize herbs with a low dose of water-soluble fertilizer every two weeks. More is not better, you’ll lose aroma and taste.
Tagged: growing herbs indoors