If you want to add fresh zing to your recipes or hone your green thumb, apartment gardening is the perfect way to do both! Starting your own indoor herb garden is fairly simple; you can start small, then add more variety as you feel more confident in your ability. Once you experience the benefits of growing your own herbs, you’ll never want to go back to the store-bought ones!
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Which Herbs Should I Grow?
Deciding which herbs to grow depends largely on what you like to cook. Oregano, basil, and rosemary are the perfect additions to Italian dishes like spaghetti, lasagna, pizza, chicken giardino, or pesto. If you prefer Latin flavors, consider growing cilantro and cumin to add some flair to your tacos, guacamole, or fajitas. Lemongrass and mint would be great choices for those who often cook Asian cuisine, such as lemongrass chicken, Thai chicken noodle soup, or stir-fried pork. Having fresh mint on hand is convenient when making mojitos or tea, while chives and parsley are versatile herbs that can be added to almost any dish.
Aside from flavor, herbs also add a wonderful splash of color and fragrance to your room. Lemongrass, thyme, rosemary, and oregano are highly aromatic herbs that will help create a relaxing, natural aesthetic in any space.
What You’ll Need
To begin your indoor herb garden, you will first need to gather supplies. Let’s start with the essentials.
Choose containers that offer good drainage. Terra cotta pots work best, but herbs will grow in pretty much any container. Depending on your decor (or what you have on hand), you may want to use plastic, metal, or wood. If needed, be sure to drill small holes in the bottom of the container to prevent root rot. It’s also a good idea to include a drainage pan or drip plate for overflow.
Optionally, you can purchase some seed trays or egg cartons. These materials allow you to germinate the seeds in one spot, then transplant them to your container or window box once the sprout has formed. The biodegradable (paper/cardboard mix) egg carton can be planted in the soil directly so that the roots are not disturbed when transplanting.
Next, purchase some indoor potting soil. Look for soil that is specifically formulated for indoor plants. The label will indicate something like “Indoor Potting Mix,” and it should be rich in organic matter. Consider purchasing some water soluble fertilizer to add every few weeks.
A watering can is essential to a successful indoor herb garden. It may be tempting just to use a kitchen glass or plastic drink pitcher, but a watering can allows you to sprinkle the water evenly around the plant and not flood it with a direct pour of water.
How to Sow the Seeds
Once you have gathered your necessary materials, it’s time for the fun part: planting your herbs! Most herbs can be germinated from seeds fairly easily. You can plant seeds directly in your chosen container or germinate them first in your seed trays and biodegradable egg cartons. If in doubt, read the packet directions for specific instructions.
A good rule of thumb is to overseed. In other words, you should sow two to three seeds per hole because not all the seeds will germinate. This ensures you will get adequate sprouts. Alternatively, some herbs can be propagated by division – that is, taking the stem of an existing herb and planting it so that it grows its own root system. This method is a little more complicated and not suggested for beginners.
Growing & Care
Choose a spot that gets plenty of sunlight. A window that faces south is ideal since that will allow your herb to get the most sunlight. Most herbs will need around 6 or more hours of sunlight to grow successfully. Check the seed packet instructions for the specific sunlight requirements of your chosen herbs.
When planting your seeds, follow the directions on the seed packet closely. Pay attention to the sunlight requirements, watering schedule, and anticipated grow time and harvest. If you are planting a variety of herbs, it is a good idea to label each plant so you can easily identify them. Garden centers sell inexpensive garden markers, but you can also easily create your own. Keep the seed packet for future reference. You can also check online for tips from expert gardeners.
Set a schedule for watering. Some herbs will require more water than others, so set a reminder on your smartphone to help you remember all your watering times. Watering in the morning hours is helpful since the temperatures are cooler and water is less likely to evaporate before absorption.
You will need to prune your herbs periodically. Pruning prevents the plant from reaching full maturation and extends the life of your plants. Different herbs require pruning at various stages, so make sure to research your chosen herb varieties in advance. You should not use more than ¼ of the plant at one time to ensure that it keeps growing. Leaving some leaves attached to the stem is crucial for continued growth.
Enjoy the Fruits of Your Labor
After a few short weeks, you will have fresh herbs at your fingertips thanks to your indoor garden. When you are ready to use some of your herbs, be sure to use sharp, clean scissors or pruners. You can use your hands to pinch off some herbs, but remember to wash your hands first. It’s important to use clean hands or tools to avoid spreading disease onto your herbs.
Additionally, if pruning yields more herbs than you are able to use at once, wrap them loosely in a damp paper towel and store them in plastic wrap in your refrigerator. You can also dry herbs to store for later use. Of course, you can always share your surplus with friends, family, and neighbors!
In Conclusion
Altogether, herbs are an easy, fun way to start an indoor garden. All it takes is a few supplies, some sunshine and water, and a little patience. Having fresh herbs like basil, oregano, or cilantro on hand will definitely spice up your dishes and add some color to your window sills!