Three points to Remember when Having an Indoor Herb Garden
It might be surprising to some, but most herbs grow better in an indoor herb garden. Majority of herbs are annuals. Annual herbs and plants only have a year lifespan. They grow and bloom in one season then within a year, they die. You may think that this type of herbs is too costly, but you actually extend the life of your annuals.
Here are some key points explained in establishing an indoor garden.
Knowing the easy-to-grow indoor herbs
Annuals are the best type for indoor gardens. Since they have a limited lifespan, they cannot be exposed to continuously changing weathers. Their roots usually have small growth; which is why they cannot stand the outside environment. They can be easily uprooted and their leaves would easily wither.
Some varieties of basil like Thai, Holy Basil or Tulsi and lemon, chives, scented geranium, lavender, rosemary, sweet woodruff and lemon verbena are some of the annuals appropriate in indoor settings. These could grow in small pots and could survive without constant exposure to sunlight. However, some may need to be taken outdoors once in a while. These would be further explained in the succeeding parts.
On the other hand, some perennials could also survive in indoor environments. A seasonal outdoor exposure is something they need.
Having the right locations
Window areas, door openings, atriums and any area inside your house with natural lighting or close proximity to outside ventilation are the most suitable places for indoor herbs. In the kitchen, put them near the windows that should always be left open or at least ajar. Just a few hours under ample sunlight could make your plants healthier.
If you are into aromatic herbs, you most definitely want them placed in various parts of the house. But do make sure that you take them outside for at least one to three hours daily. Too much sunlight will cause their roots to dry up and that would result to frequent wilting of the leaves.
Perennials could also stay indoors but as much as possible expose them to sunlight regularly. Put them in places where there is most sun exposure. If you happen to have limited spaces near the open areas, another option is to use chains to hang them.
Taking care of the herbs – on watering, pruning and soil maintenance
Indoor plants need as much water as outdoor plants. They can be watered every other two days. Drowning the soil will make it too soggy to absorb other nutrients from the soil.
You can also do occasional pruning. Do not take out the drying foliage immediately. Letting them fall on the pot would make them possible fertilizers. However, if there are too much falling leaves, you have to remove some of them. They may be too moist, thus killing the roots.
Your soil should have regular peat moss or compost supplements. At least every three months, make it a point to dig up an inch from the surface and put in a new batch. This is also a basic in growing herbs in pots.
Before annuals die, start repotting so you would not have to start planting all over. Trim off a healthy part of the herb. Each cut piece should have some roots and foliage already this will make it easier for you to grow them.
Now these three easy key methods would ensure you of a flourishing indoor herb garden all year round.
