Top Three Points to Consider For Having an Indoor Herb Garden By Ned Marx At Isnare.com Ezine Articles

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 have a year lifespan. They grow and bloom in one season, then die afterwards within a year. 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; hence they cannot withstand the outside environment. Their leaves would easily wither and they could be easily uprooted.

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. They just need seasonal outdoor exposure.

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, place them near the windows which 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 be sure to take them outside for at least one, at most three hours daily. Too much sunlight could cause their roots to dry up which would then result to frequent wilting of the leaves.

Perennials could also stay indoors but as much as possible expose them to sunlight regularly. Allot them the spots where there is most sun exposure. If you have limited space near the open areas, you could use chains to hang them instead.

Taking care of the herbs – on watering, pruning and soil maintenance

Indoor plants need as much water as outdoor plants. You can water them every other two days. But never drown the soil as the roots would be too soggy to absorb other nutrients from the soil.

You can also do occasional pruning. But do not remove 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, dig up an inch from the surface and put in a new batch.

Before annuals die, start repotting so you would not have to start planting all over. Cut off a healthy part of the herb. Each cut piece should have some roots and foliage already so it would be easier for you to grow them.

Now these three easy key methods would ensure you of a flourishing indoor herb garden all year round.

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