Fresh herbs are an amazing way to add flavor to every meal that you make. However, they can be expensive and you may not even find them easily. You can still always enjoy the flavors and that too without having to visit a store if you choose to grow your own herbs.
Do not worry as there is no need for you to be an expert gardener to start an herb garden. And, even if there is no space for a garden outside, you can grow herbs inside your house.
You will not even be needing too much area inside your home, as it is very much possible to start an indoor herb garden in a small space.
But, how do you start your own indoor herb garden? What supplies do you need? How much light will be needed? If such are the questions now running in your mind then continue reading and discover your answers.
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Supplies Needed For an Indoor Herb Garden
Before you can start your herb garden you will need the necessary supplies to make sure you cultivate healthy plants. Every plant that you select will need a container, good quality soil, and even plant food to encourage healthy growth.
You may even buy an herb garden kit as it will contain everything that you need. However, chances are, you already have some of the supplies. In that case, the supply list that we shall now share shall help you decide what the things that you need to invest in are.
Plants or seeds
If you are planting a garden for the very first time or want to see fast results then starting with plants will be a good idea. However, if you have the experience of growing plants using seeds then you may choose seeds. The seeds will most likely germinate in two weeks.
Seeds are usually the least expensive but seedlings or small plants can easily be grown. If you want to start using your fresh herbs faster then you must opt for seedlings or established plants. But, if you choose seeds then you have the freedom to decide when exactly you want to start your little indoor garden.
Also, you get the chance to opt for those varieties that you may not find easily in your local nursery.
Containers, herb pots, or planters
There are different types of containers available to choose from. Depending on what you select, you can make your indoor garden look very attractive.
Now, since we are talking about a small space herb garden here, containers and planters that you can hook onto your wall will be perfect.
You also have many beautiful little planters to choose from that do not take too much counter space.
Drainage trays
If you want to grow healthy herbs, the soil needs to be well-drained. And, to catch the excess water, you will need a tray or a saucer.
Potting mixes
Instead of opting for heavy soil, it will be better to get a potting mix that ensures proper drainage. Potting mix generally contains fertilizer, wood, or mulch chips for great drainage. Also, it contains other plant-specific ingredients that help boost growth. Do consider the herbs that you plan to grow while selecting your potting mix.
Fertilizer
Plants that are grown in pots get minimal soil to draw nutrients. It will be a good idea to add fertilizers as it will promote proper growth.
Grow light
If you want your herbs to grow well and be full of rich flavor then you need to make sure it gets enough sunlight. Now, during winters your herbs may not get the sunlight that it needs and then a grow light can prove to be a perfect artificial replacement.
Gardening tools
You need to get a good spade or transplanter. You may have to transplant growing plants into bigger containers and then you will need these tools. They will help you lift your entire plant with the root system and cause no harm at all.
You even need a good pair of scissors so that you can snip your herbs when needed. The blades must be clean and safe to cut the herbs and use them for cooking.
Spray bottle or mister
If the environment is dry then misting your plants can prove helpful. Particularly, young plants benefit a lot when a light water coating is applied to the leaves.
A Step-By-Step Guide To Grow Your Indoor Herb Garden
1. Select the right plants
You can grow most of the herbs indoors but those that thrive inside beautifully include chives, basil, oregano, mint, rosemary, thyme, and parsley.
2. Opt for a container with good drainage
As already mentioned, you have many choices as far as plant pots are concerned. Just make sure the one you select ensures good drainage.
As far as the size is concerned, it is alright if it just fits the plant well. But, if the vessel is too small you will have to repot quite soon.
3. Select a sunny location
Most herbs enjoy a lot of sunlight. So, you need to make sure your indoor garden gets at least six hours of sunlight every day to thrive. It will be best to keep your plants near your brightest window.
During winters, growth can be slow because of a lack of adequate natural light. For these months you can get an LED light or grow light so that your plants are not completely deprived of the light that they need.
4. Water only enough
A small herb only needs a little water. Yes, you must make sure the soil always stays moist for proper herb growth, but it should never be waterlogged. If you see the leaves have started turning yellow or are wilting, then you need to reduce the amount of water.
5. Harvest just a little
You can harvest some sprigs using a good pair of scissors or may even pinch the leaves using your fingers. Regular cutbacks promote new growth. But do not remove over a quarter of the herb at a time. Else, this may cause distress and even end up killing your plant.
6. Transplant when required
Your herbs eventually will outgrow their pots. If you notice the roots are growing out of the drainage holes, the plant flops over, or there is a stalled growth then these suggest it is time to transfer the plant.
Many herbs that you start indoors can be moved outside. If, however, you still want them to be inside, you just need to make sure they are close to a light source.
It is indeed very easy to grow your own herb garden even in a limited space in your home.
Yes, you have to take the best care of them and meet all their needs to perfection. And if you manage to do so, you are going to enjoy flavorful and fresh herbs throughout the year, and that too right inside your home.
