Tips for Growing Herbs in Pots or Containers

Did you know that growing herbs in pots indoors can is not only easy but can be just as productive as growing them outside?  In addition to using pots and containers, you can also grow herbs in hanging baskets or even window boxes, making this an easy and fun way to enjoy your own herb garden indoors. However, just as outdoor herb gardens need good soil, water, and sunshine, your indoor garden would have the same requirements.

To get started, you can choose such varieties as oregano or basil for growing herbs in pots. Then, you need to choose the location where the pots will be placed, making sure the herbs are provided with ample sunlight. Typically, people place an indoor herb garden in the kitchen, using a west or south-facing window to ensure proper sunlight is received. Of course, each type of herb would have slightly different need but most love sun. In addition to natural sunlight, if needed, you can use fluorescent or special grow lights, which work well.

Your indoor herb garden will also need healthy soil that can drain well. The best combination is two parts sterilized potting soil mixed with one part of coarse perlite or sand. In the bottom of the pot or container, place about one inch of gravel and then place the soil mixture on top. This will help water drain appropriately. If needed, you can always add one teaspoon of lime for a five-inch pot or container to supplement the soil for heartier plants.

Another aspect of growing herbs in pots or containers is proper watering. If you live in a humid region, it would be important to keep the pebbles moist and leaves sprayed with a mist of water. Now, the one important aspect of watering your indoor herb garden is that it would not need as much water as an outdoor garden. In fact, you want to be careful in that if the roots were to become too wet, you could end up with root rot and dead plants.

The pot or container you choose is also important. However, for an indoor herb garden, you can choose almost anything as long as water can drain and roots have room to grow. If you decide to grow perennial herbs, then they should be placed outdoors in the summer months but for annuals, they would be kept inside all year long. Then to avoid losing any leaves, it would be imperative to bring any perennials inside prior to the first frost. Now, if you decide to grow chives, tarragon, or mint, they should be allowed to feel a light frost, which produces a stronger plant and better growth.

Remember, you can grow virtually any herbs you want indoors but some herbs will grow better than others will.  For example, the easiest herb to grow is mint but you would need to keep it pinched back in that mint grows fast, often overtaking a garden.  Mint is great however, in that a pinch would be perfect for lemonade or tea, or add a fresh taste to stews and chilies.

A little bit of care will ensure your herb garden is healthy and strong. About once a year, your pot or container garden should be provided with food.  When you are growing herbs in pots inside, understand that they will need to be moved outdoors once risk of frost has passed but if you grow annuals, they will die so you would need to replant new ones each year. Just as you would with your outdoor herbs, an indoor herb garden would need to be pruned so you get healthy growth. Once your herbs are grown, you will simply pinch off what you need for mouth-watering recipes.