Back to Home   Back to Info Sheets	Fresh Herbs Everyday Growing Herbs Indoors.       Fresh herbs are a wonderful addition to any meal. They can also be used to make potpourri, flavoured vinegars and teas. An overflowing pot of mixed herbs on the windowsill is a great temptation to crush a few fragrant leaves between the fingers and bask in the heady scent. To be successful with your herbs remember a few guidelines: - Herbs require at least six hours of direct sunlight, a south window is best. If you cannot supply six hours of natural sunlight then supplement with artificial light units. - Cool temperatures are best (16-18 degrees Celsius). Extremely warm temperatures can cause leaf damage and leggy growth. - Plants should have adequate root space and a pot proportioned to the size of the plant. A common mistake is planting small transplants from the garden centre in large 4 inch pots. Try smaller ones instead and move up to the larger pots as the plants grow. The pot should also have drainage holes to allow excess water to escape. Excess wet soil around the root ball harbours insects, fungus and root rot; all problems you want to avoid. - Let the top of the soil surface to dry between watering and then give the plant a good drink with lukewarm water. Wash the foliage frequently. - Humidity is important to the lush growth of the herbs. On dry winter days, mist the plants frequently or set them on a tray of pebbles with water to a level just below the top of the rocks. This should be avoided, however, with Rosemary. - Trim the herbs frequently. When you cut leaves and sprigs for use remember to shape the plant as well. This will keep them compact and healthy. - If you wish to move the plants outdoors in the spring, then you need to acclimatize them. You do this by placing them outdoors on warm days for short periods at a time. Gradually increase the length of time spent outdoors until they are hardy enough to stay out all the time. Remember to clean and isolate any plants brought in from the garden in the fall to ensure there are no insects on them. - Fertilize herbs with 20-20-20 according to directions on the label. Only fertilize during the growing period from April to September.   Some favourite indoor potted herbs include: basil rosemary peppermint spearmint chives oregano sage thyme   Vol. 97  no. 23
© Murray's Garden and Horticultural Services Last updated: March 1 2008