Growing herbs indoors is a great way to save money and get closer to nature. But if you're new to indoor herb gardening, the process can feel overwhelming because there are so many things to consider - including how much light herbs need, how often they should be watered, what type of soil should be used, etc. Here are beginner tips and tricks on how to grow herbs indoors; we’ve got everything you need from beginner-friendly set-ups, to care tips for beginner herb gardeners!
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What do herbs need to grow indoors?
When it comes to gardening, there's nothing quite like the satisfaction of growing your own herbs. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced gardener, growing your own herbs indoors can be a great way to enjoy your plants all year round. Here are some tips for getting started:
Begin by conducting research on the plants you intend to cultivate. Each herb has distinct needs when it comes to growing conditions. You'll discover information on how to care for herbs, whether they are annual or perennial herbs and their growth requirements in the sections below.
These 8 requirements will help your herbs to grow beautifully.
Light:
When it comes to herbs, light is one of the most important elements. Herbs need a lot of natural light. Most herbs thrive when they get full sun which is 6-8 hours of direct sunlight.
In fact, the herbs that get more light actually taste better, because it makes the flavor more intense! If you're growing your herbs indoors, make sure to place them near a sunny window.
South-facing windows are best, as they provide the most light. If your location at home doesn't provide adequate sunlight, you can also purchase grow lights for herbs. There are many different styles and options based on your budget. If you are growing herbs indoors in winter, using grow lights during the darker, colder months is also a good idea.
Water:
Herbs need water regularly, but the key is to make sure that they are not getting too much or too little water. Keep the soil moist, but not soggy.
Let it dry out a little between each watering. Herbs don't like being over-watered, so try not to saturate the soil. This is especially important for herbs grown in containers because they tend to dry out faster than those grown in a garden or planter box.
The easiest approach to water your plants is to examine the soil first. You can check how dry your plants' soil is by sticking a finger about an inch or two into the dirt - if it feels moist then you should be good for now! If the dirt is damp, check back every couple of days. If the soil is dry, give your plant enough water to moisten it up once again - but not so wet it feels muddy. I recommend letting your herbs drain in the sink after watering them to remove any excess water.
Another important tip is to water the soil not the leaves of the herbs. This prevents them from getting diseases and fungus.
You can tell if you're overwatering or underspending by examining the leaves on your plants. If the leaves are drying, browning, and/or breaking apart, it's time to water them.
You are overwatering if the leaves are yellowing or mold is growing in the container. If the leaves are wilting, it's an indication that you're underspending on water. In this case, water your plants more liberally.
If you overwater your herbs, shift them to a shaded location as soon as possible. Dead leaves should be removed because they aid in the spread of disease. Create space around the roots. To provide some ventilation, I poke holes in the soil around the roots with a chopstick. To prevent fungus from growing, use a fungicide. Don't water them for a week and then resume watering them lightly.
The most beneficial advice I can offer is to ensure that you are watering your plants correctly from the start and that they have adequate drainage. It's far easier than attempting to fix a problem after it has occurred.
Temperature:
Most herbs like it between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit which is perfect for most homes.
However, there are a few herbs that prefer cooler or warmer temperatures. For example, chives and parsley-like it cool (55-65 degrees Fahrenheit), while basil prefers it warm (75-85 degrees Fahrenheit).
Pots:
There are many different types of pots for growing herbs indoors to choose from, but I prefer ceramic, glazed pots because they help retain the moisture in the soil.
Terra cotta and unglazed pots are also good choices because they allow the soil to breathe. But terra cotta pots are known to dry out faster.
Plastic pots are not recommended because they don't allow for proper drainage and can lead to root rot.
When choosing a container, you want one that allows for adequate drainage, so make sure there are drainage holes at the bottom of the pot. It is also good to make sure the pot has adequate depth. If it's too shallow, your plants will dry out quickly whereas a deeper container allows for better root growth.
It's also important to remember that each plant should be planted in its own container. If you cram your plants, they won't have enough space to grow and will get leggy.
Food:
Herbs need fertilizer about once a month, especially if you are harvesting regularly. You can use a balanced fertilizer like this one.
Air circulation:
Herbs need good airflow around them, especially if you're growing indoors. If the air is stagnant and humid, it can lead to diseases such as rust or brown leaf spot fungus.
Try rearranging them and moving them around periodically to get the best air circulation. You can also use a fan to help circulate the air around your plants.
Harvesting:
Harvesting your herbs will help to encourage their growth. You should harvest regularly to keep the plant from becoming too leggy and to ensure a continuous supply of fresh herbs. The more you harvest, the more your plant will grow.
To harvest, remove the leaves from the stems by pinching them off with your fingers or using scissors to cut them at their base. It's important not to pluck all of one leaf because it can cause damage and slow down growth for that particular leaf.
You should also never take too much of your herb at once because it can affect your plant's ability to continue growing. A good rule of thumb is to never harvest more than one-quarter of the plant.
It is best to harvest in the morning since it will retain its freshness longer than if harvested during the evening.
Which herbs grow best indoors?
The best herbs to grow indoors are parsley, sage, thyme, oregano, and rosemary. These herbs are hardy and can tolerate a range of conditions, making them perfect for beginner gardeners. Medicinal herbs are also great to grow!
Cilantro, basil, and chervil are also beautiful indoor herbs. Basil and mint may be propagated from a cutting and will establish roots in water. Herbs like these are hardy and can be used as strong starter plants for your garden. Mint, on the other hand, is territorial and will take over an area if planted outside. Make sure it has its own pot and plenty of sunlight and keep the soil moist.
Which herbs are easiest to grow?
The majority of herbs are simple to cultivate. All you have to do is give them enough light, adequate drainage, and the appropriate amount of water, and you'll be eating your herbs in no time. Make sure to repot your plants on a regular basis. Your plants will require more nutrients and room than the pot they came in.
If you’re growing herbs indoors from seeds, moving them to a bigger container will help them reach their full potential. When given the space it needs to develop, you'll be shocked at how big a well-cared-for herb may grow.
Can you grow herbs without soil?
Growing without soil, or hydroponically, is an easy way to grow an herb garden. Make sure your garden gets enough natural light or you are supplementing with a LED grow light. Also, be sure to water as needed. Herbs are adaptable and can grow both indoors and outdoors, with or without soil. If you're a novice gardener, an herb garden is an ideal place to begin.
The Easiest Way to Get Started with an Indoor Herb Garden
Don’t be intimidated! Growing herbs indoors is a much easier task than you might think. Especially with some of the done-for-you set-ups, you can buy at your local gardening store, or even on Amazon, you’ll be an expert grower quickly. You will be growing herbs indoors year-round!
If you want to get up and running fast and get some experience under your belt, you can try an indoor herb garden starter kit. Wherever you live, they provide everything you'll need to get started growing right away.
If you want to skip all of the muss and fuss and just get to growing, try a hydroponic garden setup that you can purchase and get started immediately. This type of garden comes with a pre-set watering and light system, so you don't have to worry about getting the balance just right. Plus, they're easy to set up and can be started right away.
If you're sowing seeds, there are a few things to keep in mind. Check the seed packet for germination times and growing instructions -here’s a beginner’s guide how to read a seed packet for reference; not all plants will thrive indoors. Chives, parsley, mint, and thyme are all easy-to-grow herbs that may be started indoors.
RELATED: Herbs to Plant in Fall for a Flavorful Home Garden
Mistakes To Avoid When Growing Herbs Indoors
There are a few things you should avoid if you want to have a thriving herb garden indoors. One of the most common mistakes is over or under watering your plants. This can be easily remedied by using a moisture meter, which will ensure that your herbs receive the right amount of water.
Another common mistake with growing herbs indoors is not giving them enough light. Most herbs need around six hours of direct sunlight per day, so make sure to place your garden near a window that gets a lot of sun.
If you are using artificial light, be sure to supplement with UVB light or your plants will not grow properly.
The last mistake people often make is trying to grow too many herbs in too small of a space. When starting out, try to choose just a few herbs that you are really interested in and focus on those. As you become more experienced, you can add more varieties to your garden.
Summing up Growing Herbs Indoors for Beginners
Growing herbs indoors is a simple and easy way to enjoy the flavors of fresh, organic produce all year round. There are many factors that go into successfully growing your own herb garden at home, follow these simple instructions and you'll be a master grower in no time.
