Thursday, December 3, 2009

3 Essential Tips For Growing Herbs Indoors

Growing your own herb plants is a good way to create fresh, aromatic herbs for many different purposes. Growing herbs indoors is simple since herb plants grow well in pots and they thrive in sunny window sills. Any type of pot or container that allows for well-drained soil will be a welcome home for herb plants.

There are three (3) important things necessary for an indoor herb garden and these are the same essential things needed for outdoor herb gardens too. They include:

1. Adequate sunlight
2. Well-drained soil
3. Plenty of water

These three things are important for growing herbs indoors so a window sill or surface where sun enters through a door or window is important. A kitchen herb garden is an excellent place to start. If there is a window in the kitchen that faces south or west, you can take greater advantage of natural sunlight. If you have a problem with a lack of adequate sunlight, growing herbs indoors can also be accomplished by using a light source such as a "grow lamp" or fluorescent lamp. While these are available, natural sunlight is always preferred if it is available.

Soil is the next important consideration. Herb Plants grow best in well-drained soil that is not too rich. Using two parts sterilized potting soil with one part coarse sand or perlite for herbs is a good mixture for pots. It is also beneficial to put about an inch of gravel or small rocks in the bottom of each pot to allow for adequate drainage. When growing herbs indoors, it is essential to ensure that pots do not become too wet and drainage helps avoid this problem. Adding about a teaspoon of lime for a 5-inch pot will help ensure that the soil is best suited for herbs. When the soil is optimal, the herb plants will grow strong and healthy and maintaining the herb plants will be easier.

Next, don't overlook the importance of water when growing herbs indoors. Herb Plants grown in pots need adequate water, although it's important not to over-water them. Herbs grow well when misted lightly with cool water. When growing herbs indoors in pots or containers, water them more often but avoid drenching the roots and leaving them soggy. They will not thrive in a pot that is too wet. A light spritz of water is a good way to keep them damp but not saturated.

When growing herbs indoors, it is easy to start a herb garden without a lot of fuss and trouble. Following these three essential tips for indoor herb garden projects will help ensure that your herb plants are healthy and produce fragrant herbs for cooking or other purposes. This is just the beginning of the wonderful experience of herb gardening and before you know it, you'll be ready to take your indoor herb garden into the outdoors too.

Ralph J Miller is the author of this article and the creator of the Ebook "My Secrets to a Successful Herb Garden". For more information and tips on herb gardening and growing herbs indoors, please visit our website at http://www.MyHerbGardeningSecrets.com and while your there you can register to receive your Free Herb Gardening Secrets Mini-Course.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ralph_J_Miller

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