It’s actually easier than you think to grow good herbs indoors. News24 have compiled 7 tips to take into account when you do it.
1. Choose the right herb to grow
Choosing which herbs to grow is the first step. Here’s a little more information about some popular herbs that usually do well indoors:
Basil: This herb is popular in many recipes, especially Italian dishes. Basil thrives best in full sunlight and warm climates. It prefers well-drained soil and regular watering.
Parsley: Parsley is a versatile herb used in many different cuisines. It thrives best in sunny to semi-shady locations and prefers soil that is constantly slightly moist.
Thyme: Thyme is an excellent herb for indoor cultivation. It needs a lot of light but can handle slightly cooler temperatures than many other herbs. Thyme prefers well-drained soil and should not be overwatered.
Mint: Mint is a vigorous growing herb that can take over a garden outdoors, but indoors it can be kept under control. It prefers indirect light and constantly moist soil.
Oregano: Oregano is another herb that thrives indoors. It prefers full sunlight and well-drained soil.
Rosemary: Rosemary can be a little more difficult to grow indoors, but it does well if it gets enough light and air circulation. It also prefers well-drained soil and should not be overwatered.
2. Make sure there is light for the herbs
Sunlight is an important factor for your herbs to grow and thrive. Here are some things to consider:
Most herbs require at least 6-8 hours of light a day, and some prefer even more. Place your herbs on a sunny windowsill where they can get enough light.
If your home does not have enough natural light, you can supplement with a plant lamp. LED lights that are designed for growing plants provide the light spectrum that the plants need and are energy efficient.
Remember that while herbs need plenty of light, they can also be burned by too much direct sunlight, especially during the hottest parts of the day. If your herbs look stressed or start to get brown spots, it may be a good idea to move them to a location with less direct sunlight.
Different herbs have different light needs. For example, basil and oregano thrive in a lot of light, while mint can handle less light. Researching your specific herbs will help you give them the best chance for success.
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3. Don’t forget the soil when growing herbs
The soil you use to grow your herbs plays a big role in their health and growth. Here are some factors to consider:
Drainage: Herbs need soil that drains well. Overwatering can lead to root rot, which can be fatal to the plant. If the soil retains too much water, it can create an environment that promotes harmful fungi and bacteria. Use potting soil specially formulated for herbs or containing sand or perlite to improve drainage.
Nutrients: Herbs, like all plants, need nutrients to grow. Use a quality soil that contains compost or other organic materials. This will give your herbs a good start and help them grow strong and healthy.
pH: Most herbs prefer a neutral to slightly alkaline soil. If you are unsure, you can test the pH of the soil with a test kit from a garden store.
4. Water your herbs properly
Watering is another critical area to focus on when growing herbs indoors. Here are some tips:
How often you water: How often you should water your herbs depends on several factors, including the type of herb, the size of the pot, the type of soil, and how much light and heat the herbs receive. Generally speaking, you should water when the top of the soil feels dry to the touch.
Amount of water: When you water, make sure the soil is thoroughly soaked. Water until you see water coming out of the drainage hole in the bottom of the pot. This ensures that the water reaches the roots.
Overwatering: One of the most common mistakes when growing herbs indoors is giving them too much water. Herbs do not like to “stand” in water, and too much water can cause the roots to begin to rot. Signs of overwatering can include yellow or brown leaves and a generally unhappy plant.
Underwatering: On the other hand, too little water can cause your herbs to dry out and die. Signs of underwatering can include wilted leaves and slow growth.
In short, it’s important to give your herbs the right type of soil and the right amount of water. By paying attention to these factors, you can help your herbs thrive and grow.
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5. Choose the right pots for your herbs
Choosing pots or containers for your herbs can have a big impact on their health and growth. Here are some things to consider:
Drainage: Pots for herbs must have drainage holes in the bottom. This allows excess water to drain and prevents the herbs from becoming overwatered. If the pot does not have drainage holes, the roots can become waterlogged and rot.
Material: Pots can be made of different materials, such as plastic, ceramic, terracotta and others. Each material has its pros and cons. For example, terra cotta is porous and allows the soil to dry out faster, which can be good for herbs that prefer drier conditions. Plastic and ceramics retain moisture better, which can be good for herbs that need more water.
Size: The size of the pot should match the plant. Pots that are too large can lead to overwatering, as the soil will hold more water than the plant can absorb. Pots that are too small can limit growth and require more frequent watering. In general, you should choose a pot that is large enough to accommodate the plant’s root system and allow some room for growth.
6. Harvest your herbs
Harvesting herbs is one of the most rewarding parts of growing them. Here are some tips:
When to harvest: Many herbs can be harvested when young, but generally you want to wait until the plant has enough leaves to continue growing after harvest. A good rule of thumb is to harvest no more than a third of the plant at each harvest.
How to harvest: Cut the herbs near the leaf nodes (the points where the leaves attach to the stem). This will encourage the plant to put out new branches and become bushier. Use sharp scissors or a knife to make clean cuts and minimize damage to the plant.
Storage of herbs: Fresh herbs can be stored in the refrigerator in a container or plastic bag. You can also dry herbs for long-term storage. To dry herbs, tie them in small bundles and hang them upside down in a dry, dark place.
Choosing the right pot and knowing when and how to harvest the herbs can make a big difference in the success of your herb growing. By taking care of these aspects properly, you can enjoy a continuous harvest of fresh, home-grown herbs.
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7. Keep track of the temperature where you grow the herbs
Although herbs are generally quite hardy, they still have certain temperature preferences that can affect how well they grow. Here are some things to consider:
General preferences: Most herbs thrive best at temperatures between 18 and 24 degrees Celsius, which is usually within the normal indoor temperature range. But it is important to note that some herbs may have specific temperature preferences.
Nighttime temperatures: Some herbs, such as rosemary and thyme, are originally from the Mediterranean and are used to cooler nighttime temperatures. If possible, try to give these herbs a slight temperature drop at night to mimic their natural environment.
Too hot: If the temperature gets too high, it can cause your herbs to dry out quickly. Be sure to water them more often if your home gets particularly hot, and consider moving them to a cooler location if possible.
Too cold: On the other hand, temperatures that are too low can stunt growth and cause damage to the plants. Avoid placing your herbs in places that can get cold, such as near a drafty window.
Temperature variations: Rapid temperature changes can stress your herbs. Try to avoid placing your herbs in places where the temperature can change quickly, such as near an oven or a front door that is opened and closed frequently.
By keeping track of the temperature and adapting your care to the specific needs of your herbs, you can create an environment where your herbs can thrive and grow well.