Here’s How to Grow Herbs Indoor
Already missing working in the garden? The Master Gardeners at Cornell Cooperative Extension have an idea to keep those idle hands busy and make great tasting meals; grow your own herbs.
Parsley, chives, rosemary, thyme, sage and winter savory all grow well indoors. Pot up your favorite herbs from the garden and bring them indoors or start your plants from seeds. You can also find plants in grocery stores or nurseries this time of the year. Here are some tips to insure success.
Light:
This is the greatest challenge since herbs need as much light as possible. A very sunny window such as a southern or southwestern exposure is best. You can grow herbs under fluorescent light too if your house doesn't receive enough sun exposure.
Soil and Drainage:
Insure pots have adequate drainage. Clay pots are better for herbs than plastic since they are more porous. Use a quality potting mix; never use garden soil. Garden soil is heavier and may bring in outside pests.
Temperature:
Herbs prefer cooler temperatures below 70 degrees F. Avoid placing plants near a heat source. Humidity is also important. If your home is dry, keep pots on a tray with pebbles and add water so the pots sit on top.
Fertilizer:
Herbs will benefit from feeding every 2 to 3 weeks with a general purpose, water-soluble fertilizer.
Don't expect your herbs to grow in the same way that they would outdoors. Plants will be smaller and will grow slowly. Water them when the top inch or so of soil feels dry. Watch them for pests; indoor herbs can be susceptible to white flies and/or aphids.
You can get more details in this fact sheet on herbs from Penn State's Extension service or call CCE's Horticulture Hotline 9:00 am to noon Wednesdays and Fridays.
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