Growing herbs indoors is a convenient idea. Pluck it and use it as a recipe or garnish your food whenever you need to put some herbs in your food. Indoor herb gardens establish a cheerful ambiance in the interior. It has many health benefits as it keeps the air clean, and you will get to enjoy the homegrown fresh herbs. But it is not an easy task. If you wish to succeed in your plan of setting up an indoor herb garden, then there are some key points you should consider. In this article, you will learn about some tips to follow to grow herbs indoors.
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Choose The Perfect Spot
Most herbs require a lot of sunlight to grow well. So it would help if you placed them in the sunniest spot to maximize their exposure. Make sure that your indoor herb receives at least 6 hours of sunlight daily. Avoid areas that do not provide enough light to the herbs. Many herbs do not require much natural light in their growth, so that you can place them anywhere you like. Remember that during winter, the growth of your herbs might slow down due to the lack of sunlight. You can opt for artificial light during this time of the year, such as led lights or grow lights.
Choose The Right Plants
You must know which plants to pick as indoor herbs. Some herbs that you can grow best indoors are rosemary, sage, thyme, marjoram, lemon balm, parsley, mint, basil, chives, oregano, etc. You can grow herbs from cuttings, a branch of the existing plant, or go for seedlings from a garden shop.
Provide Adequate Drainage
If you let the herbs sit in water, you might ruin them because the roots rot. There are many herb pots available in the market. You can buy from them, which has some drainage. But make sure that you protect the surface by using a saucer, drain pan, or a liner under the container to catch water. For this purpose, you can opt for rubber, plastic, or metal saucers. You can go for any vessel of any size. But remember that if you choose small containers, you will have to re-pot them soon.
Take Care Of The Temperature
Temperature is an essential factor in the successful growth of indoor herbs. The ideal temperature ranges between 65 to 70 degrees F. If you want to slow down the growth of the herbs, then you can shift them to cooler corners of the house. If you can select the location near a window, remember to check whether the leaves are in direct contact with the glass because this contact would lead to the burning of the leaves due to excess heat. Basil is one of the trickiest herbs that love warmth. The best temperature for them is 75 degrees Fahrenheit. If they are in cool air, you will notice discoloration in their leaves within 24 hours.
Proper Watering
Though the soil on top dries, the soil at the bottom remains moist for some time so ensure the pots dry in between watering. Another thing is that you should water your herbs slowly; otherwise, all the water will be lost through drainage and won’t be absorbed properly. Herbs don’t require daily watering. Only a small amount of water is sufficient, and they only need to get moisture, not waterlogged.
Good Air Circulation
Take care that there is proper air circulation around your indoor herbs. If you place your herbs too close to each other, this will hinder air circulation and cause the spread of diseases. So the best idea is to rearrange the plants occasionally to avoid the chances of air getting stagnant around them.
Use Of Fertilizers
The perfect fertilizer for your indoor herbs is either fish emulsion or seaweed extracts. They promote leafy growth due to the rich content of nitrogen in them. During summers, fertilize the herbs once a week, and during winters, you can make it once a month as the growth is slow. This way, you will notice a successful growth of your indoor herbs.
Show Some Love
Yes, your indoor herbs need your love. Talk to them, gently brush your hands over them. These actions will help in its growth, release carbon dioxide, and make its stem stronger. The care you provide them and the time you invest in them will yield good results.
Benefits Of Growing Herbs Indoors
Growing an indoor herb garden has a lot of benefits, such as:
- Affordable
- Simple
- Healthy
- Handy in cooking
- Adds taste to your food
- Adds positivity to your home
- Saves money
- Fresh
- Smells good
- Low maintenance
- Natural and delicious
- Improves air quality in the interior
Conclusion
You can easily fight stress if you connect yourself with nature. Working with plants and soil is a good idea to fight stress and anxiety. An indoor herb garden is a perfect option to opt for as it has a lot of benefits. You can consume chemical-free, homegrown, and inexpensive herbs. Once you start growing herbs at your home, you will surely love this experience. You will enjoy the rewards of your hard work in the herbs that you will consume as a recipe or garnishing item. Nature surely plays a vital role in your mental and physical health.
Most herbs also help you fight negative vibes and enjoy a positive environment. Our home is where our heart resides, and it offers too much for us. So we must keep our home happy and free of negativity. These indoor herbs not only help in our cooking but also promotes the beauty of our living space. If you can provide a perfect setup for your indoor herbs and know about the tricks to promote their successful growth, then no one can stop you from enjoying this healthiest option!