Ask the Experts Tips for Growing Herbs Indoors June 1, 2020 Planting & Growing Seeds Are you interested about growing herbs indoors? You will be happy to hear that growing herbs will not only give you year-round, fresh herbs to use, but growing them is gratifying, fun, and easy. A lot of people have tried herb growing due to its convenience. Even if you live in a small space, you can still grow herbs! They are best grown in a kitchen, where you can snip them fresh and use them in your dishes in a heartbeat. The key to successful indoor herb gardening is to get started on the right track. Here are some tips from Southern Botanical, your landscaping company in Dallas. 1. Make sure they get enough sunlight Herbs love a sunny spot. Did you know that sunlight contributes greatly to the flavor of your herbs? Strong light will also contribute to their growth. Make sure that your herbs get about 6 to 8 hours of sunlight. A bright, south-facing window is the best spot. 2. Thorough, slow, and infrequent watering Allow the pots to dry out in between watering. Put your finger 2 inches below the top of the soil. If the soil is dry, it’s time to water. It is also important to remember to water your herbs slowly. Watering too fast will cause the water to go directly to the drainage holes before the soil can absorb it. You do not need to water your herbs everyday. Depending on your home’s moisture level, watering 2 to 3 times a week should be sufficient. 3. Choose the best pots for your herbs Your choice of pots is a very important factor. Make sure that your pots have adequate drainage holes. Also, there should be a saucer for each pot you use. A decorative tray will do just as well. 4. Grow every herb in its own pot It’s not a good idea to combine different herbs in a single pot, especially when the growing conditions are not very ideal. One herb may need to be soaked in the sink, another might come under attack by fruit flies or indoor pest. 5. Show them some love. That’s right. Aside from giving your herbs ample water, good soil, and air circulation, talking to them will actually help by encouraging the release of carbon dioxide, which plants use to convert into food. Gently brushing your hand over your herbs will also encourage strong stems and stimulate them. Here are some culinary herbs that you might want to grow: ChivesBasilMarjoramLemon balmOreganoMintSageRosemaryParsleyThyme Excited about growing herbs indoors? You must be, because growing your own herb garden is a good project during this time. Plus, it makes food taste better! Sources: “Your Ultimate Guide to Growing Herbs Indoors,” Eating Well, http://www.eatingwell.com/article/289996/your-ultimate-guide-to-growing-herbs-indoors/. “Indoor Herb Garden – How To Have An Herb Garden Inside,” Gardening Know How, https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/herbs/hgen/growing-herbs-indoors.htm. “5 easy steps to growing fresh herbs at home while you’re in quarantine,” C|Net, https://www.cnet.com/how-to/5-easy-steps-to-growing-fresh-herbs-at-home-while-youre-in-quarantine/.