Grow Your Own Herb Garden Indoors!
Everywhere you turn from big box, grocery, home improvement, farmer’s markets and gardening stores there is a nice array of herbs to smell and that are for sale this time of year.
You probably took some time to smell the aromas, but thought to yourself "I don’t dare embark on the journey of growing these things myself, for I have no time to commit to gardening anything. Well, you are not alone, that is what most think, until they open their minds up to the possibility. You see gardening has been known to be an arduous chore, but it really does not have to be and when you think of how it can improve your health why not do it. If you are interested in a very low-maintenance way to enjoy the benefits of fresh herbs this Summer, or all year long – a windowsill herb garden may be the way to go for you. It is very simple and you can see the fruits from your seeds in no time.
Whether you live in a tiny apartment in Manhattan or any major city or on an acreage, chances are you may have a spot for a plant or two or three with a little bit of creativity. With a windowsill herb garden, you have the luxury of having fresh-grown natural herbs anytime you want. Not only is this convenient, but going this route provides cost savings to your budget as well. Furthermore, you can control what your plants are exposed to, so you know exactly what you are consuming at all times because it is grown by you.
Peak your interest? Let’s take a closer look at herbs that you can grow in your windowsill as early as well today. In addition, we will talk about how to grow, harvest and enjoy these aromatic herbs.
Common Herbs to grow:
Basil/Sweet/Basil
Cilantro/Coriander
Chives
Dill
Lavender
Lemongrass
Mint
Thyme
Oregano
Parsley
Rosemary
Sage
Tarragon
Thyme
Wheat-grass
1. Planting your Garden
You can buy seed packets and sprout the plants yourself, or if you aren’t that patient you can purchase a small starter plant kit. In either case, plant each herb in an individual pot with at least four inches of soil to allow growth from the root. The pot should have drainage holes and something to catch water drips. Place your herb garden in a south-facing window with moderately warm temperature. Do not allow the plants to touch the windows as changes in outdoor temperatures may be detrimental to them.
Be Creative!
Who says you need to stick to a boring clay pot? Jazz up your planters to match your very own taste, whether that’s vintage tin cans, coffee mugs or even an aluminum buckets – have fun with your herb garden and how you decide to keep it. At the end of the day the herb garden is about you – what you desire to eat, how you want to grow what you want to grow, and how you want it to be presented to you and others.
2. Care for your Plants
Now that your plant has taken root and started to grow, you can continue to nurture them by maintaining moist soil. Over-watering can be just as dangerous as under-watering. In fact, err on the side of letting the top couple inches of your plant get dry before moistening.
Pinching is another component of nurturing some of the herbs in your garden such as basil. Pinching is done by using your thumb and forefinger to remove growth shoots This process encourages lateral growth resulting in a more compact and a less leggy plant. If you do not pinch back herbs they will bloom. Blooming sends a signal to the plant to stop growing new leaves. Furthermore, once bloomed the flavor of the leaves may become more bitter; if that is your thing go for it, if not you now know what to do..
3. Harvest Time
Now reap the benefits of your herb garden. You may eat the herbs that are pinched from the plant and removed from new sprouts by adding them to any meal; you may want to add some of them to teas or tinctures too. If your garden produces and overflow of more than you can consume, freezing, drying, giving away or selling them are excellent ways to preserve what you have grown.
Food For Thought
Looking for something to do different this Summer that is stress-free and relaxing? Begin to grow your own herb garden in the comfort of your own space; you will not only taste the difference, you will feel it too. This windowsill garden process may even help you build faith in every area of your life; after all everything starts with a seed and then grows when nurtured.
What would you like to see harvest this Season?
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