Your Indoor Herb Garden Tips

You likely have most of the tools you need for herb gardening. They include items such as small garden shovel, gloves, organic fertilizer and some containers.

Some of the many uses for herbs include flavoring, dying, perfume and cosmetics and herbs are even utilized to repel insects. Some even believe they have the power to counter evil and vampires. It is believed by some that they can help you find the perfect lover, promote good luck. The goal for most people is to grow their own special herbs to highlight their culinary creations.

Herb gardening can be undertaken indoors or outdoors and the basic requirements are very similar.

If planting your herbs inside, you will require a relatively deep container of about 6 inches and a sunny location but not strong, hot direct sunlight.

Sources for your plants or seeds include your local nursery or the wide range of products available on the internet.

Use top grade potting soil with an organic fertilizer mixed in. You might use a little perlite to break up the soil texture. Fertilize during potting the herbs and that should hold for a while. If they begin to appear a little bit off in color or physical appearance, just add a bit of liquid organic fertilizer.

Select a pot that allows you leave the roots undisturbed and be careful not to bruise the parts of the plant as you place them into the potting medium.

Herbs such as oregano, mints, lemon balm or bee balm tend to 'take over' the garden. Segregate these herbs a bit from the others.

A small piece of screening will suffice at the pot drainage hole. This keeps the soil inside as excess water drains out the bottom.

Herbs want 4 to 6 hours of sunlight each day . If your location selection doesn't supply that much light then purchase garden grow lights and hang them three inches above the plants. Locate the plants away from direct hot sunlight but also shield them from cold windows or drafts during winter.

Herbs do not tolerate excess water and you may wish to purchase an inexpensive water meter to determine watering requirements.Use water that is at room temperature so you don't shock the roots.

Plants that exist nicely together

* For an Italian selection try Sweet basil, Italian parsley, Oregano, Marjoram and Thyme. * For a lovely scented container use Lavender, Rose scented geranium, Lemon balm, Lemon thyme, and Pineapple sage. * For really great salads try Garlic chives, Rocket, Salad burnet, Parsley, Celery. * And to say 'We love French Cooking!' use Tarragon, Chervil, Parsley, Chives and Sage

Allow your herbs to get well established before sampling. This may be difficult to do but will pay dividends in the end.

Have fun and enjoy! No purchased herb will taste as great as your own home grown. You must experience this pleasure and satisfaction.

Gardens and Houseplants