You can bring your herb garden indoors for the winter, by planting a windowsill garden. Many herb plants grow quite easily in containers and require only minimal care. You'll be snipping fresh herbs in your kitchen throughout the winter.
Here is how:
- Make sure you have a sunny windowsill where your herbs will survive. A south or southeast window would be perfect if it gets at least 5 hours of sun per day and is away from drafts.
- Purchase some of your favorite small herb plants from your local nursery.
- Get a container that is at least 6-12 inches deep. You can plant multiple herbs in a wide or long container or use at least a 6" pot for individual plants.
- Use a soil less potting mix to avoid soil born diseases. Be sure the mix is light and will be well draining.
- Put a 2-3 inch layer of potting mix into the bottom of your container.
- Position your herb plants in the container.
- Finish filling in with the potting mix, firming gently around the plants. Leave about an inch at the top of the container for watering.
- Water sparingly. Herbs don't like to sit in wet soil.
- Feed once a month with a fertilizer labeled for use on edibles.
- Allow the plants some time to acclimate. Once you see new growth, you can start using your herbs.
- Choose herbs that don't grow too wide or tall. Chives, basil, lavender, parsley, mint and thyme are good choices.
- Fluorescent lights can be used if you don't have a sunny window. They will need to be placed close to the plants (18") and kept on for about 10 hours/day.
- Snip and use your plants often to encourage them to grow full and bushy.
- Never trim more than 1/3 of the plants foliage.
Requirement:
- Herb Plants
- Pots or containers
- Soilless Potting Mix
- Fertilizer
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