Grow an Indoor Herb Garden this Winter - Shippy Realty & Auction

An indoor herb garden makes fresh flavor convenient throughout the winter.

Deep in January and February, between the snow, ice, cold temperatures and grey days, it can feel like spring will never come. To help brighten the long days, there is nothing better than the fresh scent (and flavor) of herbs grown right in your home.

Herbs, like most other plants, need ample sunlight. Find a place in your home that receives at least six hours of sunlight daily. A south or southwest facing window often works best for an indoor herb garden, but be sure that the herbs do not touch the window pane a sit can easily retain the cool temperatures from outside.

If an east facing window gets adequate sunlight feel free to use it. And, if all else fails, artificial lighting can work as well, so long as it is placed very close to the plant.

To grow well, your indoor herb garden needs light,well-draining soil. Potting soil is better than dirt from the garden; you don’t want to bring soil-borne pests and disease indoors.

I like to use clay pots with a drainage hole and saucer,most herbs do not like to be wet since most herbs do not like too much water because it can cause the roots to rot, but at the same time,herbs need water to survive. Use your fingers to test the dampness of the soil.It should be damp but not soaked.

Many pots have holes in the bottom to help drain water. If yours doesn’t, you’ll need to make some. Try painting the pots for kitchen décor.

Also, be aware that most herbs will be fine at the temperature in your home during the winter with warmer days and cooler nights but having the heat on can make the soil dry out quickly. I actually bring my herb containers indoors in the fall and place in the cooler porch. I use the leaves during the winter then cut them back before going outside again in the spring.

Herbs that do well indoors in containers are things like basil, parsley, rosemary, thyme, sage, mint, dill, and chives. Know that basil,dill, and chives will go to seed in a few months as they are annuals and will need to be replanted.