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Need a winter boost? Try growing herbs inside. Lots of the Gardening Centers have a stock of
herbs already planted and growing inside – give them a call a see what is
available.
Herbs grown indoors offer many
benefits including fragrant foliage, various foliage colors and shapes, & a
constant supply of herb leaves for cooking.
Herbs that grow well indoors
include: chives, horehound, winter savory.
Herbs that DO NOT grow well in
containers include: horseradish, fennel, lovage.
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Unlike common houseplants,
herbs need conditions to be just right for optimum growth, or their health will
rapidly decline. Rotate pots often so that each side gets enough
light for uniform growth. Most herbs need six hours of direct sunlight - either
a sunny location, or 6 to 12 inches from two 40-watt, cool white fluorescent
bulbs for 14-16 hours. Rotate pots so each side gets light for uniform growth.
- Keep herbs in rooms that
have at least a 65-70°F day and 55-60°F night
temperatures. Although most herbs can survive temps that are in
the mid to low 40s, others cannot.
- Herbs also require a
proper balance between a humid environment & adequate air circulation.
- Herbs should be grown in
containers with a drainage hole & in a potting mix that will aid water
drainage.
- Fertilize herbs with a low
dose of water-soluble fertilizer every two weeks. A soapy solution, 1-2
tablespoons of a mild soap such as dishwashing soap to 1 gallon of warm
water, can be used to control most insect pests. Spray infested plants
with the solution once a week while pests are visible. Always wash leaves
off before using.
- Repot when roots grow
through the drainage hole.
- If you would like to place
your herbs in containers outside during the late spring and summer months,
acclimate them to higher light levels & intensities produced by the
sun. Start by placing pots outdoors in partial shade, & then slowly
expose them to more & more light every few days.
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Penn State Univ – via Ext MG -Prepared by Kathleen M. Kelley, asst. professor of consumer horticulture and Elsa S. Sánchez, asst. professor of horticultural systems mgmt.
For additional information: Herbs
