Mastering Herb Indoor-Gardening

Whether your looking to create culinary masterpieces, improve your health and that of your family or just beautify your indoor spaces, consider an herb indoor garden. To be successful indoors, you need to be aware of these three crucial elements...

Let there be light!
The most basic element to your indoor garden will be plenty of light. These plants crave, and in the initial stages really need, ten to twelve hours os sunlight every day. Ideally you want to find a window with a southern or western exposure. Southern is preferred. This will provide a nice sunny, warm climate that will allow your herb indoor garden to thrive. Also be sure to turn your plants weekly to allow the sunlight to reach all sides. If you can't provide the ideal natural light conditions, then consider investing in a grow light. You can find them at Nursery's and some discount stores. Keep the light about a foot above your plants.

How much water?
Container grown herbs will tend to dry out more quickly than those grown outdoors. Not to worry, it's pretty easy check the status. Stick a finger into the soil, at least a half inch down to make sure you feel the moisture. If it feels dry to the touch, then add a little water. Be sure not to over-water these little guys. You don't want to be promoting root rot. You will also want to watch out for a common but easily treatable disease called powdery mildew. If you see it, prune the plant and remove all infected areas. If your not running a whole house humidifier, be sure to finely mist your herb indoor garden with water weekly. You can also place a small dish of water next to the heat source to provide proper humidification.

Let's get growing ...
Probably the best size herb pot is going to be your standard six-inch plating pot.

You can grow many seeds, or a couple of small bulbs in just one of these pots. Just be sure to keep seeds and bulbs one inch apart. Before placing any kind of soil in these pots, line them with stones and bark chips. This provides an effective aeration mechanism and proper drainage. Don't skimp on price when it comes to soil. A good quality soil will provide your herbs with the nutrients they will need to thrive. Bury your seeds or small bulbs in the pot about an inch apart across the surface of the container, place them into the light source and let the growing begin. Follow the light and watering tips above and you'll soon have an abundance of flavorful, and or medical herbs for years to come.