NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Winter weather may be on the wane, but it will still be a while before we can get outdoors and work in the soil. Even so, there’s no reason not to enjoy fresh, homegrown herbs.
Herbs grown indoors don’t care what the temperature is outside, whether there’s rain or snow or what season it is. An indoor herb garden can be a pot of basil on a sunny windowsill or a collection of favorite herbs grown under lights.
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What herbs to grow? Oregano (Origanum vulgare)? Sage (Salvia officinalis)? Basil (Ocimum basilicum)? Consider those most used.
Perennial herbs such as sage, oregano or thyme (Thymus vulgaris) can live for years and can be grown indoors or outside in a garden. Tender perennials such as rosemary (Salvia Rosmarinus, formerly Rosemarinus officinalis), can be grown indoors year-round or moved outside during warm weather. Annual herbs such as basil or biennials like parsley (Petroselinum crispum) will need to be replaced each year.
Catnip (Nepeta cataria) can be grown for feline friends. It (and other herbs) can be used to brew a relaxing cup of tea. This member of the mint family can be grown in a sunny window in a hanging basket to keep it out of kitty’s reach.
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Most herbs need plenty of light, like a window that receives direct sun for six to eight hours a day? If not, grow lights can help provide the light needed for healthy, productive plants. You can learn more about grow lights at go.uvm.edu/grow-lights.
If relying on a sunny window, turn the pot every few days to prevent one-sided growth and check the watering and fertilizing needs of individual herbs. Some will grow best if kept in slightly moist soil, while others do better if the soil is allowed to dry between watering. Avoid overwatering.
If home air is dry, indoor herb gardens may need additional humidity. If only growing a few herbs, mist the plants regularly. Alternatively, multiple plants can be placed on a layer of pebbles in a shallow tray filled with water. Keep the water below the top of the pebbles. As the water evaporates, it will raise the humidity around the plants.
Purchasing plants can provide instant satisfaction, but starting from seed will allow you a wider variety of choices.
If growing herbs from seed, a container and potting soil is needed. Follow recommendations for planting on the seed packet and cover the container with a plastic bag to increase humidity until the seeds sprout. For more information on starting seeds, see go.uvm.edu/seed-starting.
If there is room, a plant stand can provide a convenient home for a variety of herbs. If available space is limited, consider a tabletop grow light to create a kitchen counter herb garden.
Another alternative is an all-in-one tabletop unit that combines a grow light and a hydroponic growing system. It provides an easy way to start seeds and grow herbs without the need for soil. Maintenance includes refreshing the water and adding a recommended fertilizer according to the system’s instructions.
Whether choosing to grow a plant stand full of herbs or a single pot of rosemary, herbs will add fragrance and flavor to your indoor garden.
If you have questions about herbs or other gardening topics, contact the UVM Extension Master Gardener Helpline at go.uvm.edu/gardenquestion.
Deborah J. Benoit is a UVM Extension Master Gardener from North Adams, Mass., who is part of the Bennington County Chapter.
Deborah J. Benoit
Deborah J. Benoit is a UVM Extension Master Gardener from North Adams, Mass., and is part of the Bennington County Chapter.
