How to Build an Indoor Herb Garden

Feb 19th, 2008 by tommy

Have you ever wished for fresh herbs in the winter? Or, how about just some aromatic plants to brighten your home? Growing herbs indoors is not as hard as it may seem. In fact, you could produce enough herbs indoors to have fresh material to cook with every week.

I know of three easy methods that can allow you to grow an indoor herb garden. I have detailed each below in order from least expensive to most expensive. At the end of this article you will find general health and care tips for your herbs.

Moving plants from outdoors

This is probably the least expensive and easiest method of growing herbs indoors. If you currently grow herbs in your garden you can bring some plants indoors. This is especially easy if you already grow your herbs in pots. Simply bring the containers indoors and place them in a location that gets as much sun as possible during the day. You will also want to place trays under the containers to keep excess water from the pots off of your floor.

Starting herbs from seed

This is another easy method for starting your herb garden. It isn’t difficult to locate trays (or flats) made of plastic with as many as 72 small dividers inside. Some come with peat pots as containers or peat pellets that expand when soaked in water. These are found in numerous garden centers and department stores, especially during the spring time. You can even purchase kits that have a plastic cover resembling a miniature greenhouse.

Using a good potting mix, plant the tray with your choice of herb seeds. Water the entire tray well (you may even want to pre wet your potting mix before filling the tray). Do not allow water to sit in the bottom of the tray. After the potting mix has absorbed as much water as it can, usually after sitting for 30 minutes, drain the excess liquid. Cover the tray with cellophane or the clear top if yours has one, and place the tray in a warm location such as the top of your refrigerator. Depending on your seed choice, you should see sprouts within a few days. Remove the covering as soon as you can after the first plants emerge. Place the tray in a location that receives as much sun as possible. As your new herb plants become larger, you will need to transplant them into bigger containers.

Continue to give your herb garden plenty of sunshine and harvest regularly to promote new growth.

The AeroGarden (pictured above)

This is exciting! You may have seen an AeroGarden on TV. This is the most expensive method of the three for starting an indoor herb garden (about $149). However, it is by far the easiest and produces the best results. The AeroGarden is an all in one growing “appliance”. It comes with a stand, water reservoir, grow lights, seeds, and other bonuses. The attractive design is meant to set on your kitchen counter just like any other appliance. The lights are set on a timer for optimum growth potential. The seeds come prepackaged for ease of use. And, most importantly, with a few minutes a week, you can be harvesting fresh herbs within two to three weeks! This is the ultimate in convenience for those on a busy schedule. To learn more about this product, visit the AeroGarden website at Amazon today.

Tips for indoor herb garden care:

Pests can be a problem. Whiteflys, thrips, and aphids are common pests of indoor plants. They are easily controlled with an insecticidal soap from you local garden center. The waiting period before harvest is usually 1 day or less. Please read and follow all directions on the label of any insecticide.
Water as needed only. Watering indoor plants too much is a common mistake. Outdoors, the excess water can evaporate with wind and sunlight. Indoors, a home is usually more humid and less windy. Fungus and other organisms can damage or kill plant roots and stems. Always wait to water until the top of the soil is dry.
Fertilizer. Commercially available fertilizers, either organic or inorganic, usually list a dosage level for indoor house plants. Follow these recommendations for your indoor herb garden as well.

If you decide to grow an indoor herb garden, I’m sure you will enjoy the time and effort. The reward of fresh herbs to smell and cook with is amazing. Good luck!