I recently wrote a post about growing basil indoors that proved to be quite popular.  Because of that, I’ve decided to also add an audio version as Episode 3 of The Gardening Everyday Podcast. 

In this episode, I discuss the basics of growing basil indoors.  These tips and ideas can work well for other herbs too.  I hope you enjoy this installment.

Tommy

If you read my previous post on growing basil indoors, you’ll already know that many herbs can be grown indoors. Plus, in that post I gave some tips on how to grow basil that can be applied to many other herb species. If you have time please use the links below to read the growing basil post as well as a post on growing an indoor herb garden.

Indoor Basil Growing

Indoor Herb Garden

As a quick review, herbs grown indoors can be challenging and rewarding. Here are a few brief thoughts:

1. You must provide as much natural light as possible or use some form of supplemental lighting such as grow lights.
2. Herbs grown indoors will be more susceptible to damage from over watering. These range from root rot to fungus gnat damage.
3. Fertilizers should be utilized on herbs grown indoors. Many of the potting mixes available simply do not have the nutrient holding capacity of garden soil. Constant, light additions are always better indoors than one time bolus feeds of fertilizers.
4. Growing herbs indoors requires warmth. While this may seem like common sense, the temperatures of our homes during the winter are often lower than 70 degrees Fahrenheit. This will not be detrimental to your herbs. However, if you can provide stable temperatures over 70, your herbs will produce more usable material.

Defining a top ten list of herbs for indoor gardening can be a bit tricky. I’ve basically taken into account the ease of growth for my list. You may have others you wish to try, but this list will provide you with a good place to start. I’ve also identified each herb with a propagation method that is best suited to the particular species for indoor growing (seed or plant) and I’ll explain possible sources below.

The Top 10 Herbs For An Indoor Herb Garden

1. Basil – seed
2. Mints – plants
3. Chives – seed or plants
4. Oregano – seed
5. Sage – seed or plants
6. Thyme – seed or plants
7. Dill – seed
8. Cilantro – seed
9. Parsley – seed or plants
10. Lavender – plants

Seeds for your indoor herb garden can be found at most garden centers or from several online vendors. You can do a search at Google for “herb seeds” and you will be presented with an overwhelming array of sources.

For purchasing plants, I suggest you first check your garden center as they often grow herbs year-round in their greenhouses. Like seeds, a search online will also yield a lot of resources. If you currently grow herbs outside your home, you can dig a portion of the plants for indoor transplanting. This works best for those listed as plant options in the list above.

Don’t get discouraged if you try growing herbs indoors and the results are less than perfect. You can focus your future efforts on only those that you have success with and later move on to some of the less hardy herbs.

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Happy Gardening!

Recommended Reading: Earl Mindell’s New Herb Bible: A complete update of the bestselling guide to new and traditional herbal remedies

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!