An herb garden can be grown outside or inside depending on your needs, climate and space. There are advantages and disadvantages to both.
Getting Started.
Indoor Advantages | Outdoor Advantages |
---|---|
Easy to access | Higher yields |
No weeding | More flavorful |
Year round growing season | More space |
Do herbs grow better indoors?
Most herbs can be grown indoors, but those that tend to really thrive inside include no-fuss picks like basil, chives, mint, oregano, parsley, rosemary and thyme. You can start herbs from seed or cuttings, which is a branch of an existing plant cut at the node and soaked in water until new roots sprout.
Where is the best place to grow herbs?
Most herbs thrive in full sun in a sheltered position. You can grow herbs indoors on the windowsill, in pots outdoors or straight in the ground. Sow seeds of annual herbs like basil and coriander every couple of weeks to provide you with fresh leaves throughout summer.
Should I keep my herbs inside?
Most herbs need a warmth in order to grow. Keep them in rooms that are at least 65-75°F during the day, and no less than 55-60°F at night. Even though many herbs can survive at lower temperatures, they are unlikely to produce much growth under those conditions.
Where should herbs be placed in the house?
Herbs prefer 6-8 hours of direct sunlight. A bright, sunny window or sunroom is an ideal location for growing herbs indoors. Southern facing windows are the best choice. You can add a small table directly in front of your window if the window sill is simply not large enough to comfortably fit your pots.
How often do I water my herbs?
A good rule of thumb for most herbs is to water about once per week. During extreme heat or drought conditions, sometimes twice per week will be needed. Water in the cooler hours of the morning, between 6 – 10 am, to avoid evaporation and allow for deep root soaking.
Does growing herbs indoors attract bugs?
You’re not the only one who enjoys eating herbs and vegetables – Aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies are all pests that can take residence on your indoor herbs.
What herbs should not be planted together?
Which herbs do not go together?
Herb | Not compatible with |
---|---|
Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) | Coriander (Coriandrum sativum), dill (Anethum graveolens), cress (Lepidium sativum), marjoram (Origanum majorana), caraway (Carum carvi) |
Peppermint (Mentha x piperita) | Camomile (Matricaria chamomilla) |
Do herbs like full sun or shade?
Though it is true that most herbs prefer full sun, there are some that thrive in shade or require at least some shade for their best performance. Gardening with herbs in the shade can be an excellent retreat from the sun.
What is the easiest herb to grow?
Easy herbs to grow
- Sage. Sage is used primarily in poultry dishes and stuffing, making it a mainstay for Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners.
- Parsley.
- Oregano.
- Mint.
- Thyme.
- Dill.
- Chives.
- Cilantro.
Why do my potted herbs keep dying?
The main reason for herbs dying is because of root rot which is caused by overwatering, slow draining soil and pots without drainage holes in the base. Herbs require well draining soil and suffer root rot because of excess moisture around the roots which causes herbs to turn yellow, droop and die back.
What herbs can be kept outside?
Cold Climate Herb Garden
Some cold hardy herbs (mint, thyme, oregano, sage, and chives) are very well adapted. In areas with frost, they grow as perennials, going dormant in the winter and coming back with new growth in the spring.
How long do herb plants last indoors?
After an annual plant has gone to seed, it will die and you will need to replant. The normal growing period for many annual herbs is between 1 and 4 months.
How much light do indoor herbs need?
Generally, herbs require at least six hours of sunlight per day. If where you’re growing your herbs doesn’t have access to natural light, you can substitute that with artificial lights. Use LED or HID lights for best results. Your plants would need 14-16 hours of light.
What pots to use for indoor herbs?
Herbs will grow in almost any type of container as long as it has good drainage. Terra cotta pots are best, but plastic, wood, or metal will do. If you aren’t using a traditional style container, be sure to poke some holes into the bottom for drainage and provide a drip plate if you are keeping them indoors.
What is the best herb to grow indoors?
Basil, oregano, mint, chives, sage, rosemary, and thyme are the easiest herbs to grow indoors, whether you have them in the garden already or wish to plant them now.
Can you overwater herbs?
Like all plants, herbs need to be watered regularly, but there is a point where you can give them too much water. The effects of overwatering can be as devastating as underwatering, and your herbs can die if they receive more water than they can handle.
Do herbs grow well in pots?
You can grow herbs in pots together as long as you remember two rules: avoid mixing those that like plenty of water (such as chives, mint, chervil, coriander, Vietnamese coriander) with those that like a well-drained soil (such as rosemary, thyme, sage, bay, and oregano).
How long do potted herbs last?
Let it dry out between watering, but not for too long. You will be able to keep your supermarket-bought pot herbs for 2-3 months or until you have used them all in the delicious recipes you are thinking of; from the pizza topping to fresh pesto.
Are coffee grounds good for herbs?
Yes, coffee ground fertilizer is safe for basil and other herbs. Again, just use it sparingly. Herbs definitely benefit from the nitrogen boost that coffee grounds provide.
How do I keep bugs off my potted herbs?
6 Methods to Deter Insects from your Herbs
- Encourage Biological Predators. The circle of life is naturally occurring.
- Soap Spray—Your Number One Defense.
- Neem Oil.
- Use Essential Oils.
- Companion Planting With Edible Plants.
- Nematodes For Soil.