HERBS & SPICES REFERENCE - HERBS INDOORS

You can grow many herbs indoors, but they will be less productive than those grown outdoors. They are best used fresh. They require the same conditions as herbs that are grown outdoors: plenty of sunlight and good, well-drained soil.

Select a south or west window. During winter, they need as much light as you can give them. If a bright location is unavailable, supplement existing light with "grow lamps" or fluorescent lights.

For herbs in pots, use a mix of about two parts potting soil to one part coarse sand or perlite. Because most herbs prefer a non-acid soil, add a cup of ground limestone per bushel of soil or about one teaspoon per 5-inch pot.

Good drainage is important. Never leave herbs sitting in a saucer of water. Water well, so a little water runs through the pot but does not accumulate. Allow moderate drying, but not wilting, between watering.

You can seed annual herbs in pots in late summer. They will go through a life cycle indoors. Perennial herbs will improve and be more productive if you place them outdoors during the summer. Outdoors, keep potted herbs in an area that provides good light but gives some protection from intense heat or winds. You can also plunge pots into the garden with soil up to the rim. These pots dry faster than surrounding soil and may need extra watering.

In fall, bring potted herbs indoors before frost. A light frost on some herbs, such as chives, mint and tarragon, won't be harmful. Fertilize lightly as you would house plants, and trim as needed for use and to maintain an attractive appearance.

Growing Herbs at Home    General Culture    Harvesting Herbs    Herbs Indoors    Herb Descriptions

Unless otherwise noted, all facts are supplied by Ray R. Rothenberger, Department of Horticulture, University of Missouri-Columbia.