A variety of herb plants are an ideal addition to any household, adding pleasant fragrance and flavors to the environment and to food. Herb plants are easier to grow indoors than people think, and only require some specific materials, protection and patience. With proper care, you can have herbs on a sunny windowsill in the home year-round.
STEP 1
Pick herbs for your indoor pots that are common (so you can easily incorporate them into culinary dishes), and that also require a low amount of maintenance. For example, popular herbs used in cooking that are easy to maintain include parsley, Italian parsley, chives, thyme, mint or chocolate mint, basil, oregano, sage, rosemary and lavender.
STEP 2
Make sure the separate herb pot containers have drainage holes in the bottom that are about 1.5 times larger then the root ball. Place the containers in a planter tray so large amounts are easy to transport. Layer dime-sized pebbles on the bottom of the container to improve drainage.
STEP 3
Place the herbs into the containers. Make a soil combination of 20 percent perlite (to keep the soil light) and 80 percent good quality potting soil. Pack it around the root ball up to the base of the herb plant and the top of the container.
STEP 4
Place the herb pot planter in a sunny windowsill where it will get at least five to six hours of sunlight each day. In seasons such as winter when the sunlight is sparse, use fluorescent plant lights if necessary so the herb pots can get enough light nourishment.
STEP 5
Water the herb pots whenever the soil feels dry. In the winter season, use a spray bottle to mist the herbs every week to protect it from indoor heating.
STEP 6
Fertilize the herbs around every six weeks with an indoor plant food fertilizer. Make sure to follow the directions exactly.
STEP 7
Trim them regularly with pruning scissors. Cut back any dead areas.
STEP 8
Harvest your herbs once they are full-grown. You can pick them directly off the plant and add them to dishes, or dry them out. Do this by tying the herbs in bunches and hanging them upside down in a dry area until the herbs have dried. Store them in jars or store fresh herbs in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
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