The usage of herbs in the garden is wonderful. Still, they may also be cultivated indoors as houseplants all year long or simply during the winter months to protect sensitive herbs such as rosemary or basil from frost damage.
The capacity to create fragrant foliage and various leaf colors and shapes when herbs are grown benefits indoors from growing them outdoors. Other advantages include maintaining a consistent supply of herb leaves for cooking even after the outside growing season has ended.
Good Ingredients
If you intend to grow herb seeds solely for their leaves, be certain you have enough plants to provide good ingredients for your favorite cuisines. Not all herbs will survive when planted indoors because their root systems necessitate the use of big containers.
Required Conditions
Herbs, like many houseplants, require specific conditions to thrive inside. In contrast to conventional houseplants, Herbs require specific environmental conditions to thrive, failing which their health would swiftly deteriorate.
- Sunlight for most herbs 6 hours For 14-16 hours, place herb near a south-facing window or 6-12 inches from two 40 watt cool white fluorescent bulbs. Herb that tolerate indirect sunlight include mint, bay, rosemary, and thyme (Thymus spp.).
- Melissa officinalis and Artemisia dracunculus thrive under low-light settings. Weak herb will develop thin and spindly, with smaller leaves and a weaker scent. On windowsills, pots must be rotated frequently to provide even light distribution.
- When roots grow through the drainage hole, repotted herbs. Repotting in the spring allows herb to grow into the new media during the growing season. Several repottings of perennial herb are possible. The taproots of plants like Borage (Borago officinalis) and Dill (Anethum graveolens) require deep pots. Hanging baskets are ideal for trailing
herbs.
- Keep herbs in rooms that are 65-70°F during the day and 55-60°F at night. Some herbs, like basil (Ocimum basilicum), cannot withstand temperatures below 50°F.
- Herbs require a balance of humidity and air circulation. To create a humid climate, containers should be close together; however, the closer they are, the less air can circulate among the plants.
- Other ways to increase humidity include placing planters in a pan of wet stones or misting plants with water. Open a window in an adjacent room to promote air circulation, but avoid draughts in the late spring, summer, and fall. In the winter, a fan can assist with air circulation.
Preparation of Herbs
To prepare your herbs for being planted outside throughout the late spring and summer months, acclimatize them to the greater light levels and intensities provided by the sun before planting them. Begin by placing pots outside in partial shadow, and then gradually expose them to more and more light every few days, working your way up to the full sun.
Continue to monitor the overall health of your plants to determine if your fertilizer regimen or watering schedule needs to be adjusted or changed. In addition, search for any signs of insect infestation or damage to the property.