Are you already dreading the doldrums of winter? Most home gardeners mourn the impending winter. Recalling last winter’s long stretch of cold, miserable days spent glaring out the window at a bleak, snow covered garden. Burying your head in garden magazines and catalogs will be as close as you get to nature. It is the end of a growing season.
Or, is it…
Why not bring some nature inside with you? Put your green thumb to the test and try some indoor gardening! Many herbs can be successfully grown indoors. Herbs like summer just like us – many, if not all, actually die in the cold of winter. But, they are easily fooled into believing that summer is ongoing!
Thyme, Parsley, Oregano, Chives, Coriander, Dill, Mint, Rosemary… All of these herbs are tried and true. Almost all of these can be started from seed. Think how easy it is to dig a small portion from your existing chives and planting it in a pot. Bring it indoors and place it on a sunny windowsill and Shazzaammm – you’re gardening indoors!
A little skeptical about your expertise? What have you got to lose?! If you never try anything you will never grow – and what’s more important to a gardener than growing? And, you will be surprised how easy many of the herbs are – heck, if I can do it anyone can!
A few tips to get you started:
1. Try to keep your plants in temperatures between 55 and 70 degrees.
2. Feed and water established plants with soluble plant food every 2-4 weeks.
3. Don’t water until the soil surface is dry.
4. A small fan will help herbs survive the stuffy air conditions in your house.
5. Treat them more or less as you would a normal house-plant.
Once again, some experts would tell you that you need to add some additional light source if you want them to grow; or that only a South-facing window will provide enough light. To those experts I say – “Phooey!” Be your own expert! Learn for yourself what works and what doesn’t. If you want to add some artificial lighting – go for it, but you don’t have to! Hey, you might even want to try some Hydroponics! Do what makes you happy.
So, say good-bye to the doldrums and boredom this winter and spice up your windowsills with your favorite herbs. Oh, and one bonus I forgot to mention – nothing beats fresh herbs in your cooking! Stop by A Culinary Shift to try some fun recipes using your delicious, fresh herbs!
Get your hands dirty!
It is bad luck to thank the gardener giving the gift; it is a sin not to be thankful.
I tried growing Rosemary inside last winter because I like fresh over dried especially on my baked chicken and it did fairly well for a few months. I'm glad for the tips because I didn't do most of them. I bet my Rosemary will last all winter with your help. Thanks
ReplyDeleteI love cooking with Rosemary too! Yummm!!! I am sooooo jealous of those people who live in areas where it is hardy - they have great big trees of it in their yards!
ReplyDeleteIn the meantime, I have found that if I start some rosemary in the spring and grow it in a pot on my patio that when fall comes I can just bring it inside and keep it happy all winter and then take it back outside. Whew.. that was a long sentence - sorry.
Get your hands dirty!!
I've never been able to provide enough artificial or natural light to make herbs grow well. Hats off to those who can.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the comment - Susan in the Pink Hat!
ReplyDeleteI've been able to grow them in an East-facing window with great success! Some are easier than others...