For Herbs – Planting and growing herbs indoors

For herbs to be used in home cooking, it is always best if they are picked fresh and used straight away. Dried herbs are fine, but they usually don't have the same taste. If you are a keen cook, then consider potting and growing your own – it is much easier than you may think. It's also great fun for children too, for herbs are relatively easy to grow indoors throughout the year.

The best place to locate your indoor herb garden, is a windowsill which receives plenty of sunlight. Like all plants, herbs need 3 things – sunlight, water and air. A kitchen window should provide enough light (and will be handy when cooking), but a sun room may provide a better environment if the kitchen is often hot and steamy. Anywhere light and warm should do nicely.

Of course there are many (possibly hundreds) of herbs you can grow, so which are best to start with? Well, the best are those that you use regularly – as long as they are not too exotic! Coriander, basil, rosemary and sage are a good starting point, for herbs like these are readily available as cuttings or seeds. Not all herbs are suitable for indoor planting, as some can easily outgrow their pots. Choose ones that will only grow to about 9 inches in length.

You first need to find some pots. Really any general plant pots – 6 to 9 inches diameter, should be fine, as long as there are drainage holes in the bottom. Plastic is ok, but clay may be more decorative depending on the type.

Drainage is important for herbs, as root rot can start if they are too wet. The pot should be placed on a tray of light gravel – not directly onto am old plate! If the herb roots are left lying in water, the plant will not have the best chance of flourishing.

Start with one or two plants first, each in their own pot. As you get some experience, you can always grow more.

The soil you use is important for a healthy plant. It should retain water, and be able to circulate air around the roots. Garden soil is not recommended, as not only will it not contain all the nutrients required, but is usually more compact. A good quality potting compost is best (available from most garden suppliers – there's plenty on the web who will deliver small amounts).

So, you have your pot and compost – now lets start.

Fill the pot to within 2 or 3 inches from the top. Don't compact the compost, as this will prevent aeration. With a finger create a well about 2 inches deep. Place the roots of your herb into the well, and fill in more compost till the pot is almost full. Don't worry if some of the lower leaves get covered, it won't harm the plant. Lightly, press down on the compost to ensure it remains in the pot.

Now place the pots on the sunny windowsill and give them a good watering. Herbs do need a fair amount of sunlight, but if they get some artificial light, it will also help.

After the initial watering, they will only need to be watered every other week. The soil should not be allowed to become crumbly and dusty, as this indicates that it has dried out too much. However, adding too much water can be as bad for the herbs, so don't be concerned if the soil looks dry. Watering every 2 or 3 weeks should be enough. If you have a warm house, then check every few days to start with, you will soon know how long it takes for the soil to dry out in your particular home.

As well as water, your herbs need good air space as well. Don't place them in corner, or crowd many plants together as this will prevent air circulating freely.

With some luck, you can start harvesting within a few weeks. You don't have to wait till a particular time, just take what you need as-and-when, as long as the plant looks healthy. As you pinch leaves and stems off, new growth will be encouraged. If you look after your herbs they will last many months, perhaps even growing to the point of being transplanted into the garden.

Growing you own herbs is great fun, and quite cheap. But most of all, you get the best flavors in your cooking, as you know it's fresh and natural. There are plenty of specialists on the internet that can deliver whatever you need, so why not check them out.