subject: Start Herb Garden Preparation In The Winter [print this page] Once fall is underway it is time to start planning for the spring herb garden. Once winter has arrived it is time to start herb garden planting. A note of caution is in order. Once herbs have found a place in the home garden it may be hard to move them outside. Fragrant air from nature, convenience for the cook, and the beauty may make transplanting a dilemma.
Choosing the right herbs for an indoor garden is easy. Go with the herbs that will be used most frequently. If experimenting on less common herbs it may be best to start small. Herbs make nice and personal gifts. Keep this in mind for future planning.
To start herb garden basics most people choose basil. This is one of the most popular herbs. The versatile nature adds flavor to cooked dishes, raw foods and teas. Chives are a popular indoor plant and may be started on a window sill in the kitchen. Cilantro and dill are challenging but can be grown indoors. Lemon balm, oregano, rosemary, and thyme all have wonderful success rates.
Choose the southernmost portion of the home for herb gardening. Sunlight is usually available six to eight hours a day. Basil requires about 16 hours of light. This can be supplemented with a sun lamp. If a home does not have enough sunlight it is possible to use the sun lamp more frequently. Just be cautious and check any electrical limitations. It may be necessary to have more than one lamp, to alternate. This is something to consider, to start herb garden preparations indoors.
The secrets to excellent indoor gardens are drainage, composition, sunlight, water, and air. Choose soil with a pH of about 6.5. A composition of half humus or sand and potting soil should give a healthy combination for proper soil balance. If the soil is clay like it will not drain. If there is too much loose soil then it will drain too well. Use of pots with drainage holes are a must. Transplant from store pots gently onto a bed of the 50:50 mix. Root tips must touch the soil. Gently work the soil around the sides. Put a little on the top of the plant. Mist and do not water until the soil is dry to the touch. Over watering will affect the healthy balance needed for herbs.
Start herb garden plants from seed before working with plants, if possible. Successful herb gardeners have found that a little attention without smothering will help herbs grow well.
