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If you
live in the northern hemisphere, then it is likely that your garden is
tucked up for the winter. However, this doesn't mean you can't enjoy
freshly picked herbs. Many varieties will grow quite happily indoors
on a sunny windowledge or porch. In addition to providing a source of
fresh herbs, an indoor garden can look extremely attractive, and they
are a wonderful introduction to gardening for children.
Herbs which
will grow indoors:
Basil
Oregano
Mint
Parsley
Rosemary
Sage
Thyme
Angelica
Chamomile
Dill
Fennel
Lavender
Geranium
Chives
You will
need to find a sunny, well lit spot to grow your indoor herb garden.
Ideally, it should be south facing, but if this isn't possible choose a
situation that will receive plenty of light through out the day. Try to
avoid a north facing place because it is unlikely the plants will receive
enough light to grow properly.
What you
will need:
Herbs,
either plants or seeds
Good quality
compost
Suitable
containers
Buy your
herbs from reputable suppliers, don't buy seed packets which are out of
date, and avoid any straggly or unhealthy looking plants. The same is true
for compost, choose a good all purpose compost, your herbs will be relying
on it for nutrition for some time.
The
containers are easier to select. You will find a wide range at garden
centers and nurseries. Alternatively, you can use ones you already have,
or adapt other objects. I grow my geraniums in a old mop bucket, and my
lemon mint is growing in a teapot with a broken handle.
If your
children are helping with your indoor garden, a nice idea is to take some
plain plant pots, and let the kids decorate them with paint, paper etc. to
produce their own unique pots.
Once you
have planted your garden, it will need some care. Remember, indoor plants
rely on you totally. Water regularly, but be careful not to over-water,
this is the main cause of death for most indoor plants. No more than once
a week should be sufficient, I water once every two weeks. Check the
compost before watering, if it still feels moist wait and check again the
next day. If you have used a good compost, and your winter is relatively
short you will probably only need to feed your plants once. If you have a
longer cold season, it might be an idea to use the slow release pellets
you can buy in garden centers.
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