Brighten up the kitchen and celebrate spring with a windowsill herb garden.
All it takes is a few plants, colorfulcontainers, potting soil and sunlight.
Windowsill gardens are an easy way to invite nature indoors.
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All thats needed to begin is a windowsill that gets plenty of sunlight.
In this article
Locate a Sunny Windowsill
To get started, find a sunnywindowsill.
Herbs require about five hours of sunlight a day, and prefer a south or southeast exposure.
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If sunlight is minimal, a fluorescent lamp can be used as a supplement.
Also, give a shot to find a spot that is free of drafts.
Most plants grow best without the temperature fluctuations that drafty rooms produce.
Measure the sills height, width and depth to select plants and containers that will fit the space.
A nurser can suggest plants best suited for the windowsills dimensions.
Find a Container
Next, invest in several colorful containers.
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Aim for pots approximately three to six inches deep.
Larger pots may fit in the windowsill, but the plants might get too big to keep there.
Herbs grown in very small containers may not mature enough to use.
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A rectangular container is another attractive way to grow multiple herbs.
Plants can be artfully arranged to create a mini landscape.
Scattering pretty pebbles around the herbs will produce a lovely miniature garden.
Choose Soil and Fertilizer
At the nursery, purchase soil orpotting mix.
The difference is that mixes tend to be free of soil-born diseases.
If soil will be used, be sure to add sand and lime to balance the pH.
Either way, confirm that the potting medium is light and drains easily.
Ask the nurser what fertilizer is recommended for the herbs selected.
Herbs that will be used in food should receive a fertilizer appropriate for edibles.
Applying fertilizer once a month will provide extra nutrients for healthy herbs.
Mixing the fertilizer with a little water will ensure an even, thorough software.
Growing organic vegetablesand herbs is possible for apartment dwellers and those impatient for spring planting.
Choose the best indoor garden supplies for success.
Plant Herbs Carefully
Place about two inches of potting mix at the bottom of each container.
Position herbs in the pot, and fill in the sides and top with more mix.
Leave about an inch of space at the top so water doesnt spill over.
Water the herbs lightly.
The potting mix should feel damp, not sodden.
Over watering will damage herbs.
After the herbs have been potted, they will need time to adapt and grow.
Once new growth is visible, herbs may be cut for use.
Do not cut more than a third of the herbs foliage.
Carefully snip the older sprigs so new foliage can mature.
Cutting a bit from the top allows the plant to grow fuller not taller.
Plants that blossom may produce seeds.
Retain the seeds in a temperate, dry place.
They can be planted and placed in another windowsill.
Just remember, seeds require a bit more time and effort to grow.
Togrow herbs from seedsconsult a nurser or conduct a little research.
Use Herbs for Cooking
Herbsmay be used together or individually in recipes.
Basil is aromatic and a wonderful addition to Italian dishes and salads.
Rosemary sprigs complement lamb dishes quite nicely.
Mint may be used in many Indian and Middle Eastern dishes.
Parsley may be snipped and mixed into meatloaf and salads.
It is also a pretty garnish.
Sage is lovely in stews.
Herbs also spruce up beverages.
Try a few mint leaves in iced tea.
Consult a cook book and make some Mint Juleps for friends.
Steeping mint leaves in boiling water will produce an aromatic hot tea that is especially nice on cold mornings.
Chamomile makes a soothing, flavorful tea.
Even if the garden only provides aesthetic pleasure, a little nature brought indoors creates a welcoming atmosphere.
