Herbs as Houseplants

Herbs add flavor to our cooking and to our lives. It’s a shame to let that end with the first frost. Keep the magic growing indoors all winter! Imagine snipping fresh rosemary in the middle of winter and adding it to your soup or chicken. The aroma released smells amazing! Yes, herbs can be houseplants and just like other houseplants, the trick is to get the light, water, and humidity right. 

Below, you’ll find the herbs that grow well indoors have been separated into three groups along with some growing tips.


EASY
Chives - Pot up in the fall and allow to freeze before bringing in. They need a south or bright west window. 
Aloe vera - Grows best in moderate bright light. Avoid direct sun.
Mint - One of the easiest herbs to grow indoors! Give it moderate to bright light and consistent moisture.
Sage - Place in a south window that receives direct sun. Keep it on the dryer side. Water the soil, not the foliage. 


UNDER ARTIFICIAL LIGHT
Cilantro - Needs 5-8 hours of light each day; also grows well under artificial lights.
Parsley - Grow in bright light or artificial light.
Basil - It needs as much bright light you can give it, or grow under lights. It’s best to start new basil plants from seed late in late summer. Always remove the flowers to encourage leaf production. 


A BIT MORE CHALLENGING
Lavender - 5-6 hours of direct sun daily. Water soil, not foliage. Let soil dry out between waterings. 
Lemongrass - Direct sun in a south-facing window is best. Reduce watering in winter, but never let the soil dry out. 
Oregano - Needs 5-6 hours of bright sunlight every day.
Rosemary - Give it bright light with some direct sunlight. Set in trays of pebbles and water to increase humidity and never allow it to dry out. Misting frequently will also help.
Thyme - Pot up in fall and allow to freeze before bringing in. Give it 5-6 hours of direct sun. It may need supplemental artificial light.

ADDITIONAL TIPS:

• Grouping plants together can help raise humidity levels.
  
• Keep plants away from heaters, vents,  and drafts. 
  
• Set pots on trays filled with pebbles and water to increase humidity. 
  
• Check plants over when bringing them in this fall. Look for hitchhiking insects and spray them off with a good blast of water. 
  
• Be vigilant with bug patrol. Try to catch problems early, and if a plant gets beyond saving, be prepared to say goodbye before it becomes a problem to other plants. 
  

So are you ready for an herbal adventure? You’ve got nothing to lose and so much to gain by growing herbs as houseplants.

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