Growing Herbs Indoors

Overview

Growing herbs indoors is a convenient way to have fresh ingredients constantly handy in the kitchen. Many herbs grow well year-round if provided with enough water and light and the proper temperatures to thrive. Harvest the leaves for immediate use in your recipes, or dry and save the leaves in sealed plastic bags or containers.

Step 1

Choose a container with two to four drainage holes in the bottom. Use 8- to 12-inch diameter containers for most herbs.

Step 2

Fill the containers with a purchased potting mix or make your own by combining 1 part compost, 1 part peat moss and 1 part perlite. Mix in a slow-release fertilizer by following the package instructions.

Step 3

Sow seeds to a depth twice that of their diameter. Plant seedlings to the same depth they were planted in their nursery containers.

Step 4

Water the soil until it is evenly moist and water drains from the bottom of the containers. Cover the pots with plastic wrap until the seeds sprout, typically in seven to 14 days.

Step 5

Place the seedlings in a sunny south- or southwest-facing window. Herbs require six to eight hours of sunlight per day. Place a fluorescent light 2 to 4 inches above the plants for 12 hours a day if proper sunlight isn't available.

Step 6

Keep soil moist but not saturated. Water when the surface of the soil begins to dry out.

Step 7

Fertilize once a month with a general-purpose liquid fertilizer. Follow label instructions for proper application.