How to Set Up a Windowsill Herb Garden
So then, you have decided to start growing your very own fresh herbs at home.
Well congratulations! There is nothing like the taste of freshly picked herbs to add to your evening meals.
However, you have a slight challenge! You have no space available in your back yard for a new herb garden or you might not even have a back yard! No problems! If you live in an apartment or just have no space available outside, then perhaps a windowsill herb garden is just what you need.
Because obviously all you need is a windowsill! If you don't have any windows then maybe growing herbs is not your first priority! A windowsill herb garden is perfect not only for those who don't have a lot of space but also for those that are only looking to grow just a few of the basic culinary or medicinal herbs such as Chives, Parsley or Aloe Vera.
As is with most things, it is good to spend a little bit of time planning your new garden.
To make sure you set up your windowsill herb garden correctly, here is what you need to do and then you too can enjoy the great hobby that is herb gardening.
Firstly the most important factor of an indoor or windowsill herb garden; light! You should place your pots or containers on a windowsill that will get at least 10 hours of good sunlight per day.
This is crucial for the plants development and growth.
It is also important once you have selected the location that you spin your pots or containers 180 degrees once a week.
Your herbs will appreciate this small but important job as it means the whole plant will get even amounts of light and the nutrients that come with it.
After a while, if your herbs look stunted, and they are not nice and green, it could be that they are not getting enough light.
If you cannot find a place that gives your herbs the natural light they need then do not despair.
You can still grow your herbs however you will have to add some money for artificial lighting to your budget when buying your garden set up requirements.
Don't worry; there are lights to suit all budgets and locations.
The next most important factor is setting up your pots correctly.
Although herb gardens can grow great indoors and in pots, they do require a more precise set up than an outdoor garden.
Try and find pots that are around 6 inches round and high.
This can of course be changed to suit the dimensions of your windowsill and or the types of herbs you are planning to grow, however I have found that this size works best - no biggy though.
Next, make sure you layer the bottom of your pot with wood chips, small stones or gravel about an inch thick.
We do this to save the roots of the plant from getting soggy if the plant accidentally gets over watered.
This bottom layer allows any excess water to escape from the pot.
Fill the container with a good quality, loose style, well draining soil as this is the best type of soil to ensure your herbs have the best chance to survive and thrive.
Now your pots or containers are ready for planting! As is the same for an outdoor garden, you can choose to sow from seeds or if you want a head start, transplant seedlings directly into your pots.
No method is better than the other.
Some gardeners would argue it is more personally fulfilling when you grow from seeds however it also makes great sense to bypass this whole germination stage, go straight to the seedlings and get instantly closer to the day where you can finally use your freshly grown herbs! It is up to you.
And that's it! Yep, too easy! Setting up a windowsill herb garden is very simple if you just follow the right steps.
Once you have selected the right position and correctly set up your pots, then all you need to do is choose the herbs you are going to grow, get them planted and away you go! Growing herbs at home is not only a great way to enhance your meals but is also very satisfying and a windowsill herb garden can certainly provide you with all the herbs you and your family needs.
Well congratulations! There is nothing like the taste of freshly picked herbs to add to your evening meals.
However, you have a slight challenge! You have no space available in your back yard for a new herb garden or you might not even have a back yard! No problems! If you live in an apartment or just have no space available outside, then perhaps a windowsill herb garden is just what you need.
Because obviously all you need is a windowsill! If you don't have any windows then maybe growing herbs is not your first priority! A windowsill herb garden is perfect not only for those who don't have a lot of space but also for those that are only looking to grow just a few of the basic culinary or medicinal herbs such as Chives, Parsley or Aloe Vera.
As is with most things, it is good to spend a little bit of time planning your new garden.
To make sure you set up your windowsill herb garden correctly, here is what you need to do and then you too can enjoy the great hobby that is herb gardening.
Firstly the most important factor of an indoor or windowsill herb garden; light! You should place your pots or containers on a windowsill that will get at least 10 hours of good sunlight per day.
This is crucial for the plants development and growth.
It is also important once you have selected the location that you spin your pots or containers 180 degrees once a week.
Your herbs will appreciate this small but important job as it means the whole plant will get even amounts of light and the nutrients that come with it.
After a while, if your herbs look stunted, and they are not nice and green, it could be that they are not getting enough light.
If you cannot find a place that gives your herbs the natural light they need then do not despair.
You can still grow your herbs however you will have to add some money for artificial lighting to your budget when buying your garden set up requirements.
Don't worry; there are lights to suit all budgets and locations.
The next most important factor is setting up your pots correctly.
Although herb gardens can grow great indoors and in pots, they do require a more precise set up than an outdoor garden.
Try and find pots that are around 6 inches round and high.
This can of course be changed to suit the dimensions of your windowsill and or the types of herbs you are planning to grow, however I have found that this size works best - no biggy though.
Next, make sure you layer the bottom of your pot with wood chips, small stones or gravel about an inch thick.
We do this to save the roots of the plant from getting soggy if the plant accidentally gets over watered.
This bottom layer allows any excess water to escape from the pot.
Fill the container with a good quality, loose style, well draining soil as this is the best type of soil to ensure your herbs have the best chance to survive and thrive.
Now your pots or containers are ready for planting! As is the same for an outdoor garden, you can choose to sow from seeds or if you want a head start, transplant seedlings directly into your pots.
No method is better than the other.
Some gardeners would argue it is more personally fulfilling when you grow from seeds however it also makes great sense to bypass this whole germination stage, go straight to the seedlings and get instantly closer to the day where you can finally use your freshly grown herbs! It is up to you.
And that's it! Yep, too easy! Setting up a windowsill herb garden is very simple if you just follow the right steps.
Once you have selected the right position and correctly set up your pots, then all you need to do is choose the herbs you are going to grow, get them planted and away you go! Growing herbs at home is not only a great way to enhance your meals but is also very satisfying and a windowsill herb garden can certainly provide you with all the herbs you and your family needs.
