Indoor Herb Garden

Thread originally posted on the Aeclectic Tarot Forum on 11 Sep 2002, and now archived in the Forum Library.

Kiama	11 Sep 2002
When I move on the 21st, I will be moving into a 5 bedroom house share situation, smack bang in the middle of Cardiff, the capital city of Wales. As such, I won't have the luxury of a garden of any sort. I was hoping to grow my own herb garden, but now it'll have to be an idoor one... The only problem is, have never had a knack at gardening, and I don't know where to start! What tools do I need? What herbs can I grow? HOW????!!!! Gosh gosh gosh. Thanks in advance! Kiama

catlin	11 Sep 2002
What about growing some plants in a pot on the window sill or maybe in the yard? Most herbs are outdoor plants, so I think you won't get satisfying results with growing them indoors.

jema	11 Sep 2002
well, as long as you have them in a very bright windowsill, i think you might get away with some Basil (that one is almost easier to grow indoors then in the garden cause it is so sensitive) also you can try some thyme, mints and lemon balm. buy a BIG pot or a box (the kind you hang outside your window or on the balcony) and put them all together there, they need lots and lots of sun, not too much water and you won't need to give them fertilisation at all, they need earth that is light and let it dry up between the times you water it.

catlin	11 Sep 2002
Rosemary, Hysope and vervaine might also work. Mint is a bit complicated as it tends to take a lot of room (at least mine did. Grew like Jack's beanstalk LOL).

cricket	11 Sep 2002
Here in the states they have little packages that come with 6 or 7 different types of seeds and small flowerpots for growing indoors. I know they have some for herbs. The problem is, they won't be putting them out again until spring. :( Some of them are cooking herbs (basil, rosemary, thyme, and a few others). You might want to try those.

fairyhedgehog	11 Sep 2002
I'll second (or is it third?) the basil. I've grown some indoors before now, and it must be easy because I'm a terrible gardener.

zorya	11 Sep 2002
chives, parsley and basil all grow well in a bright window, without taking over. they also do best when cut often. oregano also does well, but is actually tastier when dried. if you grow any mints or balms, do so in a separate container. a fresh mint leaf in a cup of tree is worth it. mint plants do not come true from seed, so get a start from somebody. you really don't need any special tools, a spoon works great. a sprinkling can, with small holes, and a mister bottle. (old cleaned out spray bottle) are really useful, especially when starting seeds. edited to add; make sure the pots you use have drainage holes. then you need a saucer or container underneath to catch the excess water. you can put pebbles, rocks or broken pottery on the bottom, before the soil, so the water can drain out, but not the soil. fill with soil. cover seeds to a depth of about 4 times their size with soil. water well. keep soil wet until seeds begin to sprout. then water a bit less, so plants don't rot. i cover my seed pots with clear plastic until they sprout, that way you don't have to worry so much about drying out. after they sprout, when you water, dump any excess water sitting in the saucer after one hour. to check if plants need watering, stick your finger in the dirt. if the soul is damp below an inch, you don't need to water yet. have fun and enjoy your fresh herbs!

the hermit	11 Sep 2002
kiama: i've had this great little book for several years. it has great advice for growing herbs in small spaces, pots and containers indoors and out-- Little Herb Gardens : Simple Secrets for Glorious Gardens--Indoors and Out (A Garden Style Book) Georgeanne Brennan, Mimi Luebbermann Price: £7.44 it's available on Amazon UK

Poetlove	12 Sep 2002
I have seen a Chia Herb Garden, from what I know, they are very easy to keep, and they are in doors.

The Indoor Herb Garden thread was originally posted on 11 Sep 2002 in the Chat board, and is now archived in the Forum Library. Read the active threads in Chat, or read more archived threads.