Growing Plants Indoors: Fresh Herbs

If you think winter means you have to wash off that green thumb, think again. You can benefit from home-grown herbs all-year round with these amazing herbs that thrive indoors. Let them bask in the sunshine outdoors all summer long, and then bring them inside to a sunny window where they’ll continue to thrive from all your love and care. Growing plants indoors is a great way to enjoy fresh food and support really local sustainable agriculture and keep your home healthy and clean!

Here’s five of the best herbs to grow indoors:

1. Basil- This delicious herb is a wonderful addition to sauces, salads, and soups. With many varieties to choose from, it can be a great addition to your home. Start from seed in a medium sized container, and place in full sunlight in a south facing window. Make sure the soil drains well and water frequently.

2. Bay leaves- A must-have for any soup maker, bay leaves are very compatible to indoor growth. They have some specifications, however, such as requiring an adequate amount of air circulation. Place in an open room without anything boxing your plant in.  Placing your bay leaf plant in either an East or West window is enough sunlight to nourish your plant.

3. Sage- A fragrant delicacy, Sage handles the dry air of winter indoors very well. She does require a large amount of sunlight, so be sure and place in a southern window.  The best way to propogate your sage plant is by trimming the tips off of a mature plant.  Parsley- This sweet-tasting culinary herb requests plenty of southern sun, but can also thrive in the East if you’re not too picky about how fast she grows. She needs plenty of room for her taproot to grow so use a nice deep container, and enjoy either flat-leafed or curly-leafed parsley year round.

4. Thyme- This plant does well in either an East or West window, however, be sure not to water to frequently as the roots will rot with too much moisture. You can start Thyme from seed, or you can borrow a friends thyme plant, divide the roots and plant your share in fresh soil. Thyme is great in sauces, breads, and on top of pizza or pasta.  Enjoy fresh vegetables, plants and herbs year round with these tips and support the local food movement for a more sustainable living experience on our beautiful Mother Earth.

If you’re trying and not succeeding with your indoor herb garden, read our post about Why Are My Potted Herbs Dying?