Thursday, December 29, 2016
By Eric Barrett
OSU Ext. educator
Growing herbs indoors can be a great benefit to your diet and a great way to enjoy your gardening hobby during the winter months. A major concern in healthy eating is the level of salt in processed foods and in our diets in general. By growing herbs inside, you are providing alternative flavorings for your favorite meals.
Most of you have the containers you need, just be sure to give them a good cleaning before using them for herbs. Some of you may need to purchase smaller containers to fit them on the windowsill. Potted herbs can be purchased during winter months at some garden centers and big-box stores. Just re-pot these into your containers to get started.
You can start the seeds yourself with a small amount of effort. Plant the seeds in a sterile mix in the pot for your windowsill. Moisten the soil and cover with a clear sandwich bag to keep the temperature and moisture at higher levels. Remove the bag when the seedlings emerge, and away you go!
Some herbs do better inside than others. If you are somewhat challenged when it comes to growing things inside, try the easier-to-grow herbs such as scented geranium, mint, rosemary, parsley, bay leaf, thyme, chives, garlic and oregano.
A windowsill with southern exposure is often all you need. Most herbs require at least six hours of direct sunlight. If you do use a grow light, be sure the lights are 6 to 9 inches above the tops of the plants.
During winter, plant growth slows, so they don’t require as much water. The rule of thumb is to only water when the soil surface is dry. Let herbs dry out completely between waterings to prevent root rot and other disease issues.
To help herbs survive the stuffy air typical in our homes during winter, provide a saucer of water near the plants to keep the humidity at a higher level. Rocks with the water helps improve the aesthetics in your home. You can fertilize with a general fertilizer. Follow the label directions and do not overfeed.
When it comes to using fresh herbs all winter, don’t forget about your perennial herbs outside. I continue to cut my thyme, oregano and sage throughout the winter months. Granted, I have to dig through the snow to find them sometimes! They are still green right now and providing great flavor in the kitchen.
For more information, visit go.osu.edu/startingherbseeds and go.osu.edu/herbsindoors.