Growing Herbs Indoors For Beginners

Have you ever been interested in starting your own garden and you don't know where to begin? Don’t worry, because growing herbs can be a fun and easy way to start your gardening experience. Herb gardens are fairly easy to start and there really is no upkeep. 

How Do You Keep Herbs Alive Indoors?

To start with your herb garden, the garden will need nutrient rich soil, sunlight or artificial light, and a lot of water. You will need to make to sure to balance water and light to ensure the herbs are alive and are not wilting. If you prefer to avoid watering and maintaining light, I recommend using an Aerogarden and trying their 6-pack Herbs bundle pod. The pod includes easy set herbs such as: Mint, Basil, Thai basil, Parsley, Dill and Thyme. They provide everything you need, but water. 

As a beginner gardener, please don’t be intimidated! When you grow herbs indoors, it is a much easier task than you might think. Especially with some of the done-for-you set-ups like the Aerogarden or even set ups from your local garden, you will growing your herbs in no time. 

For any new hobby, it’s important to read about the herbs you’re growing. Do they need direct sunlight? Indirect sunlight? You can grow herbs indoors or outdoors, but many people prefer the ease of having them inside - usually on the windowsill or on a table with a greenhouse. I one time had my garden with the IKEA greenhouse and my herbs grew beautifully. Although, for herbs grown outdoors, they do produce more plentiful herbs and they seem to last longer, but I’ve never had any issues keeping herbs alive indoors.

The IKEA greenhouse I used for my indoor herb garden. I produced great herbs with this greenhouse and it maintains the humidity and heat for my plants. Here is the link for the greenhouse> IKEA GREENHOUSE.

​Sunlight or no Sunlight

To grow herbs, some herbs will need a full sun lighting schedule to grow (6 to 8 hours a day) while some herbs will only need moderate sun (4-6 hours a day). To check for the sun duration, many times this will be shown on the seed packaging, or you can look it up on the brand’s website. They will provide the growing zones for your area. For the majority of time though, most herbs will survive as long as they get moderate sunlight. 
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Some staple herbs to start your full sun garden include: basil, oregano, chives, rosemary, mint, parsley and cilantro. These love full sun and will have your kitchen bursting with their fragrant aromas.

Do Herbs Need Soil?

If you are doing a regular indoor or outdoor garden, you will need to buy enriched soil for your herbs. I would recommend using Miracle-Gro Indoor Potting Mix, 16 qt. If you are going to use the other garden path, the Aerogarden, which is growing without soil, or hydroponically, is an easy way to grow an herb garden. In addition, make sure your garden has enough natural sunlight or an LED grow-light and water. Herbs are very versatile plants and tend to thrive indoors or outdoors, with or without soil. If you are a beginning gardener, an herb garden is the perfect way to start your gardening experience.

Which Herbs Should I begin with?

Besides the herbs listed above, I would especially try your herb garden with basil, cilantro and oregano. Basil and mint can be started from a cutting and will grow roots in a glass of water. Herbs like these are abundant and will make hearty starter plants for your garden.

To maintain abundance for your herbs, please make sure that each plant has their own pot and they have access to plenty of sunlight and water. In no time, you will have a fragrant and tasty herb garden.

Which Herbs Are Easiest To Grow?

​For the most part, all herbs are versatile and easy to grow. If you ensure your herbs have a good light source, water and good drainage you will be enjoying your herbs within a few weeks. Be sure to always repot your herbs. Your herbs will need more nutrients and room than the post they are purchased in. If you are growing them from seeds transplanting them to a bigger container, this will also help them to become more plentiful and bountiful. After a few weeks, you will be shocked with how many herbs your garden will have. 

How Much Water Does Your Herbs NeeD?

For new gardens, please note, do not be overabundant with your water production. For herbs that are planted in soil, you will want to check the soil first before watering. You should stick your finger into the soil about an inch or so. If the soil is damp, then check back every few days. If the soil is dry, give your plant enough water to make the soil moist again - but not so wet it feels muddy. I recommend letting your herbs drain in the sink after watering them to remove any excess water.
 
To check if your over watering or under watering, look underneath your plant's leaves. If they are becoming dry, brown, and/or brittle, you need to water a little more. If the leaves are yellowing or if you see mold in the pot, you are over watering. If this happens, do not water your plant until the soil is dry to the touch.
 
If herbs are overwatered, I recommend moving the plants to a shady area instead of the full sun. Once the soil is dry, please remove any dead leaves from your plant. If you are seeing this with the Aerogarden as well, make sure the leaves are removed and the water underneath is rinsed and cleaned. If there is any fungus on your plants, please use fungicide to remove any fungus. 
 
Do not fertilize the plant until it is healthy again. These are rescue techniques that have worked for many others but the best advice I can give is to make sure you are watering your plants correctly from the beginning and make sure they have adequate drainage. It is much easier than trying to fix the problem after the fact.
 
Follow these easy steps and you will become a master grower in no time. Herbs are hearty and can add a beautiful touch to your decor. They are healthy and can be used in almost all of your dishes - and in some of your drinks!

A little rosemary with baked chicken can elevate your dish to be chef worthy. If you have an abundant amount of basil, you can make an amazing pesto for your pasta dishes. These dishes are even better knowing that you grew some of the main ingredients for your dish and dish flavor. I hope you enjoy my tips for growing an indoor herb garden and enjoy your garden! I prefer mine in my cocktail.

REGARDS,                                 
​XO, Lisa