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How To Grow Herbs on your Windowsill

http://gardening.about.com/od/vegetablepatch/ht/window_herbs.htm

 

 

You can bring your herb garden indoors for the winter, by planting a

windowsill garden. Many herb plants grow quite easily in containers

and require only minimal care. You'll be snipping fresh herbs in your

kitchen throughout the winter.

Difficulty: Average

Time Required: 20 Minutes

Here's How:

 

1. Make sure you have a sunny windowsill where your herbs will

survive. A south or southeast window would be perfect if it gets at

least 5 hours of sun per day and is away from drafts.

 

2. Purchase some of your favorite small herb plants from your local

nursery.

 

3. Get a container that is at least 6-12 inches deep. You can plant

multiple herbs in a wide or long container or use at least a 6 " pot

for individual plants.

 

4. Use a soilless potting mix to avoid soil born diseases. Be sure

the mix is light and will be well draining.

 

 

5. Put a 2-3 inch layer of potting mix into the bottom of your

container.

 

6. Position your herb plants in the container.

 

7. Finish filling in with the potting mix, firming gently around

the plants. Leave about an inch at the top of the container for watering.

 

8. Water sparingly. Herbs don't like to sit in wet soil.

 

9. Feed once a month with a fertilizer labeled for use on edibles.

 

10. Allow the plants some time to acclimate. Once you see new

growth, you can start using your herbs.

 

Tips:

 

1. Choose herbs that don't grow too wide or tall. Chives, Basil,

lavender, parsley, mint and thyme are good choices.

2. Fluorescent lights can be used if you don't have a sunny window.

They will need to be placed close to the plants (18 " ) and kept on for

about 10 hours/day.

3. Snip and use your plants often to encourage them to grow full

and bushy.

4. Never trim more than 1/3 of the plants foliage.

 

What You Need:

 

* Herb Plants

* Pots or containers

* Soilless Potting Mix

* Fertilizer