How to start growing herbs in your kitchen

Fresh herbs can take a dish to the next level by adding a flavorful punch that dried herbs cannot reproduce, making culinary masterpieces a breeze and beautifying your space. If you don’t have an outdoor space or want to grow herbs indoors, you’re in luck. They are among the easiest plants to grow, as long as you give them what they need.

Factors to Consider When Growing Herbs Indoors

Light

Light is perhaps the single most important factor to consider when growing herbs indoors. Most herbs need this six o’clock from direct sunlight. So unless your kitchen faces south and has a large window, you will need to do an addition.

The first step is to determine how much light your space gets. The easiest way to measure indoor light is with a plant light meter. This tool measures light in lux (lx) or foot candles (fc). To grow herbs indoors you will need 1000 foot candles (fc) or more for six hours per day. Measure in the afternoon to capture the greatest intensity the light gets in your space. Please note the angle of the sun changes throughout the year, so light intensity in the winter months may not be the same as in the summer.

Once you’ve determined how much light your space receives, you can decide whether you want to supplement it. If you want to add more light to your space, choose a full spectrum LED grow light. These lamps provide a balanced spectrum of light that mimics sunlight. They are available in different types and styles to match your interior. Place it within 6 to 12 inches of the plants and leave it on for a while 12 to 4 pm per day to provide enough light to promote healthy growth.

Soil

Herbs grow best in a loose, well-drained soil. Use a balanced potting soil with peat moss or coconut coconutperlite and vermiculite to ensure adequate drainage and water retention without watering the roots. Pot the plants in a container with a drainage hole to prevent root rot and overwatering.

Watering

Herbs, like all plants, have different water needs depending on their type and growing conditions. In general, rosemary, thyme and sage prefer drier soil, and you should let the soil dry out between waterings. Basil, parsley and mint, on the other hand, grow best in soil that remains consistently moist and is not allowed to dry out between waterings. To determine if your herbs need water, check soil moisture before watering by sticking your finger about an inch into the soil; if it feels dry at this depth, it’s time to water.

Feeding

Herbs growing in outdoor soil require minimal fertilization. However, potted indoor herbs need regular feeding to thrive. Their fertilizer needs vary depending on the type and growing conditions. Generally a mild one liquid fertilizer each applied two weeks will suffice. It is better to under-fertilize herbs than to over-fertilize them; over-fertilization leads to excessive growth and results in leaves with less flavor.

Humidity

Herbs thrive in a moist environment with good air circulation. It is best to place the potted plants together to increase the humidity around the herbs while leaving some space for air circulation. Mist the plants with a misting bottle and place the pots on a tray of moist pebbles to help create a moist microclimate. You can also place a small fan near the plants to improve air circulation.

6 Herbs to Grow in Your Kitchen

Although there are dozens of culinary herbs to choose from, these six herbs grow best indoors:

1. Basil is perhaps the most popular culinary herb used in households. This herb does best in bright, indirect light. Sweet basil and Genovese are popular varieties found in most garden centers. However, if you feel like trying something new, consider a variation like Boxwood basil or Bonsaiwith mini leaves that do not need to be chopped. Simply pick and add to pizza, pasta or salads.
2. Mint is a shade tolerant herb. There are several varieties to choose from, including peppermint, spearmint and sweet mint. Which variety you choose depends on your culinary preferences, but sweet mint is a good basic herb that works well in savory or sweet dishes. Although mint does not need as much sun as basil, it does like consistently moist (not wet) soil, so you will need to check the soil regularly.
3. Parsley has similar growing conditions to mint, and you can plant them side by side. It is often used as a garnish in salads, soups and sauces.
4. Rosemary is another herb that thrives in bright, even direct light. It also likes dry soil conditions and will not tolerate boggy conditions. Plant rosemary in a sandy mix; you can even use a potting mix designed for cacti and succulents. Rosemary is great in marinades for meats and as a topping for roasted root vegetables.
5. Thyme thrives in conditions similar to those of rosemary, so it makes a wonderful companion plant. This herb is often used in soups, stews and marinades, and as a seasoning for poultry and roasted vegetables.
6. Chives thrive in full sun and well-drained soil and are often used in salads and soups and as a garnish. Their mild onion flavor goes well with many dishes.

Harvesting culinary herbs

To keep your indoor herbs healthy and productive, prune and harvest them regularly, which encourages new growth. As the herbs grow, remove dead or yellowing leaves to help channel the energy into healthy leaves. For basil and mint, which tend to become leggy, regularly pinch off the top two leaves to promote a bushy growth habit. For thyme, parsley and rosemary, cut no more than one-third of the plant at a time. Harvest chives by cutting the leaves about 1 to 2 inches above soil level.

Common problems with indoor herbs

Although herbs are relatively easy to grow and maintain, you may sometimes notice yellow leaves. This may be due to too much water, nutrient deficiencies or insufficient light. Follow the recommended light, fertilizer and water needs for each type of herb.

Pests that typically target indoor herbs include aphids, spider mites and whiteflies. They damage plants by sucking sap from the leaves, leading to discoloration, wilting and sometimes stunted growth. The best way to control pests is to regularly inspect your plants for signs of an infestation. You can physically remove pests by picking them with your hand or using a gentle stream of water from the sink. You can also use insecticidal soap or take oil if the contamination is extensive. However, by ensuring good air circulation and avoiding overwatering, pest problems can be prevented.