I kind of suck at keeping most plants alive. There are a few I know I can manage, but for the most part if it needs regular watering I find it won't live at our house. But I've always dreamed of having a small collection of herbs sitting on my window ledge.
It may sound odd, since I know my incapacity of owning a healthy plant, but I actually made the decision to have deep sills in our new kitchen windows strictly for the purpose of growing herbs. I figure that if the plants are right in front of the sink I won't forget to water them!
It was almost a year ago our new windows were installed but until this past week I hadn't thought about trying my luck with a new plant. But now is the time to try because many garden centers are discounting their plants, these two basil plants were only $1.94 at Super Store. I like that they have an almost tree-like feel.
I am hoping they will make it into Fall and Winter, and that it won't be too cold in the window. We went with extra energy efficient windows so if these won't work I don't think my window garden was meant to be.
Wren and I made cheese burgers for lunch this week and a few basil leaves were a delicious, flavorful addition to our tomato/ketchup-free creations.
Do you have an indoor herb garden? Any secrets to keep it going strong, even in the winter??
(I need a lot of help here guys!!)
16 comments:
We have both indoor at outdoor herbs going on at our house. It's been my goal this summer to use them up. It helps me keep an eye on the weeds and I make better tasting food. :)
We are moving in a few weeks and I am totally sad to be losing my herb garden and our indoor plants. (We are moving to Hawaii, can't take plants)
But then again we're moving to Hawaii.
We have both an indoor and outdoor herb gardens.
A good tip for your indoor herbs is to water from the bottom. They will only drink up as much water as they need by using their roots. To water from the bottom simply place your pot on a plate and pour a bit of water on the plate. You will be amazed how the plant slowly (or quickly) drinks it up. As well, herbs like to be almost dry before rewatering.
A frew more tips - basil is very picky. Don't move outside if the temps get cold in the evening.
Also, remove any flowers that some herbs grow as they stunt the new growth by taking valuable nutrients from the plant.
And one last thing - harvest often to encourage new growth.
GOOD LUCK! :)
I started a little window herb garden. There's basil, thyme, oregano, parsley, and cilantro (which has since been transplated to the garden). My basil is doing the best of all of them, probably because I love the flavour of it fresh the most. It looks nothing like yours though... Must be a different variety.
I am also bad with plant life. The only thing I ever had any luck with were Hastas...because they don't need anything lol I like how you said that if they are right in front of you, you won't forget to water them. I say that about my multivitamins, which are sitting right here next to my laptop...I NEVER take them. Good luck with your herbs. :)
I have been doing fine with houseplants lately :), so am going to get a few herbs. Yours look healthy. Where oh where did get the fabulous pots?
Niki, my thumb might not be green, but I am with envy! Have a safe and happy journey with your big move.
Elaine, thanks so much for the tips! What do you mean by harvest, just plucking off leaves? Thanks again!
Nette, I thought these basil's looked funky compared to any I've seen before, but I sure like their quirkiness. I bet your place smells heavenly.
Betsy, point WELL taken. I have the same bottle sitting by my bathroom sink I bet LoL.
Wendy, I got them both at Home Sense over the last few years for $3-$4 each. Right about this time of summer all the pots are super cheap!
Herbs can be difficult to grow inside. I sometimes can't believe they're the same plant. Outside they flourish but inside not so much.
Most herbs need direct sunlight and it's difficult for them to get enough light, even in a window in the winter. Most websites suggest a grow light (but I want the pretty window sill display like you)
Ditto, what others say about using herbs- cutting them encourages leafy & bushier growth, especially basil. Yours look like lemon basil- it tends to have a woody stalk. But there are so many varieties.
Also, annual herbs are a short lived plant. They are meant to sprout, flourish, set seed and diminish in a season. In the right conditions you may be able to extend their life but it's difficult to maintain a beautiful lush plant for a long time.
Perennial herbs can be long-lived houseplants, though. Rosemary, thyme, oregano, sage, lavender are my favourites.
Best of luck! They sure do look pretty.
Good luck with the indoor herb garden. Some say it's easy....not so much for me.
As Elaine said, water from the bottom and yes, harvest means picking off leaves encourage's new growth. I have 2 pots outside and at least once a week I actually make a bouquet of basil and take it to my friends restaurant for fresh tomato basil pizza.
It's almost like overnight I have a beautiful full basil plant.
You said that you got your pots from Home Sense which is our Home Goods. But did you vintage them up or did you buy them that way?
I have heard that you can take yogurt and mold up a a clay pot. Never tried it but curious if you have??
I'm loving these mini 'trees' ;)
Never seen basil that tall. And I love love love the pots. Gonna have to make a trek to my HomeGoods soon. Great job and good luck!!
->Ashley
That looks like such a wonderful project to embark upon! I don't have any herbs...but I think it's a useful thing to have! Darling blog, happy I came across it! Have a great week!!
Toodles,
Twirling Clare
twirlingclare.blogspot.com
I with you indor plants not so good usually the dry up or get those little bug that just gross me out I dumb them! But they do look pretty.
I love your kitchen! I am in the process of putting Martha Stewart Ox Hill cabinets in my kitchen. I love the contrast of your wall color with the cabinets. Would you be willing to share your wall color? Thank you.
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