Windowsill Herb Garden in 5 Easy Steps

Don't let the change of seasons, or your lack of a yard, stop you from enjoying the enjoyment and health benefits of growing your own herbs. As long as you have a window, you can have a windowsill herb garden.

Ideally you'll want a south or west facing window for your herbs. Herbs, for the most part, like a lot of sun so make sure to choose your location accordingly. Here are the 5 easy steps you need to follow so that you an be enjoying freshly grown herbs all winter long:

1. Find a spot that gets at least a half of days worth of sun. Make sure your window is sealed tightly so your tender plants aren't exposed to cold drafts. If you don't have a window that gets enough light you can always supplement the amount of light by investing in a fluorescent light.

2. Pick out your plants. Ask your local nursery what they recommend. Here are some ideas of herbs that tend to do well planted inside:basil, mint, parsley, and thyme.

3. Use soil that will drain well. You can add coarse sand to potting soil. You can also add small rocks to the bottom of your planter. If your herbs sit it water the roots can rot.

4. Get 5" to 6" containers. Add the rocks and the soil. Plant your herbs. Make sure you don't plant them too deep.

5. Make sure to check the moisture level frequently since the air inside your home during the winter months is likely to be dry. Following these tips will have you well on your way to having a successful windowsill herb garden in no time at all. Enjoy!

Tina Barrett is an herb expert. For more great tips on windowsill herb garden [http://easyhomeherbgarden.com/windowsill-herb-garden/] visit: [http://EasyHomeHerbGarden.com]

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Windowsill Herb Garden That's Just Right To Your Home

HERB gardens are usually for people who have backyards in their own homes. But those who live in the city are discovering that you don't need to go outdoors to grow herbs, you can just put up a windowsill herb garden. This kind of herb garden doesn't take up a large space and is very low maintenance - all you need to do is just place several small pots blooming with your favorite herbs!

Despite its smallness, a windowsill herb garden can still contain your favorite herbs. You may want to consider cultivating Mediterranean herbs not only because they are popular, but because they are readily available in stores.

Below are some great tips for those who are interested in windowsill herb gardening:

1. Place your herbs in a sunny spot where they can take advantage of the most sunlight. The majority of herbs will be perfectly happy situated in a south-facing window where they can get at least 5 hours of sunshine. During the winter you can use fluorescent lightning as a good supplement.

2. Give your plants just enough water so that the soil stays lightly moist. Herbs don't fancy sitting in wet soil!
3. Soil selection is important too. Make sure that the soil is mixed with lime and sand to promote maximum growth of your herbs. You can also use a soilless potting mix.

4. Any kind of container will do, you just have to make sure that the pot allows for ample drainage. To save you money, you can use the nice containers lying around the house.

5. Be sure to plant your herbs according to their growing recommendations. Herb kits are ideal for any beginner grower.

6. Most herbs need to be fertilized once a month. Make sure that you use an edible-only fertilizer. Ideally, the best way to fertilize is by mixing the fertilizer with water and putting it to the plant during watering.

7. Snip and trim your plants regularly to encourage more growth. Choose nice herbs that are ideal for windowsill gardening like basil, chives, lavender, thyme, mint and parsley. These herbs stay compact and dense and they don't need big pots.

There are lots of herbs that can be successfully grown in a windowsill environment and are readily available in garden centers or local nurseries. You can choose to start them from seed, but if you are a beginner grower, a herb garden kit can prove to be very handy. One great advantage of a windowsill garden is that it requires only minimal care. Herbs are known to be the easiest type of plant to cultivate; they can grow in containers just by using the right combination of seed and soil.

As long as there is sunlight, your herbs will always flourish. Be sure to take full advantage of the herbs you grow, as most herbs have medicinal properties too! Use them in teas, salads, dishes, or even desserts for a wonderful twist in flavor. Can you now imagine having your own windowsill herb garden?

Norm Stewart loves writing about his passion for herbs and loves sharing his 35 years of herb growing expertise with others. Discover more expert tips and valuable information about windowsill herb garden [http://www.herbgrowing-guide.com/windowsill-herb-garden] and how to successfully grow and use your herbs in wonderful and creative ways with his popular free ecourse, available at [http://www.herbgrowing-guide.com/]

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The Windowsill Herb Garden is the Perfect Little Garden

Those who live in the city are limited in the plants they can grow. You may want to have greenery in your home, but are unsure how to accomplish this. A windowsill herb garden is a great way to be able to enjoy plants in your home. The great thing about this kind of garden is it is beautiful to look at and provides a great smell. Herbs have many different uses and will make your home more enjoyable. If you live in a high-rise apartment, you and your herbs will form a symbiotic relationship.

Herbs have been used for centuries as a way to heal people. The smells alone are used in aromatherapy. People spend a lot of money in order to have the smells ever present in their home. By growing a windowsill herb garden, you will be able to enjoy these smells all the time. The two most calming aromas used are lavender and chamomile. Lavender is very easy to grow so because of the kind of plant it is. Being a perennial bush, it will grow in many different conditions. Being in a small space, you will b able to enjoy the smells more than someone with a large home.

Constant temperature is highly beneficial to herbs. When grown outside, herbs sometimes struggle because of fluctuations in temperature. Being able to control the temperature allows you to enable your plants to thrive. You will be able to grow basil in the middle of the winter by using a windowsill herb garden. This allows you to enjoy the flavor of a freshly made pesto without having to run to the store. Early frost will not affect your plants ability to continue to grow. Just remember, some plants like sage do better if they are able to go through a little bit of a frost.

Using a windowsill herb garden allows you to control the amount of water your plants get. One of the worst things about growing outside is when it rains right after you water your plants. The chances to over water are greater when outside. There is also the tendency to dry out the soil your plants are in when planting outside. Soil, which is too dry, can absorb the moisture before your herbs ever get the chance to utilize it. Gardening inside allows you complete control over how much water your plants are getting.

When gardening indoors, you have more control over the soil your herbs are grown in. When growing outside, you need to bring a sample of soil in to a nursery to be examined. They will tell you the nutrient levels of your dirt so they can tell you what you can grow. When planting at home, you can simply mix potting soil with sand and a tablespoon of lime. This will give you the perfect combination of absorbent and retentive soil. Be sure to check your soil a couple times a day. Make sure it is moist to the touch.

Your apartment is surely decorated to your tastes. You will want to have a windowsill herb garden, which will match your decor. This is possible due to the many different styles of pots and trays available at nurseries and online. You are sure to pick out one, which will meet your needs. It is recommended to plant in clay pots so your plants will have the chance to breathe.

Brian Chamberlain has been an Herb Garden enthusiast for over 20 years and has helped many people get started in this amazing hobby. For more great information on a windowsill herb garden visit his site at: http://www.secretsofaherbgarden.com while you are there don't forget to sign up for his FREE 10 part Secrets of a Herb Garden Mini-Course.

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