Herbs can be grown in several types of conditions outdoors in addition to being able to grown inside in special pots and containers. If you are seeking alternative growing spaces to grow your herbs in you should consider window boxes and hanging baskets. When you are growing your herbs in any type of container you are taking an easier route then those that are growing their herbs outdoors as you will not have to worry about sudden changes in temperature. While it is simpler to grow herbs indoors, container gardens still need just about as much tending to as traditional gardens.
Herbs just like all plants require three things in order for them to thrive which is sunlight, soil and water. Sunlight is essential for herbs to grow no matter if they have been planted in a container indoors or in a traditional outdoor garden. You need to be sure that you are placing your containers of herbs in the windows of your home that are getting optimal sunshine during the day. If needed you could also supplement your herbs daily dose of sunlight by making use of grow lights. You will also need to make sure that you are using the proper type of soil in order for them to be able to experience optimal growth. Your soil needs to be well drained as well as not overly rich. To ensure your herb growing containers have the proper drainage it is best to place about one inch of gravel at the bottom of each growing container that you are using. When you are growing herbs in containers you need to be sure that they are getting plenty of water. You can assist your herbs in maintaining a good humidity level by lightly dampening the herbs as well as the pebbles. It is very important however not to get the roots of the herbs soaked or soggy.
One of the biggest benefits to growing herbs in containers is you will be able to move them from place to place. If you are growing annual herbs you will find that they will thrive well indoors all throughout the year while perennial herbs tend to do much better if they are placed outdoors during the summer months. If you have any of your herb garden containers outdoors you should make sure that they are all inside before the first frost so you can avoid having your herbs lose any of their foliage. This rule does not apply to herbs such as mint and chives as these hardier herbs will go into a rest period and eventually will return with stronger growth after being exposed to a light frost.
While all types of herbs can be grown in container gardens there are some that will fare better than others. You must contain mint if you plan to grow it otherwise it will eventually take over your entire garden. It really is quite simple to be able to maintain your indoor herb garden. You will have fresh herbs at your fingertips any time that you need them. By following the information above you will be able to grow happy and healthy plants. You of course will have to replant the annuals every year and be sure to move your perennial herbs outdoors as needed. You should go ahead and harvest your herbs as often as you like as it is not top secret that pruning your herbs will encourage new growth. You can use them however you like, decide to store them or give them away to friends. It is all up to you so enjoy your container herb gardens to their fullest.
Yilmaz Cesur is an Herb Garden Enthusiast and Author. You can find more information on herb gardening on his site at http://www.herbgardeningessentials.com/growing-herbs-in-pots and you can receive his free eCourse by registering your interest at http://www.HerbGardeningEssentials.com.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Yilmaz_Cesur
