With it still being cold outside for many regions of the country, it’s the perfect time to start a winter indoor garden. Anyone wanting to grow their own organic produce or herbs can easily set up their own indoor garden.
Those living in small spaces, such as an apartment, can particularly benefit from an indoor garden. In fact, indoor plants can help boost your mood and have other benefits. The below guide will review how to start an indoor garden and the best indoor herbs.
Consider Placement
Two factors will heavily determine your indoor garden placement. First, where you have room in your living space, and second, the type of plants you want to grow. For instance, some plants will need to be windows since they need an entire day of full sun. While other plants might thrive in your bathroom because they need less sunlight but a more humid area.
The below tips will help you creatively hang plants that save space and help your gardening budget.
Examine Your Lighting
Each indoor plant will need various amounts of light. If you’re short on space in one area, consider getting plants that need a different amount of light. If there’s not enough natural light for your plants, then consider using artificial lighting as an alternative. The below image details the differences between natural and artificial light. It should help you to decide which is best for your plants.
A Few of the Best Indoor Herbs
Below are three herbs that thrive indoors and are perfect for beginner gardeners.
Parsley
Parsley is a fairly easy herb to grow at home. It does require nutrient-rich soil. One thing you do need to keep an eye on is flower stalks. Once flower stalks start to appear the leaves have started to turn bitter. It is then time to yank the plant and start a new one.
- Light: Full sun
- Temperature: 50-70 ºF
- Water: Once or twice a week
- Pot type: Plastic or glazed ceramic container
- Soil and drainage: Well-drained, organic-rich and neutral (6-7 pH)
Basil
Basil is a warm-weather herb that you can continuously harvest. The most common type of basil in the United States is sweet basil. However, you can also find and grow purple, lemon, and Thai basil.
- Light: Full sun
- Temperature: 50-80 ºF
- Water: Once a week
- Pot type: Any container
- Soil and drainage: Well-drained, moist and neutral soil (6-7 pH)
Rosemary:
Rosemary is a stalwart herb that grows well indoors. Fresh rosemary is quite noticeable and packs much more of a punch. Rosemary plants need six to eight hours of direct sunlight each day. Whichever pot you place your rosemary plant in there needs to be good drainage.
- Light: Full sun
- Temperature: 55-80 ºF
- Water: Every one to two weeks
- Pot type: Clay or terracotta container
- Soil and drainage: Well-drained, loamy and neutral (6-7 pH)
Now, you have the needed information to start your own personalized indoor garden. If you’re having trouble recalling how much to water your plants or think they need some fun inspiration, print these fun plant printables from TurboTenant.
