Herbs To Grow Indoors: 5 For This Winter

Introduction:

As winter becomes a countdown away, what are you doing once the garden is broken down and put to bed until the spring? With a little indoor gardening magic, you can cultivate a thriving indoor herb garden right in the coziness of your home. In this guide, we’ll explore the best herbs to grow indoors during the winter months, offering insights into starting, planting, caring for, and harvesting these aromatic delights.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Getting Started: 

Setting the stage for herbs to grow indoors before you embark on your winter herb-growing journey, gather the essential tools and materials:

Containers:

Opt for pots with drainage holes to prevent waterlogging. The best pots to grow herbs indoors:

• Terra Cotta Pots:

Material: Terra cotta or clay pots are a classic choice for indoor herb gardening.

Benefits: These pots are porous, allowing for better air circulation and water drainage, which helps prevent overwatering.

Considerations: Because terra cotta pots are porous, they may require more frequent watering, especially in dry indoor environments.

• Self-Watering Pots:

Material: Self-watering pots are usually made of plastic or other synthetic materials.

Benefits: These pots come with a built-in reservoir that provides a steady supply of water to the plants, reducing the risk of overwatering or underwatering.

Considerations: Ensure that the pot’s wicking system and reservoir are clean to prevent mold or bacterial growth.

• Ceramic or Decorative Pots:

Material: Ceramic pots are known for their aesthetic appeal, and they come in a wide range of colors and designs.

Benefits: These pots add a decorative touch to your indoor space while providing a suitable environment for your herbs.

Considerations: Ceramic pots tend to be less porous than terra cotta, which can be advantageous for retaining moisture.

Potting Mix:

Choose a well-draining mix suitable for herbs to grow indoors. The best potting mix for growing herbs indoors should provide excellent drainage, aeration, and the right balance of nutrients to support healthy growth. Here’s a recommended potting mix recipe that you can use or modify based on the herbs you’re growing:

See our post on DIY Potting Mix

Ingredients:

• Peat Moss or Coconut Coir: Provides moisture retention and helps with aeration.
• Perlite or Vermiculite: Improves drainage and aeration.
• Compost: Adds nutrients and organic matter to the mix.
• Sterilized Garden Soil (Optional): Some gardeners choose to include a small portion of garden soil, but ensure it’s sterile to prevent pests and diseases from entering your indoor environment.

Proportions: A general recipe for a potting mix suitable for herbs is as follows:

Instructions:

• In a large container or bucket, mix the peat moss or coconut coir, perlite or vermiculite, and compost thoroughly. If you’re including garden soil, add it in small portions and mix well.
• Adjust the proportions as needed to achieve a well-balanced mix that’s neither too heavy nor too fluffy.
• Moisten the mix slightly while blending to ensure even distribution of moisture.
• Fill your herb containers with the potting mix, leaving about an inch of space below the rim.

Why This Mix Works:

• Peat Moss or Coconut Coir: These materials retain moisture, which is important for indoor plants, while also promoting good drainage.
• Perlite or Vermiculite: These materials improve aeration and prevent the mix from becoming overly compacted.
• Compost: Provides essential nutrients and enhances soil structure.
• Optional Garden Soil: While some gardeners use garden soil, it’s important to ensure it’s sterile to avoid introducing pests or diseases into your indoor garden.

Remember that different herbs may have slightly different preferences, so you can adjust the mix proportions based on your specific needs. Additionally, some commercial potting mixes formulated for herbs are available, and you can use those as well. Regularly monitor the moisture level of the potting mix and adjust your watering routine accordingly, as herbs generally prefer to dry out slightly between waterings to prevent root rot.

Seeds or Starter Plants:

Decide whether to begin from seeds or young plants. Starter plants are hard to find after August so here’s my favorite organic seeds for the best herbs to grow indoors.

Light Source:

Herbs crave light; consider investing in a grow light if natural light is limited. You can repurpose these in the spring for veggie seedlings.

Watering Can:

Maintain consistent moisture without overwatering. I use a quart sized mason jar, so this is all personal preference. 

Fertilizer:

Select a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer for nourishment. When it comes to selecting the best organic fertilizer for herbs to grow indoors, it’s important to choose a balanced option that provides essential nutrients without the risk of over-fertilization. Here are a few organic fertilizer options that are good for indoor herb gardening:

• Fish Emulsion:
  • Liquid fertilizer made from fish waste. It’s rich in nitrogen, which supports leafy growth, and also contains trace minerals.
  • Provides a gentle and gradual release of nutrients, making it less likely to cause nutrient imbalances or burn the plants. It’s suitable for a wide range of herbs.
  • Dilute according to the package instructions and use it every 2-4 weeks during the growing season.
• Compost Tea:
  • Liquid fertilizer made by steeping compost in water. It’s a natural source of nutrients and beneficial microorganisms.
  • Enriches the soil with a broad spectrum of nutrients and promotes soil health. It’s a great option for organic gardening.
  • Use as a root drench or foliar spray every 2-4 weeks. It’s particularly effective for maintaining soil microbial activity.
• Seaweed or Kelp Extract:
  • Derived from marine plants. They are rich in trace minerals, growth-promoting hormones, and natural antioxidants.
  • Stimulate plant growth, enhance nutrient uptake, and improve stress resistance. They’re especially beneficial for overall plant health.
  • Dilute according to the instructions and apply every 2-4 weeks, either as a soil drench or foliar spray.
• Worm Castings:
  • Nutrient-rich waste produced by earthworms. They are a natural source of nutrients and beneficial microorganisms.
  • Provide slow-release nutrients and improve soil structure. They’re gentle on plants and promote strong root development.
  • Mix potting mix when planting herbs. You can also sprinkle a thin layer on the soil surface and gently work it in. Learn how to make your own worm castings with vermicomposting.
• Organic Granular Fertilizer:
  • Formulated for indoor plants or herbs. Look for a balanced N-P-K ratio and additional micronutrients.
  • Provide a controlled release of nutrients over time, ensuring a steady supply of essential elements for your herbs.
  • Follow the package instructions for application rates and frequency, as they can vary among different brands.

Choosing the Right Herbs: 

While some herbs thrive outdoors, certain varieties adapt beautifully to indoor conditions. Here are five top contenders for herbs to grow indoors in your winter herb garden:

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis): Aromatic and robust, rosemary adds depth to culinary creations.

Thyme (Thymus vulgaris): Delicate leaves pack a flavorful punch and adapt well indoors.

Mint (Mentha spp.): With various flavors to choose from, mint is a refreshing choice.

Chives (Allium schoenoprasum): These mild onion-flavored greens are easy to grow.

Parsley (Petroselinum crispum): Choose flat-leaf or curly varieties for a burst of freshness.

Planting the Seeds of Success:

• Preparation: Fill your chosen containers with the potting mix, leaving an inch from the rim.

• Seeding: If starting from seeds, follow the recommended depth and spacing on the seed packet.

Caring for Your Indoor Herbs: Nurturing Growth and Flourishing Aromas

• Light: Herbs thrive with 6-8 hours of sunlight daily. If natural light is scarce, supplement with a grow light.
• Temperature: Maintain indoor temperatures around 60-70°F (15-21°C).
• Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, not soggy. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry.
• Humidity: Indoor heating can parch the air. Boost humidity by misting your herbs or using a humidity tray.
• Fertilization: Feed your herbs every 4-6 weeks with a diluted, balanced fertilizer during the growing season.

Tip: After hard boiling eggs, allow water to come to room temperature and add to your indoor plants every few weeks for a nice calcium boost!

Harvesting the Fruits of Your Labor: Aromatic Rewards Await

• Timing: Begin harvesting once your herbs have established substantial growth, typically after 2-3 months.
• Method: Pinch or snip off individual leaves or stems. Avoid removing more than a third of the plant at once.
• Frequency: Regular harvesting encourages bushier growth. Enjoy the freshness in your culinary creations.

Conclusion: 

Cultivating Winter Abundance Indoors Winter need not be a season of horticultural hibernation. By embracing indoor herb gardening, you invite the scents and flavors of summer into your home year-round. With the right care, these aromatic plants will flourish, providing you with a steady supply of fresh herbs to elevate your winter meals. So, gather your containers, seeds, and enthusiasm, and embark on a journey of nurturing nature within your own four walls. Happy gardening!