It's the middle of winter, your garden is frozen, and the herbs you can get in the grocery store just aren't cutting it anymore. What's an herb lover to do? You might think you would need an elaborate indoor lighting setup to grow herbs indoors during the winter, but fortunately, all you really need is a spot that gets a good amount of light and the right knowledge and techniques. Here are some tips to get you started:
- Start out with a strong plant. If the plant you choose already has brown or wilted leaves before you even bring it home, chances are it won't do very well in the long term. Make sure any plants you choose to grow are vigorous-looking and clearly in their prime. Some particularly strong plants that are suited to growing indoors are basil, thyme, sage and parsley.
- Make sure your plants have proper drainage. Plants take longer to absorb the same amount of water in winter and indoors, so make sure your pots have good drainage so that you don't accidentally drown your garden. Water only when the top of the soil is dry to the touch.
- Be vigilant about pest prevention. If you're bringing in your herbs from an outdoor garden, make sure to isolate them from other house plants for a few weeks to prevent the transfer of outdoor pests. As soon as you spot signs of an infestation, remove any affected leaves and maintain a regular schedule of watering, sunlight and "bathing" with anti-pest soap spray.
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