Indoor herbs stay tastiest if they receive at least five hours of direct sunlight every day. Turn the pots regularly to prevent the plants from leaning too much toward the light, and don’t let the leaves touch the cold windows. Fluorescent lights (warm or cool) hung 6 inches above the tops of the plants and left on for 14 hours per day will provide a more ideal growing environment. It helps if the lamps are adjustable to keep up with the plants’ growth.
Most indoor herbs do best at temperatures between 65 and 70 degrees F, but are adaptable to the somewhat lower temps near the windows at night. If you want to provide them with extra humidity, place the pots on a tray with moistened gravel up to, but not over, the bases of the pots. Protect them from drafts from open doors, but give them good air circulation by allowing some space between plants. Over watering ruins a potted herb, so let the soil surface dry out before each thorough watering (until water exits the bottom of the pot). If you see the beginnings of an insect infestation, a good shower in the sink or tub and a foliar spray of 1⁄2 ounce AGGRAND 0-0-8 Kelp and Sulfate of Potash and 1 ounce of AGGRAND 4-3-3 Fertilizer mixed together in a gallon of water will give plants a boost. This also works well as a monthly soil treatment combined with 4 ounces per gallon of AGGRAND Natural Liquid Lime.
Common Windowsill Herbs:
- Basil: Regularly snip sprigs to keep from flowering. Will produce until it becomes woody. Use clippings to root new plants.
- Chives: Cut foliage as needed. Fertilize after completely cut.
- Mint: Likes cool humidity. Does well in a wide, shallow pot.
- Oregano: Likes it dry and well drained. Keep it trimmed regularly.
- Rosemary: Likes humidity and well-drained soil. Don’t let it get too dry
- Sage: Can be allowed to dry out. Clip regularly.
- Thyme: Doesn’t need as much sun. Trim regularly.
