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10/22/2020 12:01 AMIf you are like most gardeners, this time of year brings a bit of sadness.
Even as the outdoor season ends, our love for fresh herbs continues all year long. The good news is that an indoor herb garden is both easy and fun and a great way to get your kids involved.
First, select the right spot.
Herbs need as much natural light as possible, so try to find a sunny spot near a window that receives at least six hours of sun, preferably a south-facing window. The light from a south-facing window is usually enough for most herbs to grow. Herbs like parsley, thyme and mint require less light and will grow well in west-facing windows.
Watch for signs that your herbs are not getting enough sunlight. If the stems or leaves begin to pale or turn yellow, if you have long leaf sets, or leaves that are small, these are all signs that you need more sunlight.
Indoor herbs tend to be spindlier than those that grow outdoors, but they will still give you plenty of fresh cuttings.
It is most important to remember to fertilize your plants weekly, especially if you are harvesting leaves often.
When it comes to potting, make sure your herbs have proper drainage, so use pots with drainage holes. If the roots sit in water they will rot. The best container for indoor planting is a plastic or clay pot that has been glazed. Plain clay pots tend to dry out too quickly, especially in the winter when our heat is on.
An alternative to a sunny window is a grow light, or you can use both.
A grow light mimics direct sunlight, allowing herbs to flourish throughout late fall and winter.
Another option is to grow herbs hydroponically using an Aero Garden. This way you can eliminate the need for a sunny window and it takes all the guess work out dealing with temperature and enough sunlight.
Another option is to install a small greenhouse in the backyard, which provides for a few extra weeks in the fall to let outdoor potted herbs flourish is a warmer environment. But they should be brought inside as soon as nighttime temps dip lower.
Herbs prefer the same temperature that most of us do, around 65 to 70 degrees F, so if you are comfortable, your herbs will be.
Keep leaves from touching the glass to protect them from getting nipped by the cold. The temperature near a window can drop, especially at night, to 55 to 60; most herbs like that just fine except basil.
Every cook I know loves fresh basil all year-round, but basil can be a bit trickier, but if you have plenty of sun and warmth it should thrive, just don’t keep it on cool windowsills.
Basil leaves will fade and droop in cool air even after being exposed for a short time. They prefer indoor temperature around 70 degrees, day and night.
There are many options when it comes to bringing the outdoors inside this fall and winter. You might want to start with basil, parsley, oregano, sage, rosemary, chives, and thyme.
More information about plants and gardens is available on The North Haven Garden Club page on Facebook. North Haven Garden Club is a member of The Federated Garden Clubs of Connecticut Inc., New England Garden Clubs Inc., and The National Garden Clubs Inc. Article and photos by Cindy Golia.