3 Essential Tips for Successfully Growing Herbs Indoors

updated Jun 6, 2019
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(Image credit: Sandra Rojo)

During the winter months fresh herbs aren’t out of reach, but they do require a little help to really get them growing. Want to see if your space has what it takes?

1. Give Them Sun, Sun, Sun!
Herbs need 4 to 6 hours of direct sun every day to not just survive, but to thrive indoors. Not just light, we’re talking direct rays that you might acquire a sunburn in. Don’t have it? Don’t bother.

2. Give the Roots Proper Drainage
During the winter months when plants aren’t outdoors in the scalding heat, herbs will drink slightly slower. To help your roots not rot out or sit in soggy water, make sure you have proper drainage at the bottom of your containers. And not just drain holes, but rocks or plastic foam to keep the roots out of the water you’re giving them.

3. Don’t Eat Their Solar Panels!
Although larger leaves are the most tempting to eat as it seems they’re the oldest, they’re also the plant’s solar panels. If you only prune off mature leaves your plant will have a hard time growing. Make sure you mix it up by cutting off a mix of mature and brand new leaves (and never cut off all the leaves at once).

Do you have any tried and true tips to add to the list? Let us know in the comments below!

Related:

Expert Advice on Planting, Pruning, and Getting the Most Out of Herbs

(Image: Flickr member Jess Pac licensed for use by Creative Commons)