Herbs in pots
Most of the popular culinary herbs we cook with on a daily basis grow well indoors in containers. For this reason a growing number of people who do not have the luxury of an herb garden are now growing herbs in pots.
When herbs are grown indoors, you need to be sure they get sufficient light and moisture. Most appreciate humidity, so if you stand the pots on a gravel bed that is constantly moistened, this will usually do the trick. One exception to this rule is basil that will easily tolerate a more moderate dry environment.
Generally herbs in pots will thrive in a stable temperature between 60 and 70 °F (16 to 21 °C). But you need to be sure that they are not left in a draught. Since they need light, and therefore should be placed near to windows (or on windowsills) where they will get some natural sunlight, you need to be sure that the windows are not left open on a windy day. Also turn pots regularly so that at some time or other each part of the plant will be exposed to light. If there is not sufficient natural light in your home you will have to consider grow lights, otherwise your herbs will die. Some herbs including marjoram and oregano, thyme and basil need full sun to survive. Chives, parsley, chervil and mint all prefer indirect sunlight and a cooler position. The beauty of planting in pots though is that you can move them around, and change their position if need be.
Another important consideration is to make sure that your herbs get enough water. But be careful not to soak. Generally you can touch the soil and if it feels dry, then water the plant. Also, it is best to use slightly tepid water, rather than water that is cold. Never ever use iced water, even in sweltering heat.
You can plant pots with established plants or with seedlings bought from a nursery. Or you can germinate your own seeds and then transplant the seedlings when they are ready. Jiffy peat pots and pellets are great for this. In fact they are becoming one of the most popular choices for starting herbs indoors. The pellets are made from sphagnum peat that has lime and a proprietary fertilizer added to it to stimulate growth. They have a pH of about 5.3 (remember that 7 is neutral and anything less is acidic - 5 being only slightly acidic) and are wrapped in a thin net that is degradable. All you do is to put a few seeds into each pellet and add water.
Jiffy peat pellets are designed to fit into a tray that has a domed lid. Each pellet has its own compartment. Then when you put the lid on, you have a mini-greenhouse with an ideal micro climate for germination. Once the seedlings have grown, all you do is remove the pellet and plant it. What could be easier?
