Herb gardening indoors is as simple as finding an empty flower pot. Window boxes are attractive places for herbs, as is a hanging basket. Outdoor gardens are subject to the vagaries of weather while growing herbs in pots indoors lets you pick your produce out of the rain. No special environments are required indoors, the same growing requirements exist for herb gardening inside or out.

Three things are needed to successfully grow any plant; soil, water, and sunlight. Herbs are no different. Whether outdoors or in, sunlight is critical to the growth of any plant, including herbs. To get optimal sunlight, place your potted herbs in a room with west or south facing windows. While different herbs have differing light requirements, most need lots of sun. If your herbs are not getting enough sunlight then using grow lamps, or other artificial lighting, can supplement.

When it comes to soil, herbs need soil that is not “too rich” and well-drained. For best results, mix two parts sterilized potting soil with one part perlite or course sand for container herb gardening. To ensure good drainage place about an inch of gravel at the bottom of each pot prior to adding the soil mixture. Most herbs benefit from a soil that is sweetened with lime; one teaspoon of lime per 5-inch pot is sufficient.

Growing herbs in pots also requires attention to water needs. Herbs tend to prefer humid conditions which can be simulated by moistening the pebbles and using a mister on the foliage. While container grown herbs require more water than those grown in an outdoor garden you should avoid getting the roots drenched or soggy.

Moving your plants about as you please is a distinct advantage to having container grown herbs. While annual herbs do quite well left indoors, perennial herbs should be placed outdoors during the summer as these do much better there. To avoid losing foliage bring all our your herbs inside before the first frost. The exceptions to this rule are mint, chives, and tarragon. When subjected to a light frost these herb varieties briefly go dormant then produces new and firmer growth.

While some herbs do better than others all herbs can be grown in pots. A precaution regarding mint; it should be grown in a container, even outdoors, as it will spread over the entire garden. All things considered you can easily maintain an indoor herb garden. When grown in the kitchen it becomes second nature to snip some nearby fresh herbs for cooking. This will add a whole new dimension to your family meals.

Periodic light feeding and yearly re potting will ensure optimum vitality of your herbs. Also remember to replant annuals each year and move perennial herbs outdoors in late spring until early fall. Use all the herbs you desire in cooking and arrangements or simply harvest occasionally to put on the dehydrator. All plants benefit from pruning and herbs especially so. This will give you plenty for use in recipes or treat your friends by giving them fresh herbs.

Following the simple steps above, and with a little practice, your care and attention to your herbs will guarantee a strong healthy plant.