I want to start a little indoor herb “garden”. I notice that at places like gardening stores, the seed packets of herbs are really cheap. Can I trust those seeds will work? Should I get one of those “starter kits” or just buy everything separately? What size pots should I get?

Thanks guys!

A how to video from www.gardeningcentral.com.au with tips and info on being creative and planting a herb and veggie garden in both a decorative pot and an old bucket.

The Basic Illustrated Indoor/Outdoor Plant & Garden Guide : Learn All About What to Plant, Where and When, How to Plant and transplant, Potted Plants and Flowers, Growings Herbs and Vegetables and More

Growing herbs indoors is simple and the benefits it brings come in countless ways. Herbs are not only easy to grow, but you can user your herbs in many ways.  They can be used for such diverse things from decorating to cooking to making tea.  Growing herbs indoors is very convenient. Your herbs will be accessible year around for you to use.  Weather is not an issue when you grow herbs indoors.

Growing herbs indoors will bring nature inside plus give you the benefits of being able to harvest your very own fresh herbs. One of the many advantages of growing herbs indoors is that they purify the air. Also, they fill the air with wonderful fragrances, and offer their harvest for cooking, healing ailments, and beauty in craft projects and bouquets.

Know your plant. Learn about each and every plant that you will take care of not only to be able to give the care that it deserves but also for you to benefit greatly by being able maximize the harvest and use of the plant you choose.

Indoor lighting takes the place of natural outdoor sunlight. If you place a plant inside your home, it may not have enough sunlight. This problem is easy solved by using a fluorescent light to be the light your plants need. Be careful to keep the light away from the plant. The leaves may burn from the heat. Learn each plant’s sunlight requirements but most are happy with at least 6-8 hours.

You need to know when to water. Evaporation is not as fast indoors as outdoors.  You must be careful to avoid overwatering your plant and making the roots suffer from rot, you can find out if the plant needs to be watered. Observe the top of the soil; if it looks dry, it is time to water. If still in doubt, touch the soil lightly, if it feels very moist, delay watering.

Growing herbs indoors is a great way for beginners to break into gardening. Not only are herbs very easy to grow, but you can use your herbs in a variety of ways ranging from decoration to cooking to making teas. One of the biggest advantages of starting your gardening experience with herbs is that you can conveniently grow them indoors (unlike, say, growing stalks of corn). Growing herbs indoors actually has a few advantages to growing in a garden. You have a convenience in location and space, your herbs will be easily accessible, and you won’t have to deal with difficult weather.

Growing herbs in pots allows you to have your favorite herbs close at hand. With the proper care, you will be able to enjoy these herbs year round. An early frost will not damage your plants, as they will be inside. Having the ability to control climate and humidity allows your herbs to thrive. Following some very simple steps will help your herbs to fulfill their true potential. No matter what skill level gardener you are, herbs are a very forgiving plant. There is no reason you should not be able to grow the herbs you use most often.

Soil is an important factor for any plant. When growing herbs in pots, you are allowed complete control over the soil. Not being at the mercy of weather conditions allows you to make sure your plants grow easily. One thing to keep a close eye on is what kind of soil you are using. Using pure potting soil is a mistake. This is because potting soil has too many nutrients for herbs. You can control this by mixing potting soil with sand. The added benefit of the sand in the soil is it retains more moisture. Layering the bottom of your pot with pebbles will also help the soil not to become water logged.

Water is a key factor to any plant. Herbs benefit from having the right amount of moisture. By misting your plants, you will help the leaves to soak in more water. This is important as plants are designed to absorb water through leaves as well as from roots. Plants, which have to absorb all their water from the soil, will struggle to survive. Make sure you check the soil before adding any water to a pot, as it should only be moist to the touch. If a puddle forms where you press down, your plant is drowning and needs to have water drained from the pot.

Sunlight is another of the highly important elements to growing herbs in pots. Picking the right place for your herb to grow is highly important. The best place for your pot is in a windowsill that faces either west or south. This allows your plant to have the right amount of sun. If this is not possible, you can buy a lamp designed to give plants artificial sunlight. Another option is to allow your herbs to spend some time outside every day. Perennials especially benefit from time outside. Make sure you do not give your herbs more sun than they need or the leaves will turn brown.

Wind is taken for granted when planting outside. When growing herbs in pots inside, plants are usually robbed of wind. Putting the pots outside will give them the wind they desire. Another way to give your plant some wind is to simulate it with a fan. Set your fan on low and direct it towards the pots. You will notice an improvement in plants that get a light wind.

Pruning is very important to the health of your plants. The added benefit of pruning herbs is you get to use what you cut. Growing herbs in pots is popular among those who use them the most. Proper pruning practices cause your plant to produce more. Do not be deterred from pruning for fear of wasting herbs. These can be dried, frozen, or given away to friends. Herbs can also be used in recipes for future dates. Freezing pesto is a great way to use an overabundance of basil.