How to Create an Indoor Herb Garden for Your Kitchen

If you're someone who loves to use fresh herbs in your cooking then you will be thrilled to know just how easy it is to have fresh herbs available virtually at your fingertips the next time you are preparing a meal. Why put on your boots and go out back to the garden, when you can grow them conveniently in your kitchen. Some people who live in small apartments who don't have access to a backyard will appreciate having this little taste of nature right in the kitchen.

The most important ingredient to this whole project is a sunny window--otherwise you will have to set up a grow lamp. Providing that you have a small space in a sunny window to place your plants you can begin.

Find a container that will fit in the window and hold your plants. Take measurements of the space and head to your local nursery or home and garden store. Herbs such as mint, thyme, rosemary, basil parsley and oregano will work well in your indoor herb garden. Buy these herbs as small seedlings at your garden center.

You will also need gravel or small stones for the bottom of the container, potting soil mix with vermiculite and sand will ensure good drainage for the roots.

Line the base of the container with gravel and then add the soil mixture. Now remove the herb plants from their pots being careful not to upset the roots too much and plant them in the soil mixture you have prepared. Be sure to completely cover up the roots with soil and then give them a good soaking. Keep them out of direct sunlight when you first transplant the seedlings to avoid transplant shock. The next day you can place your planter in the sunny window, or beneath the grow lamp. Herbs do not like to be soggy, so do not overwater them.

Now it's time to enjoy them. Simply trim off what you need for your recipes with some kitchen shears. Herbs are perennial plants, so they may die back for a bit but they will revive again.

So, now that you have seen just how easy it is to grow your own indoor herb garden, you are welcome to visit the familygardeningblog.com for more articles and videos about gardening and how much fun it can be for the entire family.