GROWING HERBS INDOORS

An indoor herb garden provides interesting greenery, instant flavorings for foods and lovely fragrance to rooms. It takes somewhat different gardening techniques to keep indoor plants healthy, but it can be done. Most herbs will thrive if sufficient light, air circulation and moisture are supplied. Note that herbs grown indoors may not be as fragrant or taste as good as those grown outdoors and may be vulnerable to pest problems and diseases.

It is important that herbs be planted in clean clay, plastic or ceramic containers. Group several herbs with similar water and light requirements together in medium-to large-sized containers. Keep in mind the design principles of color, texture, forms of leaves and time of bloom when grouping plants.

When selecting herbs for an indoor garden, choose those that can be grown from seeds in containers, that have compact growth patterns and that have a branching root system rather than a taproot.

Grow herbs in very bright south-or west facing windows that receive at least five hours of sunlight a day. When natural light is unavailable, use fluorescent lights that aid plant growth to keep the plants productive and bushy. Place the lights just above the plants and be prepared to raise the fixture as the plants grow.

To provide adequate air circulation, leave space between containers. To increase humidity, place the pots on trays of moist gravel or pebbles. To ensure healthy herbs indoors, spray the leaves with room temperature, unsoftened water occasionally (to keep dust from collecting on the leaves). Apply half-strength liquid fertilizer regularly and harvest less than a quarter of a plant at one time.

Use these distinctive plants for decoration around the house, but remember to return the herb to its sunny spot for best-growth.

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