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Let it Grow: Teaches and herbs
The first day of winter has officially arrived. Why not try to grow a few pots of herbs?
Herbs provide flavor, fragrance and beautiful foliage during the garden-less winter months.
Many herbs are native to the Mediterranean region and therefore require high light levels, warm temperatures and moderate humidity levels. Here are some tips to get you started:
Create a Mediterranean environment
Herbs thrive best when exposed to six hours of natural light or 14-16 hours of artificial light.
Light intensity in winter is often less than one-tenth of the outdoor light during a summer day, so even with six hours of natural light, additional lighting is beneficial to keeping herbs healthy.
Fluorescent lights are a good option for providing supplemental light. Because the light intensity is low, be sure the lights are about six to nine inches above the tops of the plants.
Ideal temperatures for many herbs is 60 degrees at night and 70 degrees during the day. The kitchen or bathroom is a great location for herbs due to the slightly higher humidity level and warmer temperatures.
Soil, water and fertilizer
After light, proper soil is the next most important factor in producing healthy herb plants during the winter.
Potted herbs require excellent drainage. When roots are confined in a pot, water and air will not readily move through the soil. Choose a light-weight, coarse potting mix
Water less often and more thoroughly, and only when the soil is actually dry. Don’t over-water and never let the plant sit in standing water.
Unlike herbs that grow in the garden, potted herbs require regular feedings. Fertilize with liquid fertilizer or fish emulsion at half strength once a month.
Choosing herbs
Not all herbs grow well indoors. Parsley, basil, sage, oregano and thyme are great choices for indoor herb gardening.
These herbs are also great choices for flavoring winter soups, casseroles and roasts.
QA
My houseplants often end up with insect problems during the winter months. What can I do to prevent this from happening?
Pest infestations are common on indoor plants and herbs during the dry winter months. A weekly plant bath is a safe and effective way to control pest infestations.
Fill the kitchen sink or a pail with diluted soapy water. Cover the base of the plant and gently dip and swish the foliage of the plant in the soapy water.
For delicate plants, use a spray bottle to spray the soapy solution onto the foliage. For large plants, a sponge bath works.
Robin Fruth-Dugstad is a horticulturist with more than 25 years of experience in gardening and landscaping. Send plant and garden questions to [email protected].
Bill & Sheila’s A-Z of herbs
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