ann, Author at Grow herbs indoors

Chives

August 28, 2016 by ann Leave a Comment

Cultivating

Chives are one of the best herbs to grow for a first timer. They can thrive in smaller pots. They are not as sensitive to temperature fluctuations, and while they prefer full sun, chives can still grow with less sunlight. Tips of foliage will turn yellow if the plant is too dry. Pinch off the flowers as this will increase the flavor in their hollow green leaves.

Harvesting

Once the plant is 6 inches tall, cut leaves as needed leaving at least 2 inches of growth above the soil.

Cooking

Chives have a mild onion flavor and can be added to just about any savory dish. Here are some ideas for inspiration:

Add to an omelette
Add to homemade baked bread
Flavor a cream cheese
Spice up a soup or stew
Add to a warm or cold potato salad, or top a baked potato or fried potato skins

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Basil

August 27, 2016 by ann Leave a Comment

Cultivating

Basil is a sun-loving herb and will thrive much better in a larger container, at least 10″. It’s better to put several plants into the largest container you can manage than to plant in smaller containers.

The key to a productive basil plant is pruning. If you don’t prune it, it will grow tall and spindly and have minimal production. It’s also important to pinch back flowers as soon as you notice them. This keeps the flavor in the leaves from becoming bitter.

basil pruning

The pruning process starts when a basil plant is about six inches tall. To prune, cut off the tip of each shoot with its accompanying leaves. This will make the plant branch out. Let the new shoots grow six inches and then pinch them back too. Keep doing this until you have a full bushy basil plant.

Harvesting

The process of pruning accomplishes the simultaneous process of harvesting. When you cut off the top shoot, with that you’ll be cutting off usable leaves. You can use them fresh or freeze them.

Cooking

Basil is a classic ingredient in many Italian dishes.

Here are some ideas for inspiration:

Combine with garlic, pine nuts, and olive oil to make a pesto for any pasta or meat dish.
Season cherry tomato and mozzarella ball skewers, or top grilled bread with fresh tomatoes to make a bruschetta.
Pair with your favorite bean, corn, and onion, for a refreshing summer salad.
Combine with zucchini, squash, beans, and mushrooms for the perfect vegetarian stew.
Use the basil to add a twist to the classic Bellini.

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How To Grow Herbs Indoors

August 27, 2016 by ann Leave a Comment

There are 6 keys elements to growing herbs indoors- light, housing, temperature, watering, potting mix/soil, and pest/health monitoring.

Light

Always put indoors herbs by a window, where they will have the best access to direct light. In order for herbs to produce the fullest leaves and most potent flavors, they will need atleast 4 hours of direct sunlight. Many of us living in the city are familiar with windows that have some light exposure but face a brick wall. This won’t be the ideal spot for your herbs. Supplement with HID grow lights if your home doesn’t get enough natural light.

Housing (Planters/Drainage)

Make sure to plant your herbs in a container with drainage holes, and as a general rule of thumb, select a pot that is minimum 8” diameter. Large containers hold more soil. The larger the soil volume, the stronger and more resilient your plants will be, and the less frequently you’ll have to water them. It’s better to combine two or more plants in a large pot than to use several little pots.

Temperature

Herbs prefer a consistent temperature in the range of 65F to 75F. Therefore, avoid placing herbs near an air conditioner or heater. In winter months, be wary of placing your herbs by a window that you may want to open frequently and/or for long periods of time.

Watering/Daily Maintenance

Indoor herb gardens need to be watered regularly but be careful of over-watering. Check your indoor herb garden daily by sticking your finger into the soil. As a general rule of thumb, if it feels dry half an inch beneath the surface, it’s time to water.

Herbs are all about leaves. It’s the leaves we eat in most cases, not the flowers. If the herb is flowering, pinch off the flowers as this will give the leaves the most potent flavors.

Potting Mix/Soil

A good potting mix is one that is fluffy, holds moisture, and gives plant roots the perfect balance of air, moisture, nutrition, and anchorage. Try a quality mix from Miracle Gro or BlackGold.

Pest Control

While indoor herbs are generally less susceptible to common pests than outdoor gardens, they can occur. If pests are detected, try this homemade recipe.

1/2 teaspoon dish washing liquid
1/4 teaspoon cooking oil
1-quart warm water

Mix all ingredients in a small spray bottle. Mist upper and under sides of leaves every 10 days to control mealy bug, spider mite, aphid, thrips, or any other sucking or chewing insect.