Growing herbs indoors
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- Published on Thursday, March 5, 2015
By Patricia Hanbidge
Saskatoon School of Horiculture Principal
There is nothing better than to enjoy the wonderful aroma and flavour of food cooked with fresh herbs. Better yet, by growing those herbs we love to cook with, we also derive the benefit of having great looking edible plants in our home environment. Not all herbs are suitable for growing indoors, but there are many that are really quite easy to grow. I like to suggest that you grow first and foremost those herbs you will use to enhance the food you like to cook or consume. Secondly, try to grow herbs that are compact in size so they don’t get too large for your growing area.
As a frugal gardener, both inside and out, I like to be able to easily grow herbs in my house without a lot of extra cost or trouble. I grow mine in a empty room that has enough extra room for a couple of fluorescent fixtures. These lights need to be placed directly above the herbs to ensure they get adequate light for good growth.
Although light is the most important factor for success, soil also has importance. Herbs almost always like good drainage, so ensure your soil mixture will drain quite quickly. Feed your herbs once a week while they are actively growing and water less often and more thoroughly. If you wait until the soil is dry to the touch, you will ensure that you do not “drown” your herbs before you have a chance to enjoy them.
The following herbs are my personal favourites. Most are consistently compact, have great flavour and have worked well under my growing conditions.
Fernleaf dill (Anethum graveolens): up to 18 inches tall; germinates in seven to 14 days at room temperature.
Spicy Globe basil (Ocimum basilicum minimum): dense form of basil about eight inches tall with good flavour; germinates six to 12 days at room temperature. Good for the skin, colds and flu.
Holy basil (Ocimum tenuiflorum): makes a great relaxing tea that will help to destress your life and heal your body from the ravages of everyday life. Pinch back vigorously to help keep contained.
Greek oregano (Origanum vulgare hirtum): true Mediterranean orgegano with excellent flavour; eight to 12 inches tall and germinates in seven to 21 days at room temperature.
English mint (Mentha spicata): very well behaved for a mint, with broader leaves that make splendid tea; high in Vitamin C and iron.
Extra Curled Dwarf parsley (Petroselinum crispum): great for the immune system and the dinner plate.
Hanbidge is a horticulturist with the Saskatoon School of Horticulture and can be reached at 306-931-GROW(4769) or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . Like us on Facebook at Saskatoon School of Horticulture, follow us on twitter @horticulturepator check out saskhort.com.
