How to Grow Herbs at Home

Herbs are a power pack of nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Growing herbs at home is a great way to add flavors and freshness to your plate and greenery to your space. Be it a spacious backyard, a small balcony, or a windowsill, you can conveniently grow herbs at home, either in soil or in pots. Herbs can be grown easily by using seeds or saplings procured from a nearby nursery. 

Which Herbs Grow Best at Home?

You can choose from a variety of herbs such as coriander, basil, mint, thyme, sage, cilantro, dill, etc. Herbs range from annual (complete their life cycle in a few months) to perennial (keep growing for many years). While annual herbs include coriander, basil, and parsley, perennial herbs include mint, oregano, lemon grass, and rosemary. 

Important Factors for Healthy Growth of Herbs at Home

Though easy to grow, herbs have some basic requirements for proper growth. You can follow the simple tips and tricks given below to grow your herbs: 

1. Sunlight

   Herbs need well-lit places for their growth. A place receiving 6-8 hours of sunlight is ideal for its growth.

2. Soil

   A well-drained soil is another essential requirement for the healthy growth of herbs. A good mix of garden soil, cocopeat, and compost keeps the soil light and well drained.

3. Watering

   We can’t ignore the importance of regular watering for the healthy growth of herbs. Soil should be kept moist but not water-logged, as water logging-can kill your herbs instantly. It’s always better to thoroughly water the herbs and let the soil dry for an inch or two before rewatering.

4. Fertilizers

   Fertilizers play an important role in the growth of herbs. A balanced organic fertilizer for healthy growth is required at a gap of 4 to 6 weeks. Over-fertilization is often discouraged as it only leads to the growth of foliage and not the essential oils which give these herbs their aroma and taste. 

Steps to Grow Herbs in Pots Using Seeds

Herbs can be very easily grown in pots by following these simple steps:

1. To prepare the potting mix, combine garden soil, cocopeat, and compost. 
2. Fill the pots with this mixture and gently tap it to remove the air pockets.
3. Scatter the seeds randomly and cover them with a layer of the potting mix. 
4. Water them thoroughly and then cover the pots with polybags, to create a greenhouse effect. Once the seedlings are visible, remove these polybags.  
5. Gently sprinkle water once or twice a week.
6. Make sure to place the pots in indirect sunlight. 

Takeaway

Herbs are easy-to-maintain plants, that can be grown in the convenience of your home without much help or hassle. All these beautiful tiny plants need is a small space in your home with adequate sunlight, well-drained soil, timely watering, and a small amount of fertilization. Being rich in beauty and aroma, herbs deserve a special spot in your garden. 

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4. Garden Care Blogs
5.  Miniature Garden Decor
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Have a look at some amazing Videos of Gardening that might help you!

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Here are some Workshops that might help you if you are new to Gardening!

1. Convert your green space into a small Kitchen Garden.
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Happy Gardening!