How to Grow Herbs Indoors
If you have a kitchen that you’re proud of, make the most of it, learn new gardening/culinary skills and experiment with new herby flavours. This month UK Kitchens will be covering how to grow your own herbs indoors so that you can enhance dishes and show confidence in your very own kitchen.
Best types of herbs to grow indoors
Basil
Basil is used in plentiful dishes, basil pairs incredibly well with tomato and adds flavour to soups, pizzas, bruschetta, salads and more. When growing basil you can either sow seeds or buy a small plant and then repot into a bigger pot surrounding it with rich, organic soil. For basil to grow well, it requires ample heat and light, so place it by a south-facing or west-facing window for it to thrive. If you’re stuck for natural light, you can buy a grow light (which can be used for other types of herbs too!). Basil, unfortunately, is not a long-term houseplant but that’s OK because there are plenty of dishes you can add it to in the kitchen. Once the stems begin to grow woody, it’s time to replace it with a new batch of fresh seeds or a new plant.
Things to avoid: planting basil or sowing basil seeds in winter, keep potted basil away from drafts and cold areas.
Mint
Mint is a versatile herb that works well in teas, cocktails and water. Mint is a herb that also compliments sauces, salads, chicken dishes and vegetables. The mint plant is wild and grows rapidly, so make sure this plant has enough space to keep it healthy. Mint is a fresh-smelling plant that’ll keep the kitchen smelling great. Always keep a mint plant’s soil moist and keep them in a place where daylight is ample. Like most perennials, mint can happily live in temperatures up to 30 degrees.
Things to avoid: planting mint in a large bed of soil, always plant the herb’s roots deep within the soil and cover. Do not place a broken potted mint plant into a planting bed because the roots will spread and the mint plant will take over.
Chives
Chives have an onion-like flavour and pairs brilliantly with eggs, salads and look great as a fresh garnish; a nice touch for up and coming dinner dates. Snip off small bits from the stems, just under 1cm and remember to leave at least 2 inches of growth in the sprouts, this will allow it to grow back. Position your pot in a place where sunshine is plentiful and make sure the soil is well-draining, moist and fertile.
Things to avoid: planting chive bulbs too close together, they need space to grow. 12 inches high and 12 inches across, so be aware of your spacing.
Oregano
Oregano is a delicious herb to work within the kitchen and is typically a herb added to Italian, Mexican and Middle Eastern dishes. Oregano pairs well with sauces, stews, meat and can be eaten both fresh and dried; surprisingly, dried oregano is more pungent than when it’s freshly cut. Oregano needs strong light, so place the plant by the window or place under a grow light.
Things to avoid: letting an oregano plant dry out. Always water when the surface of the soil looks dry to keep the soil moist, but not too wet underneath.
Where should I grow herbs indoors?
Where there’s natural light – windows facing south will filter optimal natural light and will be able to give your herbs as much sun as possible, even in the winter days. This positioning works particularly well with basil and oregano.
East and west-facing windows tend to endure around six hours of sunshine in the morning and afternoon and helps to maintain a moderate temperature, which is ideal for mint and chives.
Under grow lights – a lack of sunlight doesn’t mean that you can’t grow herbs indoors, a grow light is the perfect solution. Keep the lights on between 12 and 16 hours a day for those herbs that require maximum sun and for those that don’t, simply adjust to 8-10 hours a day. This is an affordable and energy-efficient solution too!
Lacking confidence in the kitchen? Shake up your space and invest in a brand new kitchen that’s fitted to perfection and get in touch with the experts at UK Kitchens. Let’s work together and bring the kitchen of your dreams to life. We provide our excellent services to customers in Nottingham and further afield.