Three tiny pots, a handful of seeds, and a cute little tray. Sound familiar? After the holidays, gardeners often find themselves wondering whether this year’s herb kit will succeed where so many others have failed. Here’s how to ensure that your indoor herbs will grow and thrive:
• Buy a grow light. Few windowsills, no matter how sunny, provide enough light for your herbs. And in cold-winter climates, the sill can be quite chilly. Keep herbs above 55°F at night and 65°F to 70°F during the day.
• Provide both humidity (by placing plants on a tray of damp pebbles) and good air circulation (you may need a fan).
• Water when the soil feels dry, and fertilize every two weeks.
• If you can’t use a grow light, try chives, winter savory, mint, bay, lemon balm, thyme, and rosemary—they’ll tolerate indirect light.
— Elizabeth Noll
Photo: Tracy Walsh