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Gardening
Indoors can be done easily if you have the proper conditions in your
home. The key to success is having enough light for the plants to do
well. West and South facing windows provide the most light. If the
herbs are not getting enough light they will just stop growing and may
eventually have insects or diseases attack them.
Another
problem with growing indoors is humidity or lack of it. Our heating
systems are primarily dry heat and the plants can suffer from lack of
moisture in their leaves even though they are watered. This can be
corrected by misting or washing your plant's leaves every 2 weeks.
Most
herbs prefer temperatures from 65-80 degrees and watering when the soil
is dry to the touch. Never let your plants sit in a tray of water as
their roots will drown. Also, make sure that the pots you use are large
enough for the plant to grow for up to 6 months. Pots that are 8" in
diameter are best.
It
is generally best to move your plants outdoors as soon as it is warm
and they will really appreciate an afternoon of sunshine on warm days,
just remember to bring them back indoors during the cool nights.
Preparing Perennial Herbs for Winter
In very mild winter
areas nothing needs to be done except a light pruning, cutting off
about a third of the plant to trim up and encourage a nice form for
spring.
In
cold winter areas, the annual herbs will die as soon as the first frost
hits them. The perennials can last if they are hardy to your zone. Rosemary, Sage, Lavender and others need to be pruned (about a third)
and then mulched with anything that will protect them from the cold and
wet. Cover their stems and root systems with hay or leaves or pine
straw to keep the freezing wind from doing damage.
You
can also take cuttings of your plants and root them indoors keeping
them moist and in a humid environment until they are rooted and then
pot them. Another option is to dig up your herbs and put them in large
pots to bring indoors for the winter. (See above box about growing
indoors)
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