Don't have a garden or balcony ? Do you simply want to have fresh herbs on hand all year round? Basil , rosemary , or thyme can not only enhance your dishes, but also add a touch of greenery to your home. Growing aromatic plants indoors opens the doors to a secret garden where flavors and aromas invite themselves into your daily life.
☘️ Choosing plants for a fragrant indoor garden
Plant selection is a crucial element in the success of your indoor herb garden.
🌱 Annual aromatic herbs
Most herbs are annuals, requiring renewal each year by purchasing new plants or seeds. Among those that thrive in pots are staples in our kitchens: basil, chives, cilantro, mint, and many others.
🌱 Perennial aromatic plants
Some, such as sage, rosemary, bay leaf, or lemon thyme, are evergreen from year to year. Growing these green gems indoors doesn't require any special gardening skills . A well-drained pot, well-placed seeds, potting soil, a dash of fertilizer, and you're good to go.
➡ Replace your ice cubes with small aromatic cubes. A formidable preservation technique for flavoring delicious dishes in the blink of an eye. Your indoor aromatic plants will quickly become indispensable.
🌸 Strategic containers and locations for fresh herbs
The choice of containers and locations is essential to ensure their proper development.
🌱 Containers for maximum growth
Choose containers with good drainage to prevent waterlogging that could drown the roots. Terracotta or ceramic, the choice is yours! If you're a zero-waste enthusiast who wants to reduce your ecological footprint , you should definitely avoid plastic containers. Size is also important to provide enough space. Choosing removable planters is also a good idea.
🌱 The location for optimal growth
The location of your indoor herbs is a determining factor in their growth. Choose a spot that receives a few hours of indirect sunlight per day. South- or west-facing openings are ideal. A windowsill, a cabinet, the top of your refrigerator—the possibilities are endless. Too much direct sunlight can burn delicate herbs, while insufficient light can hinder their growth.
➡ Emblems of zero waste par excellence, glass jars will be perfect allies for storing your fresh herbs.
💦 Essential care for indoor aromatic plants
Soil and watering are two fundamental elements for plant growth and health.
🌱 Watering in small doses
Balance is essential: too much water can suffocate the roots and drown them, while too little can dry out the plant. Insert your finger into the soil to a depth of about 2 cm. If it feels dry, it's usually time to water. There's no need to moisten your indoor herbs every day. Make sure the pots have drainage holes to allow excess water to drain easily.
🌱 Fertile soil full of nutrients
Don't have any compost on hand? As part of your zero-waste approach, reuse your coffee grounds or tea bags . They'll do the job perfectly to boost your plants. You can use peat-free universal potting soil, potting soil for green plants, special potting soil for aromatic plants, or even nutrient-rich vegetable soil.
➡ Enjoy fresh and tasty herbs all year round by reusing your waste while limiting food waste .
🌡️ Temperature and humidity control for thriving herbs
Temperature and humidity are determining factors for the optimal growth of aromatic plants indoors.
🌱 An ideal and comfortable temperature
Most herbs thrive in temperatures typically between 15 and 25°C. Avoid extreme temperature fluctuations, which can stress plants. Large fluctuations can not only weaken them but also make them more susceptible to disease.
🌱 Moisture in all lightness
There are several tips for maintaining proper humidity levels. Spray water around the plants or place a tray filled with gravel and water under the pots to prevent over-wetting the soil. Don't leave pots directly in water. Maintaining a stable temperature and proper humidity creates an environment conducive to the healthy growth of your plants.
➡ Get creative and turn your drawers into planters. A great way to get into upcycling and boost your home decor!
🌿 Clever maintenance for an abundant harvest of aromatic herbs
Regular maintenance, including proper pruning and careful harvesting, promotes healthy and long-lasting growth of your indoor herb plants.
🌱 Pruning to ensure the longevity of the plant
Regular pruning also helps concentrate aromas in fresh leaves. Be sure to remove dead or yellowing leaves as soon as they appear. This helps prevent the spread of disease and encourages the plant to use its energy to produce new, healthy leaves.
🌱 Harvesting as you go
When picking, focus on cutting the outer and upper leaves of the plant, without taking more than a third at a time. When your basil dries, nothing could be simpler than harvesting its seeds and replanting them next spring. Dry your mint leaves again for future herbal teas . Their aroma will be all the more pleasant.
➡ It's time to encourage your children to get their hands dirty and introduce them to eco-responsible practices. It's also the perfect way to introduce them to the tastes, scents, colors, and shapes of these many herbs.
Grow your herbs indoors in style! Parsley, chives, thyme, and basil will no longer hold any secrets for you. What could be more enjoyable and rewarding than using your own herbs in everyday cooking? It's your turn!
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