How to Grow Organic Herbs at Home

Healthy Savings: Grow Your Own Organic Mint, Parsley, Niaz Bo, Tulsi, and More Right at Home

After reading this short blog, you should have a clear idea of how to grow organic herbs at home, inside, all year round.

The benefits of growing herbs indoors are limitless. You should consider it for convenience, savings, and freshness, as they’re chemical-free and can enhance both your cooking and kitchen aesthetics. In this blog, we will lay down seven essential tips, starting with seeds or potted plants, avoiding common mistakes, and enjoying your indoor herb garden year-round.

Careful Selection of Herbs

Not all types of herbs are suitable for indoor growth. Therefore, select only those which are most suitable for indoor growth.

Basil, chives, parsley, oregano, rosemary, and thyme are most suitable.
Start with a few types initially for higher success rates.
Read and follow care guidance on the herb plant’s label for specific conditions.

Which Pots to Buy?

Like herb selection, pot selection is equally important.

Choose pots with sufficient drainage holes to prevent waterlogging and root rot.
Water herbs by placing them in the sink, watering the soil, and allowing excess water to drain fully.
Use a saucer to catch water and prevent spills.
Consider using terra-cotta pots, which are porous and breathable, to avoid moisture buildup and potential root issues. Avoid plastic or glazed ceramic pots that may retain too much moisture.

Watering Not Too Often

Too much water is bad, not good for your herbs, and may ruin your efforts of growing organic herbs inside your home.

Herbs generally require watering once or twice a week, but this can vary based on the herb type and temperature.
Oregano, rosemary, sage, and thyme need less watering, while basil, cilantro, mint, and parsley need more frequent watering.
Check soil moisture by inserting your finger into the soil; if it’s dry, water is needed, and if moist, wait a day or two.

Sunlight is Very Good

All life forms need some sunlight to survive and thrive, and indoor herbs are no different.

Most herbs need at least six hours of sunlight daily, preferably on a south-facing windowsill.
East or west-facing windows provide partial shade, while north-facing windows offer the most shade, suitable for shade-loving plants.
If your kitchen lacks natural light, consider using an LED grow light.
Rotate your herbs a quarter-clockwise once a week to ensure even sunlight exposure and encourage growth.

Right Temperature Is the Key

Along with the right amount of sunlight, you need the right temperature as well. Both go hand in hand.

Herbs thrive best in temperatures between 18 to 24°C.
During colder months, prevent herb leaves from touching windows to avoid cold damage.
Some herbs, like basil, are sensitive to cold temperatures and may not survive below 10°C.
Keep sensitive herbs in warmer spots around 21°C to ensure their survival.
Protect indoor herb gardens from cold drafts from windows or doors during winter.

Away from AC and Heater

Artificial air is bad for your indoor garden.

Keep indoor herb gardens away from artificial air sources like vents, heaters, radiators, and air conditioning.
Dry heat and cold air can deplete moisture needed for herbs to thrive, leading to drying out or wilting.
Place herb gardens away from extreme temperature sources to maintain optimal conditions for growth.

Pruning

Pruning is great for herb health and growth.

Pruning is essential for herbs to encourage new growth and improve air circulation.
For invasive herbs like mint, pruning keeps them neat and tidy.
Use pruning shears to cut woody herbs like thyme or rosemary diagonally just above a leaf node to prevent water buildup and disease.
For leafy herbs like mint or coriander, pinch off tips above the leaf nodes to remove them.
Prune mostly in spring or after flowering, but intermittent trimming ensures fresh herbs year-round.

So, these were the 7 essential tips to help you grow organic herbs inside your home, all year round. We hope you found this guide helpful. If you have tips of your own to share, feel free to do so in the comments section.

For a wide variety of plants and pots, do check out OLX Pakistan’s listings.

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