Herbs grow well in smaller containers and take minimal care. Here is a step-by-step guide to choosing windowsill herbs, and setting up a windowsill box.
PICKING OUT YOUR HERBS
Choosing which herbs you would like to include in your windowsill garden is a matter of personal preference and taste. Although some herbs are smaller and more manageable, choosing these over herbs you love the flavor of seems silly. Here is a list of popular herbs that will surely get used in your home.
Basil – this herb is popular in a variety of dishes, salads, and sauces. There are a variety of different basil plants, some which are smaller, and some, which can grow up to 16 inches. Basil is aromatic and will provide a fresh smell.
Parsley – this herb is incredibly popular and is used from cooking main dishes, to sauces to garnishing plates. It is used to freshen breath and aid digestion. It should most assuredly find a place in your home garden.
Dill – also a very popular herb. Most commonly used in pickling, this herb is also popular with fish and sauces. The “fern leaf” variety grows to about 18″ tall.
Chives – a popular herb used on baked potatoes, in omelets, stews, soups and sauces. Fresh chives are a wonderful addition to your garden.
Sage – Sage is especially popular around Thanksgiving as it is commonly used for stuffing poultry, when cooking pork, and it marries well with cheese.
Oregano – no herb garden is complete without oregano. Oregano although most commonly used in Italian food can be used in eggs, cheeses, in bread mixes, sauces, with vegetables and nearly every meat. It is the “be all” herb and your garden will not be complete without it.
Lavender – not only does lavender smell delicious but also pares well with a variety of foods.
Mint – mint can be used in jelly and makes an outstanding tea.
Rosemary – this herb has a delicious smell. It is commonly used with potatoes or on poultry or meat to enhance its flavor.
Thyme – this herb is customarily used in soups, stews and casseroles, however I think it makes a delicious addition to poultry and is especially tasty in bread.
SETTING UP YOUR BOX
Find a window that will get the appropriate amount of sun. A window facing the south or southeast that receives about 5 hours of sun a day is ideal. After you’ve selected your herbs, select a container about 6-12″ deep. You can plant multiple herbs in a long window box. Be sure to plant herbs that love the sun together and herbs that prefer shade together.
Purchase a potting mix that does not have soil from the outdoors, which may contain disease or bacteria. Put about 2-3 inches of this mix into the bottom of your container. Place your herbs on the mix and fill the rest of the box with the potting mix leaving about an inch at the top. Make sure the bottom of your container has drainage holes.
Water your herbs occasionally making sure that the potting mix isn’t soaked. Herbs do not like to sit in water. Choose a fertilizer designed especially for herbs or edible vegetables and fertilize about once a month. As soon as your herbs start growing, you can begin clipping them. Clipping them often will encourage new growth; however never clip more than 1/3 of the plant at a time.
As with outdoor herbs, pests can be a problems so use soap sprays to target the pests. Be sure to wash off the plants the next day or wash them thoroughly before eating them. Refrain from spraying new seedlings with sprays.
Herb gardens are practical, smell delicious and can become a quick hobby. Experiment with different plants and find new flavors and aromas to add to your cooking.
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By: Molly Carter
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