Find happiness in growing things - the joys of an indoor herb gardener!
Spending a little time gardening is a
great way to balance out a busy working week. Watching something
grow that you have nurtured is a great joy and if you can harvest the
produce so much the better. But not all of us have out-door space
and some really do have very little time. So how can you enjoy the
pleasure of growing something green?
Well, many herbs grow quite happily
indoors with the right conditions. They don't take much looking
after, most look good and, yes, you do get to harvest them for
cooking.
You will find all kinds of herbs in your local garden
centres and you can find them on-line. I would recommend buying
plant pugs (young plants) rather than growing from seed. Growing
herbs from seed can be frustrating.
The biggest challenge when growing
indoors is providing the right light. Many herbs will live very
happily on a sunny windowsill but you do need to check the label or
on-line to make sure that they like to be in full sunlight. The
warmest light comes from a western or southern facing window but they
can get very warm in the summer.
For most of the year the plants need to
be close to the source of light otherwise they will weaken. For
southern or western facing windows, it is usually best to move them
back a little from the window when the sun is very hot in the summer.
Herbs don't usually need frequent
feeding but most need a good quality compost and you can add a little
liquid fertilizer occasionally. Buy the feed from or garden centre
or on-line and read the instructions very carefully.
Most plant grow quite happily in
plastic plant pots but make sure there are good drainage holes –
most plants hate to live with sodden roots. Select pots only a
little larger than the root-ball, plants seem to be more comfortable
if their roots can tell where the sides are.
Plants grouped together enjoy the
humidity from each other or you can stand them on dishes filled with
stones and water. But make sure the bottom of the pot is above the
water – see my comment below on wet feet.
As for watering – follow any
instructions that come with your plant but generally keep the compost
damp but not swamped. And do not leave the pot standing for any
great length of time in water. Most plants hate wet feet and many
will rot and die quite quickly. Mediterranean plants with silver
grey leaves, for example, lavender, like to be watered sparingly but
don't let them dry out completely.
Harvest your herbs gently. Try to
leave new shoots and never take more than half – if you need more,
get more plants.
Enjoy caring for your new friends.
They are incredibly undemanding and I find they are great for
muttering to about difficult customers or trying bosses. Enjoy, as
well, finding out more about the herbs you grow – you will be
surprised in how many ways they can reward your interest.
Wendy
Mason is a Life and Career Coach. She helps people have the confidence
they need to be successful at work and to change career while
maintaining a good work/life balance. You can email her at wendymason
@wisewolfcoaching.com
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