One of the best and most practical ways to brighten your kitchen is to plant an herb garden. Herbs are very easy to grow and they add a special, fresh touch to your cooking. Typically, one or two plants on an herb yield a healthy harvest for every day cooks. There are also lots of ways to involve your kids or grandkids in creating and maintaining an herb garden. We have collected our favorite tips to get you started!
Pick Your Spot
A south facing window is best because your plants will get about 6 hours of sunlight every day. You will want to make sure your garden is somewhere where you can see it regularly, which is why a kitchen window sill is a great spot. Plus if your kitchen window is above the sink, you also have a great watering source. The benefit of choosing an indoor spot is that you have fewer pests to contend with and the temperature stays consistent all year long.
Pick Your Container
Herbs do great in the ground, but they are also great in container gardens. When creating a window sill garden, remember that herbs prefer containers that are about four inches deep. You can use anything for a container from terra cotta pots to recycled cans. The key is making sure that the pots have holes for drainage in the bottom so that your plants don’t “drown.” You also want to make sure you have a tray underneath that is easy to clean on a regular basis.
Pick Your Soil
The benefit of container gardening is that you have complete control over the soil. Miracle-Gro® has just the right soil with plant food to support healthy plants for any type of garden. They also have a Moisture Control soil that helps prevent over watering and keeps plants moist even if you forget a watering or two. It’s also a good idea to use a plant food designed for herbs on a regular basis once your garden is planted.
Pick Your Herbs
Consider what type of herbs you are already using most often in your kitchen, and you can start with seeds or with potted plants from the store. Herbs do best if you pick the leaves regularly, and they will taste better, last longer and grow more robust if you snip the buds before they flower. Just make sure you leave at least ⅓ of the plant, so that it can continue to thrive. For a complete encyclopedia of herbs and spices, check out this great resource from Miele.
Once you have made all your selections, enjoy fresh herbs in your kitchen all year long. Make sure you water them about once a week. If the leaves are wilting, you need more water. If the leaves are yellow, you may be watering too much. Happy herb harvesting!
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