Living in an apartment means you probably don’t have the outdoor space for a vegetable garden — but, you can easily grow herbs inside if you want to take home-cooked meals up a notch with some fresh ingredients. Keep reading to learn how!
Pick the Perfect Spot
Your herbs will need natural light — at least six hours of it each day — to thrive, so you should set them near a window, on a windowsill, or out on your balcony. Windows that face south, southwest, east, or west are your best bets. Avoid north-facing windows, as they won’t get enough sunlight. If you don’t have enough natural light, you can use a grow light instead. Just remember your herbs will need 14 to 16 hours of light per day if you choose to go that route.
Plant the Right Herbs
Some herbs are easier to grow than others. Rosemary, oregano, thyme, and mint are all beginner-friendly options. Pick up these varieties at a local shop, like Wilson’s Nursery or Michler’s here in Lexington. You can also order a herb-growing kit, like this one that comes with nine different seed packets, from Amazon. Be sure to research how to maintain each variety for best results.
Avoid Overwatering
Sometimes the biggest mistake a plant parent can make is overwatering. Luckily, there are a few things you can do to avoid it. First, you can plant herbs in fast-draining soil. Next, you can use pots or containers with drainage holes. Finally, you can check that the soil is dry to the touch before watering — and make sure you’re watering the soil itself, not the plant. Can’t tell whether or not you’re overwatering? If the leaves are turning yellow, you probably are.
