Do u also love to have a HERB GARDEN of your own but do not know which herbs to grow or how to root them? Read on!
HOW TO GROW AND ROOT PLANTS FOR A HERB GARDEN
- STORE BOUGHT HERBS – Yes, you can grow herbs from store bought stems. Just take a 4″-6″ piece and remove the bottom leaves. Put in a jar of water or and place near a window with full sunlight. It will grow roots in about a week or 10 days. Rosemary & Basil are very easy to root in water.
- STEM CUTTINGS – Herbs are easy to propagate. Just plant the cuttings in sandy soil and take care of drainage. They will sprout quickly. Spray some EPSOM SALT for added benefit while rooting.
- ROOTING IN WATER – It is actually easier to root herbs in water and you can also see the progress. Just make sure the cutting is fresh and stem not too weak. Change the water every 3 days and do not let any leaves stay under water level.
- PROPAGATE IN SOIL – Choose small pots with good soil and make sure to add sand. Avoid cocopeat as it creates waterlogging. You can also use coir pots to root herb cuttings since you can plant it directly in soil without disturbing the roots.
- LAYERING – Herbs with soft stems can also be propagated by layering. Bend one stem to touch the soil without cutting it. Place a stone over it to keep it in place. The part where it touches the soil, under the stone will soon have roots developing. You can cut and separate it later when it has grown a bit.
- DIVISON – Some herbs that spread from the root like Mint can simply be dug up and divided instead of propagating by cuttings. It is a quick and easy method plus you cannot kill it easily.
- DRIED HERBS – Some dried herbs like chamomile and dhaniya are seeds by themselves. You can cut open a tea bag and plant it to get fresh plants.
- SEEDS – It is quicker to grow herbs from cuttings but you can always grow them from seeds for a variety. Try growing your own pizza seasoning mix by starting Oregano and Basil from seeds. Borage and coriander also easy to grow from seeds as opposed to cuttings.
TIPS FOR GROWING HEALTHY HERB PLANTS
- Grow herbs at the base of plants in large pots so that they have ample space, controlled watering and some shade to protect them. They also make for great fillers, help with soil texture, conserve water and avoid fungus. Its a win-win for both.
- The more you harvest, the more they grow. Keep them clean, don’t water too much, pick fresh growth regularly and you will always have them in abundance.
- Fertilize sparingly. Herbs do not need a lot of care and nutrition. Just use good soil, compost and sand while planting them.
- Don’t let them get rootbound. If the leaves seem to be shrinking, remove from existing pot and divide them. Make some fresh plants.
- Give space. Herbs love to grow and flourish. The more space they have, the better they grow.
- Plant them together. Herbs love to grow in company. A fragrant pot full of variety will also attract bees and butterflies.
CAN YOU GROW HERBS INDOORS FOR A WINDOWSILL HERB GARDEN?
- Yes you can grow herbs indoors but ONLY by a window that gets direct sunlight.
- Your indoors herb garden won’t last for more than few days if it doesn’t get sunlight – direct or indirect.
- Also, heavy soil will not work and cause fungus or insects. So you a light soil mixture and keep the plants clean.
- Give them good space and allow ample air- circulation if you want your herbs to thrive indoors.
