# Small Indoor Herb Garden
-
Plant Selection
-
Parsley can grow in the shade. One of the keys to a successful indoor herb garden is to select herbs that are not only useful but also have the same growing requirements. If the garden is to be set in a window, choose herbs like dill, fennel and rosemary that thrive in full sunlight. For gardens that are sitting on a kitchen table or another partially shaded area, selecting herbs that don't require full sunlight will ensure the healthiest plants. Lemon verbena, parsley and members of the mint family all tolerate shady conditions.
Plant Spacing
-
Different plants have different space requirements. Since space is limited in a small indoor herb garden, choosing plants based on their space requirements makes sense. Combining herbs that have small space requirements with one or two larger plants can be an effective use of space. For example, a basil plant needs to be at least 2 feet from another basil plant. Chives can be planted in tight clumps; marjoram, thyme and winter savory can be mere inches apart. A small indoor garden may have room for only one basil plant, but it may support numerous individual plants of more compact herbs.
Garden Layout
-
An herb garden can be small enough to fit in the window. The layout of a small indoor herb garden can vary based on the number of herbs to be planted and the space available. Some herbs thrive in individual pots placed in a larger container such as a wire basket. This can be an effective way to plant the garden, especially if the herbs chosen have different water requirements.
Other options include planting all the herbs in a long, rectangular tray or in a terra cotta planter designed specifically for indoor plants. When selecting containers, keep in mind your available space and the need for well-drained soil. A portable container will make it easier to move the garden to different areas (out of drafts or into sunlight) as the seasons change.
Varieties
-
Mint plants can bring a sweet smell to the kitchen. While culinary herbs like dill and sage are among the first that come to mind for an herb garden, the selections don't need to be limited to what you need for dinner. Aromatic herbs can be wonderful additions to an indoor herb garden, even if they're not used for cooking. Mint and marjoram can bring a fresh scent to the kitchen through the long winter months. Other types of herbs, such as lavender or chicory, can be grown for their ornamental properties. Herbs like chamomile can be used to make tea, and ginger is valued for medicinal purposes.
-
