| A windowsill herb garden makes any room more | | | | choose clay trays, which allow the soil to "breathe." |
| cheery. These attractive plants are useful too, | | | | Next is your soil mixture, which should be nutrient |
| especially in the sill of your kitchen window. Just | | | | deficient, which is preferred by herbs. Because of |
| about any room is the right home for a windowsill | | | | this, do not use straight potting soil but mix it with |
| garden as long as you have the right container, soil, | | | | clean sand. The sand helps to retain moisture without |
| and light. Growing herbs today has never been easier, | | | | remaining too wet. Since herbs prefer slightly alkaline |
| especially with the variety, and quality of products | | | | soil add in about one to two tablespoons of lime to |
| being sold in nurseries and online. Seriously, why wait; | | | | this mix. |
| you can enjoy your garden that much sooner if you | | | | Begin by filling your potting tray with an inch deep |
| will just get started, now. | | | | layer of pebbles. Aquarium gravel works well. This |
| The garden location is the first, and most important, | | | | provides for proper drainage. It may seem like a |
| decision to get started. If you can use a south or | | | | good idea to give your herbs a drink of fresh |
| west facing window this will provide maximum light | | | | rainwater by placing them outside during a downpour. |
| availability. Your plants should be able to get the | | | | This is usually a bad idea and can quickly create a |
| recommended six to eight hours of direct sunlight for | | | | soggy mess. One effective way to water herbs is to |
| most herbs. Should trees or other obstructions block | | | | mist the leaves. Not all water is taken in through the |
| the direct sun then use simple lighting for plants to | | | | roots and misting is an herb-friendly supplement to |
| supplement. This should give similar energy for | | | | root watering. Avoid over watering by making a |
| growth. | | | | quick soil check. Press the soil with your finger. If the |
| While some people like to choose various individual | | | | pressure forms a puddle there is too much water. |
| pots for the window ledge, my belief is that this | | | | To plant the herb seed simply sprinkle on the soil |
| tends to be cluttered. Take your time and choose an | | | | mixture. Press each into the soil without pushing |
| appropriate container. My best recommendation is a | | | | down too deeply. For faster germination and root |
| long rectangular container called a potting tray. This | | | | development push the seed no further than one-half |
| fits well in a windowsill and holds a variety of herbs. | | | | inch into the soil. |
| For best results skip the cheap plastic ones and | | | | |