Consider the following varieties of herbs that will yield healthy plants indoors: Grolau chives (Allium schoenoprasum), Fernleaf or dwarf dill (Anethum graveolens), English mint (Mentha spicata), Greek oregano (Origanum Vulgare hirtum), Blue Boy rosemary (rosmarinus officinalis), Creeping savory (Satureja repandra), Broadleaf thyme (Plectranthus amboinicus), Spice Globe basil (Ocimum basilicum minimum) and Dwarf Garden sage (Salvia officinalis compacta).
Avoid transplanting perennials herbs planted directly in the garden. The transplant shock may kill the plants that normally would return the next growing season. Only choose perennial herbs in pots to grow indoors during the winter months.
Evaluate the light intensity required for your herbs. The light intensity will be determined by the bulb wattage of the indoor lights and how close the plant needs to be to the light source. The brightness of an indoor light is measured in foot candles or lumens. Foot candles refers to the amount of light hitting a given area, while lumens is the amount of light at the actual light source. Most herbs and vegetable plants require a high light intensity to yield a harvest. Evaluate the light spectrum color best suited for your herbs. Natural sunlight contains a complete light spectrum, from red to yellow to violet. While herbs require a full color spectrum for photosynthesis, blue and red light are most critical. Blue light regulates plant growth, while red light stimulates flowering and vegetative growth.
Choose full-spectrum fluorescent lighting that most closely mimics natural light. [1] X Expert Source Rachel GuffeyPlant Specialist Expert Interview. 5 August 2021. The light color is created by a phosphor coating on the inside of the bulb. If full-spectrum natural light tubes are not available, use a combination of standard warm- and cool-white tubes. Place herbs close to the fluorescent lighting source, preferably no more than 8 inches (20. 3 cm) from the tube, to accommodate for the lower intensity lighting. Select fluorescent lighting as the least expensive option for indoor gardening.
Choose metal halide or high-pressure sodium HID lights. Metal halide HID lights give off a bluish-white light that promotes strong plant growth. High-pressure sodium lamps are the most energy efficient HID lighting option, and give off a reddish light. Place herbs several feet or meters away from the HID lighting source to ensure the lights don’t burn the vegetation. Choose HID lights for energy-efficient lighting.
Consider the humidity. Herbs require ample humidity to promote growth. If the air in your home is dry, place the herb containers in a tray lined with small stones. Fill the tray with enough water to reach the bottom of each container. The water will provide a humid environment ideal for growing herbs.
Maintain proper distance between the herbs and the light source. [2] X Expert Source Rachel GuffeyPlant Specialist Expert Interview. 5 August 2021. The distance will vary depending on the type of light source you utilize. To determine if the light source is too close, place your hand where the light hits the herb plant. If you feel warmth from the light, it is too close. In general, your light should be between 6 and 12 in (15 and 30 cm) away from the plant. [3] X Expert Source Rachel GuffeyPlant Specialist Expert Interview. 5 August 2021. Rotate the plants each week if you use fluorescent indoor lighting. Fluorescent bulbs are more intense at the center than at the ends, so rotate the plants weekly to ensure even light coverage.
