Spring in northern Arizona means unpredictable weather. Fortunately there is a fun, easy, and delicious bit of gardening you can do no matter what the weather is like outside – start an indoor herb garden.
It’s also kind to your wallet. Fresh herbs at the grocery store can be pricey, and growing your own not only saves money, it will provide you with a constant supply of vibrant, flavorful herbs to add to your soups, sauces, salads, and more.
Growing herbs indoors is a lot easier than you might think. Start with a container at least 6 inches deep to give those roots room to stretch. Make sure your container has drainage holes and fill with topsoil, compost, and a bit of sand to keep things light and well-draining. Herbs don’t like soggy roots!
To create a thriving herb garden, it helps to think of your herbs like a quirky little family; each member with their own likes and dislikes.
The Mint Plant Family (includes: basil, sage, peppermint, spearmint, thyme, marjoram, and lavender). These Mediterranean beauties thrive in drier soil and do well in smaller containers that dry out faster. The best part? The more you harvest them, the more they grow! Snip just above the nodes and watch them branch out.
The Carrot Plant Family (includes: parsley, cilantro, dill, fennel, and anise). These herbs grow deeper roots and prefer more moisture. When summer rolls around, you’ll be treated to sweet-smelling flowers that pollinators love.
The Daisy Plant Family (includes chamomile, calendula, echinacea, dandelion). These tea-time favorites are slow growers but well worth the wait. Once established, they’re fairly drought tolerant.
The Onion Plant Family (includes chives, onions, and garlic). Hardy and easy to grow, these are perfect for beginners. They share similar needs with the Mint family – well-drained soil and a little breathing room.
Knowing whether your herbs are annual (one-season wonders) or perennial (garden companions for years to come) helps with planning. Annuals like cilantro and dill need to be replanted each year, but grow quickly and are great for immediate gratification. Perennials like thyme and rosemary can keep growing season after season with a little TLC, even if they nap through the winter.
We have plenty of herb seeds and seedlings here at Warner’s Nursery. So stop by and begin your herb adventure today. Your taste buds – and your wallet – will thank you!
Happy (Indoor) Gardening,
Misti