An indoor herb garden can easily be grown indoors if space is at a premium, or if you need a quick change of pace during the spring and summer heat. Indoor herb gardens are just as easy to start and grow as outdoor ones. The choice for indoor herb gardens depends on the plant needs and space, climate, and time available. There are definite advantages and disadvantages to either.
Indoor herb gardens are better if you have space because they are simple and require less maintenance than an outdoor garden. Indoor herb gardens can be started from a clump of three or four small herbs that do not spread. In spring, all you need to do is move the clump outside to the window so that it can receive the full sunlight it needs. All of the smaller herbs will begin to grow and bloom. In early summer, move the clump back inside to avoid sun burning.
Rosemary, mint, and sage are perennial plants that can do well in most climates. Mint and Rosemary are best planted in sunny areas in the late summer. Both plants love well drained soil. Rosemary and mint are fairly easy to grow, and both are easy to find at your local nursery, gardening store, or online.
Basil is easy to grow and offers great flavors. The smaller branches of the basil plant make nice twists with the olive leaves. Basil adds a sense of aroma to any dish, and you can use the aromatic leaves in sauces, soups, salads, and pasta dishes. Oregano, parsley, and thyme are all used in Italian cooking.
There are certain herbs that need to be cultivated in containers. Most African and Caribbean herbs need to be planted in containers. They love moist soil and they thrive in full sun. Basil and oregano can be found in many sizes and are often sold as bonsai trees. Fennel, dill, and sage are all container grown plants that provide flavor throughout the year.
A container garden doesn’t have to just contain herbs. Flowering plants add color and decoration to your Mediterranean-themed herb garden. To keep the flowers from becoming dry, place them in baskets or pots made with plastic, cloth, or netting. Pots and baskets keep the small plants from drying out too much and also allow you to move them around easily when you feel like rearranging your patio, deck, or landscape. With the right planning and patience, you’ll have a beautiful Mediterranean herb garden before you know it!