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Herbs in the Home

Herbs in the Home

Certain activities are not suited to the indoors. The kitchen is not supposed to be used as a motorcycle repair shop. The living room definitely does not double as a basketball court. And children should certain think twice before taking up synchronized swimming in the bathroom. However, if you mother reads this article, she should agree that gardening is as much fun indoors as it is outdoor - it's a fun, educational, and tasty experience to grow herbs in the house.

Herbs bridge the gap between gardener and chef as they bring dull recipes to life. Try sprinkling some fresh dill into those scrambled eggs. Embolden the flavor of your 89-cent spaghetti sauce with some fresh oregano. Throw a delicious mix of aromatic basil, oregano, and garlic into your next homemade pizza crust. It'll be delicious addition to a standard recipe.

Growing herbs indoor is easier than it sounds. In some cases, you can just buy a pot that hangs or mounts onto your windowsill or you can set them on a porch or balcony. Regardless of where they go, you need a pot for them. Many gardeners recommend a clay pot because the porous sides hold nutrients and moisture better. It's also a more natural substance than plastic. In all reality, pick a pot - any pot. Just make sure you get one that allows extra moisture to drain out the bottom. You also may want to put a plate underneath it or purchase a matching saucer so that when the water drains, it doesn't run everywhere. That would quickly put an end to growing herbs indoors.

The next is to purchase a loose soil to put in the pot. It generally supports the herbs much better than plain air. Check your local greenhouse or Internet vendor to find a mix of potting soil designed for herbs.

Speaking of herbs, buy some. Many people wonder what they should grow. The answer is - whatever you want to eat or look at. If you don't like chives, don't buy them. Just think about what you normally use in your cooking. Any self-respecting Italian chef would tell you that basil and oregano is a staple. Parsley is used in cooking and as a garnish. Rosemary and thyme are also some popular herbs. Regardless of what you choose, read the instructions on the packet of seeds or the plant spike if you are using starter plants.

Follow the directions and keep them healthy. Make sure they are getting a good amount of sunlight. Also, you'll need to water your herbs more often than a garden - possibly once or twice a day. The rule of thumb is to put your thumb (or any other finger) on the soil. If it is dry, water it just until water starts to trickle out of the bottom of the pot. You'll also need to keep the herbs pinched back so the leaves appear full. If there are any dead leaves on them, be sure to remove them right away.

If you do some simple things, there's no reason you can't have a fresh herb garden in your home. They are safe, neat, taste great, and leave a very pleasant natural aroma. Happy gardening!