How to grow herbs all year long

A prime growing season for a medicinal herb farmer is May - August but what if you want to grow herbs and food all year long to use in the kitchen or in your herbal blends? Here are my 8 tips for growing herbs all year long.

1. Choose the right herbs: Select herbs that are suitable for indoor growing and that you use frequently in your cooking. Some popular choices include basil, parsley, mint, chives, and thyme. Herbs such as lavender or rosemary might not be suitable for indoor growing unless you grow them in an aeroponic gardening system (go to tip 8)

2. Provide adequate light: Herbs need plenty of sunlight to grow, so place them in a sunny spot like a south-facing window. If natural light is insufficient, consider using grow lights to supplement.

3. Use well-draining soil: Make sure to plant your herbs in well-draining soil to prevent waterlogging, which can lead to root rot. You can use a potting mix specifically designed for herbs or create your own mix using equal parts of potting soil, perlite, and sand.

4. Water appropriately: Herbs generally prefer slightly moist soil, so water them when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Be careful not to overwater, as this can also cause root rot.

5. Provide proper ventilation: Good air circulation is essential for preventing diseases and promoting healthy growth. Consider placing a fan nearby to ensure proper ventilation.

6. Prune regularly: To encourage bushier growth and prevent legginess, prune your herbs regularly. This will also help you harvest fresh herbs for culinary use.

7. Fertilize occasionally: Herbs grown indoors may benefit from occasional fertilization to replenish nutrients in the soil. Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength.

8. Use an aeroponic gardening system: I fell in love with Tower Garden and I can't recommend it enough! How does it work? Simply put, it rains inside! A pump in the reservoir pushes the nutrient solution to the top of your Tower Garden. From there, the solution rains down over the plant roots inside the Tower Garden. The automated timer restarts the process regularly, so your plants always get the ideal amount of oxygen, water, and nutrients, with minimal attention required. Check it out here.

By following these steps, you can enjoy a constant supply of fresh herbs all year round, right in your own home.