Even if you don't have a garden, you don't have to do without fresh herbs. Almost all herbs grow easily in pots, tubs and even in flower boxes. For some species, this form of cultivation is even preferable to planting out in the bed. Basil, for example, often develops much more luxuriantly in a pot than in the garden, where adverse weather conditions or snails can damage it.
Herbs can be grown on the windowsill all year round
The right location
The culture on the kitchen window is unbeatably practical. So you always have the right seasoning fresh and of the best quality at hand. The prerequisite, however, is that the window offers bright, sunny lighting conditions. Because especially in the house, where the light intensity is lower anyway, herbs need a lot of sun for an intensive aroma. East- or west-facing windows are ideal, whereas the plants in front of south-facing windows can quickly become too warm, especially in the hot summer months. During this time, however, you can move the herbs away from the window or, if available, place them in the fresh air on the balcony or terrace.
Suitable herbs for the windowsill
In general, the annual and biennial types of herbs are particularly suitable for keeping in containers: dill, cress, parsley, chervil, annual savory or chives are often more convincing in a pot than in the ground. Some exotic species are also well suited for indoor culture. Lemongrass, ginger, turmeric or coriander thrive in our room all year round.
Check indoor herbs for pests
All herbs and aromatic plants grown indoors should be checked regularly for pest infestation. Spider mites and aphids spread quickly, especially in winter, when dry heating air causes problems for the plants.
Prefer herbs on the windowsill
Many herbs can be grown on the windowsill towards the end of winter or in early spring. You can sow the seeds straight into the boxes or pots in which the plants will later grow. Don't scatter the seeds too densely though; only cress and chervil like to stand a little closer together. Instead, you can also use seed trays or indoor greenhouses for cultivation, but then you have to prick out the seedlings after emergence (i.e. place them individually in larger and deeper containers).
tips
In indoor culture, it is particularly important to cover the seed pots with a plastic bag or hood so that the seedlings get the humidity they need. Only when the leaves sprout is it aired from time to time.