Senior Living News

Benefits of Having a Windowsill Herb Garden

A windowsill herb garden works almost anywhere, even when you live at Bethesda Gardens Loveland. You can easily grow potted plants indoors as long as they get sunlight during the day. Herbs don't take up a lot of space, so they fit neatly into your apartment. Even with the compact size, the plants produce plenty of usable herbs. Having fresh herbs at your disposal lets you add flavor to your dishes while saving on your grocery bills.

Growing herbs indoors can also boost your mental health. Having greenery in your home helps you feel closer to nature and may improve your mood. Tending to the plants offers a sense of accomplishment. For memory care residents, activities like gardening can be a soothing part of the daily routine.

Choosing the Herbs for Your Indoor Garden

Almost any herb will thrive in a windowsill garden as long as you provide the ideal growing conditions. Common options to grow indoors include basil, oregano, rosemary, lavender, cilantro, thyme and mint.

Every plant is a little different, so research things like necessary light levels and the type of light each herb needs. Personal preferences also play a major role in deciding which herbs to plant. Think about the flavors you enjoy and often use in your cooking. Experimenting with different herbs can help expand your culinary tastes.

You can grow herbs from seeds or starter plants. You'll reach the harvesting stage much faster if you start with a plant. This option can feel more rewarding since you see the results quickly.

How to Plant a Windowsill Garden

Planting a windowsill garden is similar to planting any type of indoor potted plants. Choosing the right containers and supplies can help your garden succeed. Follow these steps to get started:

1. Pick your pot. It should have good drainage to keep the roots healthy. You don't want the pot to be too big or small compared to the size of the herb plant.
2. Add the soil. Using an indoor potting soil mix is ideal for your herbs. It's lighter than soil from outside, which prevents it from becoming compacted to support root health.
3. Prep the plant. Loosen the roots and slide it gently from its original pot.
4. Place the plant in the pot. Arrange it so the new soil lines up with the existing soil. Fill in around the roots with more indoor potting mix and press down gently.
5. Water the plant. Having a saucer or tray under the pot makes it easier to water the herbs without damaging your windowsill.
6. Find the ideal location. Position the potted herbs on your windowsill where they'll receive the right amount of sunlight.

Tips for Maintaining Your Herbs

Indoor herb gardens are relatively low-maintenance, but they need specific care to keep the plants healthy and flourishing. The following tips can help you with your windowsill herb garden:

• Check the light: Your herbs might need direct or indirect sunlight based on growing requirements. They can also vary on how many hours of sunlight they need. Scope out the available sunlight inside your home to meet those requirements.
• Watch for drafts: Hot or cold air drafts can affect how well your herbs grow. This can include drafts from doors, windows and HVAC vents.
• Harvest regularly: Trimming or pinching small amounts of herbs regularly helps you maintain a robust plant. It also encourages new growth. If you cut too much of the herb plant at once, it could stress the plant.
• Use technology: An app that reminds you to water your herbs can help you care for the plants properly. This can be especially helpful if you have some memory loss. The watering requirements can vary based on the type of herb you grow. In general, you want the top inch or so of soil to dry before watering the plant.
• Repot when needed: Your herbs might outgrow their pots over time. Roots that grow out of drainage holes or herbs that seem to dry out faster than normal could be a sign it's time for a new pot.

Ways to Use the Herbs You Grow

If you have a green thumb, you may find yourself overwhelmed with a bountiful harvest of herbs. You can add those herbs to your healthy foods to enhance flavors naturally. If you grow lavender or mint, add a few sprigs to your beverages to elevate tea time. Drying your harvest makes it easier to save for future use if you don't need all the herbs right away. You can also share your herbs with your friends and neighbors if you have more than you need.