How to start a windowsill herb garden
If you've done all the sourdough and banana bread baking you'll ever do and are looking for a new kitchen project, why not turn a sunny windowsill into a kitchen garden? And if your kitchen windowsill is sunny, then (bonus!) you can create a windowsill-to-cutting-board-cooking experience.
Follow these tips to set up your windowsill garden:
Seeds or plants?
If you're a serious green thumb who can grow anything, we admire you! Get some seeds and be sure to read the seed packets carefully. But if you're not a master botanist, or you'd like to harvest almost immediately, then start with potted plants.
Location, location
Most herbs need full and direct sun, so it's important to build your herb garden on the sunniest windowsill you have. All herbs need to be planted in pots with sufficient drainage so they can be watered and then dry out again to prevent root rot. Prevent countertop and windowsill damage by using ceramic plant pot holders, or saucers and drainage plates to catch excess water.
Plant the herbs you use the most
It's tempting to want a huge variety of herbs on your windowsill garden, but get your garden started using the herbs you cook with the most. Once you've found your groove, you can expand into growing more types of herbs and cooking with new flavours too.
Pots or box planters?
If you don't have the space for a planter box, little pots will look just as chic. A great idea is to plant the herbs you use for your favourite dishes together in a few pots. But some herbs grow quickly and tend to take over the space, so plant mint and coriander separately. If you decide to group herbs together in one pot, make sure they all have the same sun, water and fertiliser needs to give them maximum vitality.
Keeping it healthy
Indoor herbs need a bit more than watering. Try to mimic rain by spritzing the leaves with a spray bottle every few days and don't forget organic fertiliser or liquid plant food to keep your plant healthy and boost growth.
Reap the benefits
All that's left to do now is enjoy the fresh smell of your windowsill garden throughout the year and experiment with all sorts of herbs as your confidence grows. And if your bounty is more than you can handle, share you harvest with family or friends or freeze it for soups and stews.