Even if you don't have a garden, you don't have to go without fresh herbs. Almost all herbs grow easily in pots, containers and even in flower boxes. For some species, this form of culture is even preferable to planting in beds. Basil, for example, often develops much more luxuriantly in the pot than in the garden, where it is severely affected by adverse weather conditions or snails.
How to create a herb garden on the windowsill?
For a herb garden on the windowsill you need bright, sunny lighting conditions, suitable herbs such as dill, cress, parsley, chervil or chives and suitable containers such as pots or boxes. Make sure there is sufficient humidity and check regularly for pests.
The right location
The culture at the kitchen window is unbeatably practical. This means you always have the right seasoning fresh and of the best quality at hand. However, the prerequisite is that the window offers bright, sunny lighting conditions. Especially in the house, where the light intensity is already lower, herbs need a lot of sun to have an intense aroma. Windows facing east or west are ideal, whereas plants in front of south-facing windows can quickly become too warm, especially in the hot mid-summer months. During this time, however, you can move the herbs away from the window or, if available, put them on the balcony or terrace in the fresh air.
Suitable herbs for the windowsill
In general, one- and two-year-old herb species are particularly suitable for keeping in containers: dill, cress, parsley, chervil, annual savory or chives are often more convincing in pots than in the ground. Some exotic plants are also well suited for indoor cultivation. Lemongrass, ginger, turmeric or coriander thrive in our room all year round.
Check indoor herbs for pests
You should regularly check all herbs and spices grown indoors for pest infestation. Especially in winter, when dry heating air causes problems for the plants, spider mites and aphids spread quickly.
Prefer herbs on the windowsill
Many herbs can be grown on the windowsill towards the end of winter or early spring. You can sow the seeds straight away into the boxes or pots in which the plants will later grow. However, do not scatter the seeds too densely; only cress and chervil like to be a little closer together. Instead, you can also use seed trays (€35.00 on Amazon) 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).
Tip
In indoor cultivation, it is particularly important to cover the seed containers with a plastic bag or hood so that the seedlings receive the necessary humidity. Only when the leaves sprout is it ventilated every now and then.
