The enthusiastic gardener generally doesn't have too much to do in winter - apart from planning for the coming season. So that it doesn't get too boring, many herbs can be grown easily even in the cold season, for example in a large greenhouse or, even more practical, in an indoor greenhouse on the kitchen windowsill.
How do I create an herb garden in the greenhouse?
To create your own herb garden in a greenhouse, you need an indoor greenhouse, good sowing soil, herb seeds and a bright, warm location. Suitable herbs include parsley, chives, cress or lettuce.
Preparing an indoor greenhouse and sowing seeds
All you need is a simple indoor greenhouse (€29.00 on Amazon). This consists of a flat shell and a cover hood, which should have closable ventilation slots. This model does not have to be heated. Fill the planting bowl with good quality seed and herb soil up to the edge. Use a ruler to measure the appropriate distances and make individual planting marks. Place the herb seeds there - individually if possible - and only cover them lightly with soil. Moisten the seeds and close the indoor greenhouse with the cover. Place the whole thing in a bright and warm place (the kitchen would of course be ideal) and always keep the herb seeds slightly moist in the coming days and weeks. Also don't forget to ventilate the greenhouse regularly.
Which herbs are suitable for the indoor greenhouse?
Of course, only smaller herbs such as parsley, chives, cress or lettuce are suitable for cultivation directly in the indoor greenhouse - after all, the planting bowl is not too big and not deep either. However, you can also prick out the plants after germination and as soon as they are large enough and transfer them to larger planters. In this case there are a whole range of possible types available.
Prick out herbs and cultivate them on the windowsill
The pots with the home-grown herbs can be cultivated wonderfully on the windowsill, as long as it is bright and warm enough there. Remember that the plants need several hours of light per day and install a grow light if necessary. Water and fertilize the herbs according to their needs, but avoid waterlogging. By the way: Herbs can be cultivated wonderfully in a (heated) greenhouse, even in winter.
Tip
Don't be surprised if some seeds don't seem to want to germinate: While cress shows its green tips after just two days, parsley, for example, sometimes takes several weeks to germinate. So be patient!
