The windowsill herb garden, in addition to being charming and aesthetic, can provide advantages that are very practical.
This little garden can add color and a subtle aroma to any home.
There are a plethora of reasons people choose a windowsill herb garden over one which is maintained outside.
One such rationale for having the garden inside is that they do not have to worry about the weather and the garden will grow year around.
Although almost all types of herbal plants can be grown in a windowsill herb garden, there are those which are more appropriate than others.
For example, plants such as oregano are perfect candidates because of their optimum size and delicious taste.
Also, rosemary and basil are particularly well-suited for the windowsill garden.
Some plants, such as rosemary, will thwart fungus and others will provide a pleasant scent throughout the home during the entire year.
For homes in the northern hemisphere, the plants will thrive the best in windowsills that face south or southeast, as they will receive the most sunlight.
Most plants will develop the best and maintain their health in maximum sunlight and herbal plants are no different.
Herbal plants need at least five hours of sunlight on a daily basis and they also should be kept from a constant draft, particularly during the colder months.
In starting your herb garden, you can purchase seedlings in containers which are approximately six to twelve inches deep or you can buy herbal garden kits.
The windowsill herb garden kits are equipped with containers and the plants, usually sprouting or with seeds already planted, and the information you need on the various herbs to properly care for them.
It is relatively easy to care for these plants but you do need to know the sprouting periods and the best times to clip their leaves for use in drying, storing, or cooking.
In addition, some plants will overcome the others if you are not caring for them properly and cutting them back from time to time.
You want your windowsill herb garden to look as if it belongs in the windowsill, thus there is a certain amount of attention that you need to provide the plants.
You must be very careful about watering the plants.
They do not prosper well in damp soil, so you should water sparingly, but on the other hand, they should not be left lacking.
If you should obtain one of the kits with the plants blooming, do not be in a hurry to clip the leaves.
You must give them the time to adapt to their new environment.
Should you reside in a location such as a high-rise apartment community in a city and do not have good sunlight in any window, you can use a synthetic light.
In general, herbal plants will do well with synthetic lighting, but you should check with the manufacturer or with a nursery just to be certain.
Herb gardening is a great way to use some of your leisure time if you are an enthusiastic cook, as you will find nothing better than having fresh spices and herbs at hand whenever you need them.
Having your very own herb garden in your windowsill will stimulate your culinary expertise in the kitchen as well as provide the pleasant aromas that will delightfully fill your home.