You may did not know this, but autumn is the ideal season to plant spicy and healing herbs in your home garden. In this way you can use their benefits in long winter days. Your herbs will be planted in jars or small pots and they probably will not reach the height they would if planted outside, but they will still have their good properties.
Freshly picked herbs have both strong aroma and high mineral and vitamin value. You can choose many of the herbs that grow well indoors. All you need is a few tips, conditioned and light room, and several good plants.
To ensure the best conditions for the optimal development of your herbs in this time of the year, we suggest that you start off with healthy samples. Ecological background is essential here.
How to plant an grow herbs
We give you some detailed tips on how to grow spicy and healing herbs in your home. Choose the soil for your pots taking into consideration the fact that herbs do not like it enriched with organic material. Combine regular soil for flowers with sand in a ratio of 3 to 1. Even better, you can purchase soil for cactuses which already has sand in it.
Use any container that is at least 15 centimeter in diameter. You can also use larger pots, but make sure your container has holes on its bottom. Herbs in higher containers have a larger space to develop their roots, and you will enjoy more of your plant.
Most herbs like water, but you should water them only when you notice that the surface of their soil has dried. You can easily determine this by sticking your finger about 2-3 centimeters in the soil. If it is dry, it is sure time for watering. Higher temperatures require more water.
Most herbs grow well in daily temperatures between 16 and 21 degrees Celsius, although they also deal well with temperatures that go up for 5 degrees. It is important to have your herbs at night temperatures that are 12 degrees lower to simulate outside weather as much as you can.
Place your pots outside your windows or terrace during warm autumn days. Remove any dust from their leaves regularly.
Too much water or fertilizer and too little light may have a negative effect on the growth of your herbs or affect the quality of their essential oils. This may result in poor aroma and nutritional value.
Fertilization is not necessary, but you can use organic liquid fertilizer which consists of seaweed or high quality compost. Do not do this more than once a month.
1. Mint
It is a perennial plant from the family of flowering plants ( Lamiaceae ). Spearmint and peppermint are an excellent option. However, keep in mind that spearmint has a lot sweeter taste than peppermint and you will need to add more of it in your meals if you really want to feel its distinctive taste.
Mint grows like weed and you have to keep it in a separate jar, because it can easily reach other pots.
If possible, keep it next to your window, as it could get more light. Make sure it is not directly exposed to sun, so in winter and autumn keep it at that part of your house that faces south or west, and keep it facing east during spring and summer.
Mint relieves allergies and asthma, and it also helps in the treatment of infections.
2. Parsley
It is a biennial plant from the family of aromatic plants (Apiaceae). Parsley likes places that get enough sunlight, but it will grow slowly next to windows that face east or west.
It is abundant in antioxidants and folic acid which protects heart.
3. Oregano
It is a perennial plant from the family of flowering plants (Lamiaceae). Oregano is self-grown and resistant to any weather condition. Wild or Greek oregano are most popular. Keep the jar on the window that faces south to provide that the herb gets more sunlight.
Oregano contains carvacrol, meaning it provides strong antibacterial and antifungal properties.
4. Rosemary
It is an evergreen herb with pointy leaves and it is resistant to drought. Rosemary grows best when it gets enough sunlight.
Rosemary boosts energy and improves memory. It helps in treating goat and rheumatism.
5. Sage
Sage is a perennial, bushy-like herb. It is self-grown and resistant to any weather condition. It grows well in closed rooms with dry air, but it sure likes sunny spots.
Sage has antibacterial and antifungal properties. It soothes, freshens and heals. Use sage to relieve pain and decrease body temperature.
6. Basil
An annual herb. Green and African blue basil are your best option when it comes to growing this plant indoors. African blue basil is similar to Asian or Thai basil, because it has a smaller and narrow leaves with blue or purple veins along the purple stems.
Keep the herb in the southern part of your home to provide it enough sun and warmth.
Basil is a strong antioxidant and natural antibiotic. It strengthens immunity and protects cardiovascular health.
7. Bay tree
A perennial evergreen bush that grows well indoors throughout the whole year. Keep it close to your window or balcony that faces west or east. Make sure that there is enough space between separate plants, because bay trees require good circulation of air.
Bay leaves stimulate circulation and reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Source: healthandhealthyliving
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