A constant supply of fresh organic herbs for your cooking becomes a reality when you grow them at home, and you’ll also appreciate the huge saving that comes with it. Although most herbs need at least 6 to 9 hours of direct sunlight, a few adjustments to your indoor growing space is all you need to have a great indoor herb garden. For indoor planting, always make sure to plant in medium to large size containers so that they are able to hold in moisture for a longer period. In addition, if you do not have any light facing window or balcony, it is important to fit a large fluorescent light overhead; that way, they are able to absorb the artificial light sufficiently. Below is a list of the best and the easiest herbs to grow at home in a shaded space.
Parsley: Parsley is one of the best herbs to grow in a shaded space. Either you can buy organic parsley seeds from a certified seed supplier within your locality or you can dry a branch of organic parsley and pinch off the seeds from it over a sheet of paper before planting them in your preferred container. After germination, when they have two leaves on them, space them by plucking out the excess seedlings to approximately 4-6 inches apart.
Cilantro: Also known as coriander, cilantro is a popular culinary herb used in many cuisines. You can grow cilantro from organic seeds by planting them in a pre-moistened container. You know cilantro is ready for harvesting when its leaves are fully formed, which is usually after 3 weeks.
Mint: Mint is a perennial herb and one of the best herbs to have at home. It is great for cooking and for other herbal preparations. One rule of thumb is to grow mint in a large and deep pot, and not on the ground. It grows effortlessly and blooms into a thick bush the more you prune it. Surprisingly, mint grows into a wild bush when planted on the ground.
Oregano: Oregano is a perennial herb whose strong pungent flavor and rich aroma has made it a popular herb in the preparation of many savory dishes. You have the choice of either planting Oregano seeds or a stem of the herb. Although they love plenty of sunlight, under a fluorescent light, Oregano grows rampantly indoors, and a single plant can actually sustain an entire household. Pinching the leaves regularly will encourage this herb to sprout into a thick bush.
Thyme: Like Oregano, Thyme thrives best under direct sunlight. However, when grown on a light-facing windowsill or under a fluorescent light, this herb thrives brilliantly. Although this herb needs water to survive, it is by nature a drought resistant herb. It readily grows from seed or by planting a cutting of the plant.
Rosemary: Rosemary is a great fragrant herb with the most delightful scent. It is a tough herb that is able to survive in harsh conditions with little water and care, and is able to grow into a big voluminous bush all year round. When planted in a pot, it is advisable to give it a regular trim and just enough water to keep it nourished. Even though it thrives best in direct sunlight, a bright fluorescent bulb will help it grow into a healthy herb.
Basil: Like most herbs, choose quality organic basil seeds from a certified supplier most of which are available in your local area or online. Basil grows very well indoors. Remember to plant the seeds in moist soil that has a good balance of both compost and soil. To care for basil, space them to about 6 inches apart after they have had three set of leaves. Remember to water them every 4-5 days or when soil is dry to the touch.
