Introduction

We’re back for our quarterly update on my herbs! This quarter, I’ll be talking about the basics of growing an herb garden, especially if you live in a colder climate. I’ll also share some tips on how to keep your plants happy and healthy all season long. So let’s jump right in!

Garden Basics

You may be wondering what a herb garden is, and if you’d like to try your hand at growing herbs. The answer is yes, of course! Herbs are plants that come in a variety of shapes and sizes. They are used for cooking as well as medicinal purposes. Some common herbs include parsley, rosemary and sage (which tastes great with roasted turkey).

If you’re interested in growing your own herbs but don’t know where to start or have limited space where you live, we have created this guide for beginners who want to grow their own herbs from seedlings indoors year-round!

How to Propagate and Pot up Herbs

You can propagate herbs from cuttings, seedlings or root divisions.

• Cuttings: Take a 4–6 inch piece of stem (the cutting should have at least one leaf on it). Strip off the lower leaves and dip the end into rooting hormone powder. Plant in a potting mix with drainage holes, being sure to keep the crown (where the stem meets the roots) above soil level. Water thoroughly and place in well-lit area out of direct sunlight. After roots form, transplant into another container filled with soil and water periodically until plant is ready to be grown outdoors. Make sure you take care when handling newly rooted plants as they are more susceptible to disease than established ones.
• Seedlings: From seeds germinate directly in containers or sow seed indoors two weeks before last frost date for outdoor planting (may take up to 10 weeks). Sow thinly so seedlings do not compete for nutrients as they develop; thin plants as necessary once true leaves appear if overcrowded; keep moist but not soggy; fertilize every 14 days after germination until transplanted into pots or garden beds once all risk of frost has passed
• Root Divisions: Divide plants when new growth appears during spring after growth cycle is complete, taking care not to disturb growing tips too much when removing pieces from larger clumps of herbs

Growing Herbs Indoors for Winter

Growing herbs indoors for winter is a great way to keep the kitchen stocked with fresh herbs during the cold season. If you don’t have an indoor garden, it’s possible to grow herbs in a greenhouse or cold frame instead. A greenhouse can act as a protected environment where you can provide more consistent conditions for your plants. For example, if it gets too cold in your house or apartment, you can simply turn up the heat in your greenhouse to compensate! Or maybe you live somewhere that doesn’t get enough sunlight during winter months (like me). A cold frame will allow light and warmth into your home so that there aren’t any gaps between when temperatures drop below freezing at night and rise again during daytime hours when people would normally be awake and tending their gardens outside.

Preserving Herbs for Winter

If you have the space in your yard or garden, consider planting an herb garden. With a few basic supplies and a little time, it’s easy to grow herbs year-round. You can also buy plants from your local nursery store and grow them indoors. Herb seeds are available at many local nurseries or online. The following are some common culinary herbs:

• Basil
• Chives
• Cilantro — also known as Chinese parsley and coriander leafs
• Dill — leaves; used for pickling cucumbers as well as flavoring baked fish dishes and egg salad salads (see [recipe])
• Oregano — flavorful Mediterranean herb used with tomatoes, eggplant dishes and soups such as minestrone soup ([recipe])

Starting Seeds Indoors This Year

If you are new to gardening, it’s important to know that there are many different types of seeds. Some seeds require a lot of time and care before they can be transplanted into your garden. Other types of seeds can be started indoors and then quickly planted outside when your local climate is warm enough for them.

Before purchasing seed packets or labels you need to determine which type(s) you want to grow in order to meet your needs and the needs of your family. If you live in an area that experiences cooler temperatures during certain times of the year, it’s best for beginners to start their vegetables inside so they have time to mature before getting cold weather shocks from changing temperatures outdoors too quickly!

When deciding what types you want/need to grow this year there are several things that play into making sure everything goes smoothly:

• Climate – Where do I live? What kind will work best here? How long until harvest? Etc… 2) Time To Harvest – How long will these plants take before they’re ready for me? 3) Space Available – Do I have room outside (or in)? Can my family eat all these vegetables once they’re ready? 4) My Budget – How much money do I want spend on seeds this year?”

What are Microgreens?

Microgreens are very small, young plants that you grow from seeds. They are harvested when the plant is still in its early stages of development and before it flowers. The entire growing process takes place indoors, so it can be done at any time during the year.

The best part about growing microgreens is that they’re easy to grow! A simple seed-to-table process means that anyone can reap the benefits of these nutrient dense greens. Microgreens also have a lot of flavor packed into every bite and make great additions to salads and sandwiches as well as side dishes (like our recipe for Grilled Romaine & Avocado Salad). The best part? You don’t need a large space to start your own garden either — all you need is an herb mat like this one from Amazon!

With a little effort, you can grow your own herbs year round.

With a little effort, you can grow your own herbs year round. You don’t have to wait until the spring thaw to enjoy fresh basil or cilantro. With a few steps toward indoor gardening, you can easily grow them indoors in winter. Here’s how:

• Choose an area where light is plentiful and direct sunlight is not blocked by windows or walls. For example, if there are windows on two sides of your home but no nearby walls that block light, try growing herbs near one window and another in an opposite corner of the room with some indirect sunlight filtering through.
• Fill your container with potting mix made specifically for growing herb plants—not soil from outside! This will ensure the right conditions for healthy growth while ensuring that they remain pest-free (you probably don’t want to be eating any bugs).
• Plant seeds directly into the soil once it has been moistened thoroughly with water (this will help maintain moisture levels throughout growth periods). Remember not all herbs need full sun exposure; some prefer partial shade instead!

Conclusion

Ready to start your own herb garden? If you’re a beginner and looking for some extra know-how, check out our free guide to starting an indoor herb garden. It includes tips on choosing plants, lighting and soil options, as well as recommended products.