Gardening can be very relaxing, and definitely rewarding. What’s more special than taking care of something until it thrives and grows? Very little things are, I would say. You can grow herbs indoors or choose for the more traditional method: growing them outside. Either way, make sure to give them plenty of attention. They (almost) grow themselves, but you are responsible for them!
Who says that gardening is just something that you can do outside? Don’t worry; herbs— and some vegetables— can be grown indoors. This is perfect for when the colder seasons come rolling around, because most herbs will not survive colder temperatures. Take stalks or splitting from your outdoor herbs (or completely take them out and re-pot them inside) to continue taking care of them. All indoor herbs need is a healthy amount of sunlight, a nice amount of water, and clean air. Most herbs need around 6 hours of daylight every day, so make sure you put your herbs near a window. Keep the temperature in your house nice and cozy. Most herbs will thrive in 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit, but some are more resistant, and will be fine if you let the temperature into the fifties.
Chives: Chives have a delicious, onion-y taste that isn’t overwhelming. Use chives for breakfast dishes or dinners, it doesn’t matter; chives blend in very easily and are delicious by themselves as well. They don’t require a lot of light, and you could use the roots from chives you buy at the store. If you want a kind of chives that is sure to chive– sorry— thrive indoors: buy the “Grolau” variety. It can be found online.
Lemongrass: Growing lemongrass is so easy, it’s almost like you're cheating. You’re not though! You don’t have to use any soil (say what, now?) and lemongrass will go well with most Asian dishes. Use a lemongrass stalk (find these at markets or buy them online) and put it in water. Make sure the bottom is intact and that you trim a little off the top. You will find lemongrass that lemongrass sprouts quickly and send out many roots and stalks, which you can cut off and eat.
Lighting: Make sure to give them plenty of sunlight. Do this by placing the herbs and other plants near a southwestern-facing window. This direction gets the most natural sunlight. However, if you don’t have access to direct sunlight, you could always get a couple of reflector lights. Place these lights about four to six inches away from the plant, not too close but certainly not too far.
Brown spots and weak leaves: Most herbs have leafs. These leafs can sometimes get brown spots on them. These brown spots are a sign that an herb is getting too much light. The brown spots mean that you are literally burning your plant. Although the brown spots are rare, it is much more common for plants to get weak leafs. This can mean you are not giving your herb enough water or that you’re giving them way too much water.
Watering herbs: Herbs don’t need a lot of water. In fact, you should give them a little water and then let them dry out completely. After they have dried out (this usually takes a couple days, up to a week), you should check the moistness of the soil with your fingers. Make a note of how long each herb takes to dry out, so you can think up an efficient watering system. Stay consistent with your watering!
