Spice/Herb garden?

Question

For a while now, i have toyed with teh idea of making a small herb/spice garden. Just a window-sill one taht will still grow in the winter, seeing as how it'll be indoors.
I was wondering if anyone knew whether or not stores (Home Depot, Lowes, etc.) stopped selling seeds and/or plants for herb gardens at any time of the year? Would i have to buy seeds instead of the little beginning plants? What herbs/ spices would be best?
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you much,
Brini14

Answer 1

Seed companies (mail order) have seeds available. It would be easier if you used already growing herbs and acclimated them to the indoors (this takes a little effort, you will rarely have success by bringing outdoor plants inside the house one day and expecting them to thrive all winter). Check the garden centers now for already grown herbs.

Stores stop selling seeds after spring because spring is when they have the most demand. Most people don't plant seeds in summer or fall, so they stop stocking the displays. Anything you find now is leftover, and doesn't necessarily have a guaranteed germination rate. Seed companies store their seeds in ideal conditions so you will have better results buying directly from them in the off season.

I have a lot of horticulture education and experience, but at least where I live (northeast), there is not enough daytime sunlight for herbs to do well indoors. It may take you a couple of years to get the conditions just right (picking the right window, using the correct amount of water and fertilizer), so don't give up if it doesn't work out perfectly the first time around.

I know we all have a fantasty of growing herbs on our window sills, but it's a lot of care and with little result (winter growth is limited, even if they plants are healthy).

Good Luck!

Answer 2

The early herbalists wouldn't plant or buy anything that they couldn't use in at least three preparations. I think this is good reasoning for budget minded folk. Plant those items that you cook with, and those that don't need deep root beds. Oregano, sage, chives and basil all do well in that type of environment (and I'm currently experimenting with ginger positivelyO).

I'm not sure about the stores (give them a call as the growing season isn't over by any means). However, if the stores have stopped, I find a lot of plants online (gardening direct is one site I've used and been happy with the results). As long as you have good lighting you can fool seeds into thinking it's whatever season you wish! The key is the right amount of water, warmth, and TLC.

Answer 3

You can always get seeds for herbs...but not all places sell plants year round...you just have to look. It's faster/easier to start with a plant, though i've done it from seed lots, too.

I always plant basil, parsley, oregano, mint, and cilantro. I've never had any luck with the cilantro: but it's my fave so I keep trying.

Good luck...it's so convinient to have fresh herbs year round..and cheaper too.