As the winter temperatures continue to drop and the snow begins to pile up, perhaps you, like so many others, are stricken with the insatiable desire for fresh greenery. If so, now is the perfect time to begin an indoor herb garden. Start by deciding which herbs to grow. Is your interest culinary? Would you enjoy fragrant ornamental plants? Do you have one sunny windowsill to spare—or perhaps an entire sunroom? Keep in mind that overcrowding is unhealthy for all plants. Determine if a windowsill is big enough for your selections, or if you need to construct a winter plant table complete with florescent lighting. If you plan to cook with your own fresh herbs throughout the winter, one pot of parsley is not enough. However, one brightly blooming, sweetly scented pineapple sage could cheer you through the gloomiest of days.

Make your indoor garden visually appealing. Be creative with pot sizes and styles. For herbs with roots that spread, such as mint, plant in a wide shallow container. Those with long taproots, such as parsley, prefer a deep pot or bucket. Display shade tolerant herbs throughout your home in attractive groupings or in pebble trays. Choose herbs with pretty flowers and growth habits. Try your hand at growing a standard (single trunk tree form) using lemon verbena or myrtle plant. Experiment and have fun!

As with any other type of plant, find out the specific needs of each herb you wish to grow. Most herbs like cooler temperatures, well-drained rich soil, and good air circulation without drafts. However, there are many exceptions. What works well for one, may be sudden death for another. Check gardening magazines and books (links below as well) for information on specific herbs. Feel free to call or stop by Phelan Gardens for ideas or assistance also.