Growing Herbs Inside Through the Winter

Growing herbs inside through the winter is a challenge but it can be done with a little planning.

First the herbs need light so choose an area in front of a window, preferably a south facing one.  East and west may be used but try to stay away from a north facing window if you can.  Also you may need to add some supplemental lighting.

You can purchase new plants for growing inside or many gardeners dig established plants from the garden and pot them up for the winter.  Rosemary, basil, chives, oregano, and mints usually do well indoors provided they receive the right care.  The main killer of indoor plants is over watering; if the soil feels moist do not add water.  Make sure the soil is dry to the touch before watering.

If you need to provide additional lighting there are many different types available. Click this link to see one plant lighting system. Jump Start Lighting SystemTM

Extending Your Growing Season

Many people have started growing their own vegetables to help to cut their foods costs in this uncertain economy.  With cold weather coming, let us take a look at ways you can extend your growing season.

If you have a greenhouse then you can grow many vegetables throughout the winter.  There are commercial operations that grow things like tomatoes, cucumbers and many other vegetables, during the winter, in colder climates.

If you have cold frame, which is like a unheated greenhouse, then you can also extend your season well into the winter season.  Warmer season crops like tomatoes and peppers can only be held onto for a short time in a cold frame.  Cool weather crops like lettuce, mustard, turnips and members of the cabbage family can be grown, in a cold frame, possibly all winter, except in extremely cold climates.

In many areas of the south, cool weather crops may be grown without any additional cover.  If you are in a area where it may be just a little to cold, there are row covers that you can get to put over your plants to protect them from frost.  They come in different thicknesses and the protection varies accordingly.  These can be used in a cold frame also to give added protection.  Keep in mind that even though these let up to 85% of he light through, they may need to be taken off of the plant on warm days to keep from overheating the plants.

Floating Row Covers