Dallas Residents: Here’s How to Start an Herb Garden in Your Kitchen

Growing an herb garden in your kitchen window is a simple task for Dallas, TX residents. Herbs have been used for centuries to flavor food and for medicinal purposes. Dishes wouldn’t taste the same without herbs to create unique flavor combinations. Learning how to start an herb garden in your kitchen is surprisingly easy.

Most herbs grow exceptionally well in Dallas, TX, so you could start the herbs inside and put them outside later if you wanted. Some people like to have herbs inside and outside!

Spring is the best time of year to start indoor herb gardens! So, what are you waiting for? Let’s get started!

Finding the Right Spot for Your Herb Garden

A majority of the herb plants you could grow desire full sun, and that is the trickiest part about growing herbs inside. You need to find a spot in your kitchen that receives enough sunlight. Herbs prefer six to eight hours of direct sunlight.

Most people find that a south-facing windowsill has the best exposure for maximum sunlight. You can get suction cup window shelves if your windows lack a windowsill or there is no space for a table.

If you’re unable to find an appropriate location in your house, you’ll either have to pick a few herbs that tolerate less sunlight or hang a grow light in your kitchen. You can find small grow light setups for relatively cheap that could set right on your kitchen countertop!

Some people prefer to grow herbs inside because you can move the plants around! When you grow them outside, they’re stuck in the ground, but you can move them from window to window, if you wanted, to ensure they receive the right sunlight. Indoor herbs often receive ample sunlight!

Temperature Matters Too

Not only does sunlight matter, but temperature does as well! Herbs need to be kept between 65 and 70 degrees, which is perfect for most homes. Take care when you place your herb in the windowsill. Hang a thermometer there a few days before you place your herbs there. You want to make sure the window sill or whatever area you select is the ideal temperature!

What Herbs Grow Well in Dallas, TX

Due to the climate in Dallas, TX, you can grow a lot of herbs! If you plan to always keep them indoors, you could grow anything, but it’s a good idea to make sure the herbs you do plant grow well in your climate. That way, if you decide you want to transplant it outside, you can!

Some herbs you might want to grow in your Dallas, TX indoor herb garden include:

• Basil
• Parsley
• Oregano
• Rosemary
• Lavender
• Thyme
• Chives
• Cilantro
• Dill
• Aloe Vera
• Sage
• Yarrow
• Mint
• Lemon Grass
• Fennel

If you can’t find a window or location that receives full sunlight, shade-tolerant herbs for Dallas, TX residents include:

• Parsley
• Thyme
• Oregano
• Lemon Balm
• Marjoram
• Lemon Verbena
• Fennel

Tips for Starting an Herb Garden in Your Kitchen

Try Heirloom Plants

Heirloom varieties are often the hardiest varieties. Look for heirloom plants that thrive in a climate similar to Dallas, TX. Head to a local farm and fleet stores to see what varieties local farmers might sell. These plants are adapted to your area and will give you the best results.

Make Sure You Pick a Container with Drainage

All of your containers should have drainage holes and a saucer. If you do pick a sealed pot, place rocks at the base of the pot along with some vermiculite in the soil. These will increase the drainage in your sealed container. It’s best to pick containers with drainage if possible.

Use The Right Potting Mix

An indoor herb garden needs a potting soil mixture that has additional drainage. The label should tell you that it’s appropriate for indoor garden plants. If the soil is too heavy, try adding some perlite or vermiculite to the mixture.

You should look for a potting mixture rather than a potting soil. A mixture is lighter and has an aerator like perlite already added to it. If you can’t find the mixture, then just adapt the soil to work!

Whatever you do, don’t go outside and use the dirt from your outside garden. It seems like a smart idea, but the soil in your Dallas, TX garden is going to be too compact for indoor growing. It won’t hold onto water for as long, leading to insufficient root growth. Plus, you’ll bring in insects and parasites found outside. Not a good idea!

Water and Fertilize Properly

You don’t have to water and fertilize too much. Doing so is just as harmful as not doing enough! Mark when you fertilized and watered your plants so you don’t overdo it, or you can create a schedule. More inside plants die because of excessive water and fertilizer than not enough!

To determine if your herb needs water, test the soil by placing your finger into it. If it’s dry two inches below the surface, then it’s time to water. The top of the soil dries out first. Watering too soon doesn’t encourage the roots of the herbs to grow deeper into the pot searching for water. A healthy root system creates a healthy plant, so that’s your goal.

Harvest Your Herbs Correctly

Don’t harvest your plants until they’re matured for the first time. Then, never harvest more than one-third of the plant at any given time. Make sure that one third grows back before you harvest again.

It’s a good idea to look up each herb you intend to grow and learn about its specific pruning needs. Herbs grow best when pruned properly. You’ll be surprised out large and rapidly they can grow in the right conditions!

Grow an Herb Garden in Your Kitchen

All Dallas resident should have an indoor herb garden in their kitchen! It’s incredibly easy! Your first step is to find out what location receives the most sunlight. Then, decide what herbs you want to grow and prepare your containers. Plant your herbs and wait for them to mature. Before you know it, you’ll have fresh herbs in all of your dishes!

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