If you don’t have the space or time to commit to a larger garden, window boxes are a great way to grow herbs or small plants indoors (even year round) provided you have a sunny, south facing window. You can use either several small planters or a single box that fits into your window sill. These can be handmade or purchased. Because the box remains indoors, maintenance is minimal, with no weeding or mulching required! Growing your own herbs will also help add lots of flavor to your meals at a minimal cost to your budget.
To get started:
Prepare your box with soil and compost. This can be an organic potting mix or from the outdoors. If you bring in soil from your surroundings it will have other organisms in it and you may need to do some weeding.
Next, you’ll need to decide what types of plants or herbs you want to plant. (check out our section titled, Deciding What To Plant for more ideas). Suggested herbs include rosemary, basil, thyme, oregano, sage, and marjoram. Smaller plants may also be grown indoors such as sprouts, small lettuces, or peppers. Once you’ve made your picks, all that’s left to do is buy the seeds, plant them, water regularly, and harvest!For additional tips on window box gardening, check out:
The Farmer’s Almanac Herb Guide
The Farmer's Almanac Window Box Design Guide
Organic Gardening:
Organic Gardening: 10 Best Herbs for Indoors
Organic Gardening: Indoor Herb Guide
For more tips on sprouting see:
You can often find sprouting kits at food co-ops or health food stores.
You can also order them from:
Mumm’s or Handy Pantry SproutingNext, see: Deciding what to plant
