Growing Herbs Indoors with Less Sunlight
Have you always wanted to grow your own herbs indoors, but worried that you don’t have enough sunlight? Don’t worry, there are plenty of shade-tolerant herbs that can thrive in low-light conditions.
Best Herbs for Low-Light Indoor Gardening
When choosing herbs for indoor gardening with low light, look for soft-leaved varieties that stay relatively short. Some great options include:
- Culinary Herbs:
- Chervil
- Chives
- Cilantro
- Lemon balm
- Mint
- Oregano
- Parsley
- Sweet cicely
- Tarragon
- Thyme
- Scented Herbs:
- Catmint
- Musk geranium
- Sweet woodruff
Tips for Growing Herbs in Low Light
Even though these herbs are shade tolerant, they still need some sunlight to grow. Here are some tips to help your indoor herb garden thrive:
Provide as Much Light as Possible:
Keep your plants as close to windows as possible, especially during the winter months. If you have multiple windows, move your plants around throughout the day to give them access to the most light. Avoid overcrowding your planters, as this can block light from reaching the leaves.
Fertilize Sparingly:
Overfertilizing can promote leggy growth, which is when plants grow tall and spindly. To avoid this, use a half-strength fertilizer and only fertilize once every two months.
Don’t Overwater:
Herbs grown in low light don’t need as much water as those grown in full sun. Check the soil moisture levels before watering to avoid root rot and fungal diseases.
Harvest Frequently:
Regularly pinch back the growing tips of your herbs to encourage branching. This helps keep them more compact and bushy.
Watch for Pests:
Low-light indoor herbs are more susceptible to pests due to the lack of natural predators. Remove pests like aphids with a spray of water or insecticidal soap.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
Leggy Growth:
If your herbs are growing tall and spindly, it’s a sign that they’re not getting enough light. Move them closer to a window or provide supplemental lighting.
Root Rot:
Root rot is a fungal disease that can occur when herbs are overwatered. Check the soil moisture levels before watering, and allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.
Pests:
Aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies are common pests that can infest indoor herbs. Remove pests with a spray of water or insecticidal soap.
Enjoying Your Indoor Herb Garden
With a little care and attention, you can grow a thriving herb garden indoors, even if you don’t have a lot of natural sunlight. Enjoy the fresh, flavorful herbs you grow all year round!