Indoor Growing for Chilly Months: Herbs in the Winter?

Did you know that there are herbs you can actually grow in the winter? There are plenty of hardy winter herbs that are tough enough to survive outdoors with a bit of extra care. Here in British Columbia, most climates are too cold to harvest outdoor herbs but there are still herbs you can grow indoors for those chilly months. These herbs include oregano – which needs the most light, sage, thyme, rosemary, chives, parsley, winter savory, basil, and more. Some of these can be started from scratch indoors while chives or tarragon might be potted better in warmer seasons and transported indoors for the cooler seasons. Fortunately, growing these herbs indoors shouldn’t be much harder than outdoors, as long as your plants receive enough light!  

Which of these herbs are the best?  

Oregano

Although oregano is found naturally in warmer climates, it can easily be potted and grown indoors all year round. Just make sure it gets optimal sunlight as this herb needs the most light on this list. 

Chives

Possibly requires the least work to grow and can be grown from seeds. With this herb, you can definitely ‘keep calm and chive on’. 

Mint 

Very resilient herb, and it spreads fast! So fast that even winter can’t slow it down. 

Rosemary

As a perennial, rosemary is suitable for growth all year round. Its strong enough to withstand the winter, but you should place this herb right by the oregano as it also needs a lot of light. 

 A great ingredient for meals to grow in your garden, and they’re low maintenance too! 

Plants and Pots:

Before you go in to buy your pots, make sure your windowsill is big enough to fit the pots you choose to buy. When choosing your pots, it’s important to remember to use pots with drainage holes – otherwise your plants might rot. Be sure to also place these pots on saucers so your window sill doesn’t get soaked! 

 

Harvesting Help

Whenever you harvest a winter herb, you must make sure not to take too much. It is recommended to take only about one third of the herb or else it will not survive. Keep in mind that growth happens much slower during this time of year! You’ll also want to try to find a window that has as much exposure to the sun as possible to promote optimal growth. However, when transporting chives or tarragon indoors, you’ll want to keep it in a cool area for up to 5 days before you bring them to a bright window. 

  

Hopefully we here with Jim’s Mowing gave you some inspiration for winter growing to help keep your kitchen fresh even in those cold winter months!