We know, we know. December can be kind of a bummer for gardeners in colder climates, and while The Whole Seed Catalog is a source of comfort and inspiration, we all need a little something living and green to keep us going.
Cold frames and greenhouses are great season extenders, but not every gardener has them. But everyone can grow fresh heirloom herbs to lift spirits and brighten winter cookery.
Here are our five favorite varieties to get you growing in December:
Spice Boys Globe basil offers big basil flavor in a petite package, perfect for pots or a mixed herb container in the kitchen. Unlike many of its Lamiaceae family counterparts, basil loves to stay hydrated! Here is more overall growing advice in our Basil Growing Guide.
Slo-Bolt cilantro: Cilantro is a globetrotting herb with a zillion uses and growing it fresh is so much more satisfying – not to mention less expensive – than buying it in those wasteful plastic packs at the grocery store.
The flat stems of Chinese chives impart a mild garlic flavor, and they are easy to grow indoors in winter. Chives like moist soil and need lots of daylight, so it’s best to put them in a south-facing window or grow under lights. Give them well-draining soil and a pot deep enough for the roots to have some legroom. You can begin harvesting them when they are six inches tall.
Vulgare oregano is an easy herb for the indoor garden, so long as you give it well-draining soil and don’t overwater it. Leveling up your pizza and sauces is just an arm’s length away when you grow oregano indoors!
Limoncello lemon balm is one of our favorite herb varieties for tea, lending a bright, citrusy note to winter herbal brews. Apply a little patience when starting the seeds; they can take a while to germinate.
Key Takeaways
See the light. Indoor herbs need light to grow. If your place lacks south- or west-facing windows, consider investing in grow lights or a hydroponic growing system with lights.
Mind your water. Be mindful of a plant’s water consumption preferences. Most mint family relatives prefer drier conditions (but not too dry!). Some, like rosemary, prefer to take in water through their foliage.
Soil matters. Give your potted herbs well-draining soil. They’ll thank you for it.
Turn, turn, turn. Give your potted plants a turn toward the light source every week or so to expose all sides of the plant to direct sunlight.
And be sure to check out our detailed indoor growing guide!
