Windowsill Challenge – Growing Herbs in Pots

Posted on 21. Jun, 2009 by Tracey in Grow Veg

Grow Your Own Vegetables on a Windowsill Challenge (Shortened to GYOVWC on Twitter). Please visit my GYO Veg Windowsill Challenge to keep up-to-date with the full collection of posts in this series.

How to Sow Herbs in Pots on the Windowsill

When do I Sow? April to July

You will need:

A 9cm or 3.5 inch pot for each herb you want to sow,
A windowsill propagator tray, plastic or metal drip tray or saucers,
Multi-purpose or seed/potting compost,
Watering jug,
Herb Seeds – I’m growing Mint, Sweet Basil, Sage, Thyme, Marjoram and Dill. Also try Parsley, Chives, Coriander, Tarragon.
A sunny windowsill.

Instructions:

Refer to your own seed packet or take these instructions as a guide only.
Fill the pots with multi-purpose or potting compost.
Water the compost lightly.
Open the seed packet and scatter the seeds thinly on the surface of the compost.
Cover the seed with a sprinkling of compost.
Water the compost lightly again.
Label if sowing more than one herb and keep the seed packet handy for repeat sowing.
Place on a sunny and light windowsill.

Caring for your Windowsill Herbs

Watering
As the pots have drainage holes, make sure a saucer or tray is underneath to catch the excess water. In periods of long sunny weather, the compost will dry out more quickly. When the surface of the soil is dry, water lightly.

Regular Picking
When your herbs have big enough leaves to harvest, pick regularly to encourage re-growth.

Please see my photo-slide show below for my Guide to Growing Herbs on a Windowsill.

How To Grow Herbs in Pots on a Windowsill – Video Slide-Show

Harvest Months: Harvest 8 to 10 weeks after sowing.

How to Harvest:
Pinch or twist off leaves regularly to maintain healthy plants.
Leaves can be used in salads, garnishes, casseroles, sauces and more.

Other Posts in the GYO Veg Windowsill Challenge:-

Hint: Look for the ‘Print This Post’ Symbol at the bottom of my posts if you want to print out the growing instructions (without photos or video) to save for later. Then please recycle it by adding it to your compost bin.