Herbs to Grow on your Windowsill in Cans

Recycled Tin Cans

After enjoying my herb garden all Spring, Summer and Fall I just had to come up with a quick, easy and attractive way to save a place where they can flourish all winter. For if you are like me, you are probably disappointed that winter is so quickly approaching. So all you have to do is plant a windowsill garden right in your kitchen! By doing this, you can have waves of fresh herbs all winter long.

Dont throw away those cans, put them to good use!  Start by collecting tin cans for your garden. You can get as creative as you like and use different sizes. Personally I had 2 dogs in my care this summer and feeding them produced so many tin cans that I thought would be perfect for my window still herb garden. With some contact paper and a few Alphabet stickers I created a can for each herb that I wanted for my winter garden. I gave the cans sufficient drainage by making little holes on the bottom of the can and then filled the can with (about an inch) some small rocks. This will provide good drainage for the plants, which is always a good thing for any container plant.

Which window in your house or apartment has a sunny spot? I think the best place is in the kitchen, it makes the herbs easy to cook with and just brightens up the gloomiest of days. Good to motivate cooking a great stew or soup when it really gets cold out. It is best if your window gets at least 4 hours of sunlight per day and has minimal drafts. If your window faces South or Southeast you have the perfect spot! If your window isn't sunny you can always get supplement light with “grow lamps” or fluorescent lamps. Anywhere you can grow your herbs you will benefit in so many ways!

A key important factor to your indoor garden will be that you have to tend to this garden a bit more than you did when they were outside in the natural elements.

Remember not to keep them too moist, for herbs will not flourish in wet soil.

A little misting is always a good thing for indoor plants and your Herbs are no exception! It is essential that you make sure your cans have good drainage. The rocks I put into the bottom of the can as mentioned above always do the trick for me. . I have found that a potting mix of vermiculite works best for these herbs. OR try a good quality potting soil then add about 20% perlite before planting to make the soil lighter.

Now all your herbs will need, is some TLC and water. Remember that this is all new for your plants, so give them a chance to get used to this new setting before you start cutting them .. wait until you see some new growth and then you can cut.

A window sill herb garden is a great way to have fresh spices and herbs at your disposal. Having your own herb garden sitting on your windowsill just might inspire new and delicious creations in your kitchen, as well as fill your home with the warm and inviting fragrance of some of the world's favorite plants.Some of my favorite herbs to have my on window are; Basil, Chives, CiIalantro, Thyme, Parsley and Sage. I have Marigolds and Echinacea as new additions this year, both are so pretty and I cant wait to see how they do!

It is important to remember, these plants are for eating. Do not use any insecticides or pesticides on or around your plants. Fertilize once a month with an organic fertilizer such as fish emulsion. And lastly, maintain your plants by cutting (pruning) and using frequently to maintain their shape.