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The use of fresh herbs for cooking is becoming more popular now than it has been for along time. Our forbears knew both the medicinal & culinary powers of herbs but it’s only recently that fresh herbs have regained their popularity with home chefs. There is more. That combined with the fact that many of us are now apartment dwellers with no gardens mean that an indoor herb garden can be both decorative & useful.

Herbs will grow better in a pot rather than a box & glazed pots are better than clay as the soil will not dry out so quickly. For the same reason a plastic pot can be just as effective but whether glazed or plastic there is one point to be very careful of when using non-porous pots. On no account should you over water your herbs because they could become waterlogged & subsequently rot.

One option is to have an attractive container, which will hold a number of 5 inch porous pots. I have even seen some one make a herb garden using pots placed in a large antique fish steamer.

If you go straight to your local garden center they should be easily able to advise you on the best soil mix for your herbs. There is more. These days it’s easier to use a commercial preparation rather than earth as you can be sure that it will be disease free.

When it comes to potting your herbs drainage is important. If you’re using non porous containers place a few pieces of broken china or brick to aid the drainage. Partly fill you pot with your potting mixture, make a hole for the herbs root & gently place it in the pot. Then you can pack more of the mixture around the herb & top up to about 1/2inch from the top of the pot. OK. Sprinkle some water on the pot & keep it in the shade until the herbs begin to appear.

So what type of herbs should you grow in your indoor herb garden? It really is down to personal taste but some of the ones I would consider growing are Chives, Lemon balm, Mint, Rosemary, Sage, Tarragon & Thyme.

Once your herbs start appearing they only need light & water. Providing it’s not in direct sun light a window shelf could be an ideal place for your herb garden or failing that anywhere that it’s reasonably light. Herbs do not need a lot of watering & once a week should be adequate for most condition. If the soil feels dry then it’s time to water. At other times you can use one of those water spray cans just to give the leaves a wetting if you wish.

An indoor herb garden can be both decorative & functional. They also have the added advantage that many herbs give off a delightful aroma so there will be no need for potpourri or air fresheners.

Dave Bromley is a full time Internet writer who covers a wide range of subjects including food & drink. To learn more about Indoor Herb Garden visit his web site.