By Marie Iannotti

You can bring your herb garden indoors for the winter, by planting a windowsill garden. Many herb plants grow quite easily in containers and require only minimal care. You'll be snipping fresh herbs in your kitchen throughout the winter.

Difficulty: Average
Time Required: 20 Minutes
What You Need:
• Herb Plants
• Pots or containers
• Soilless Potting Mix
• Fertilizer

Here's How:

1. Make sure you have a sunny windowsill where your herbs will survive. A south or southeast window would be perfect if it gets at least 5 hours of sun per day and is away from drafts.

2. Purchase some of your favorite small herb plants from your local nursery.

3. Get a container that is at least 6-12 inches deep. You can plant multiple herbs in a wide or long container or use at least a 6" pot for individual plants.

4. Use a soilless potting mix to avoid soil born diseases. Be sure the mix is light and will be well draining.

5. Put a 2-3 inch layer of potting mix into the bottom of your container.

6. Position your herb plants in the container.

7. Finish filling in with the potting mix, firming gently around the plants. Leave about an inch at the top of the container for watering.

8. Water sparingly. Herbs don't like to sit in wet soil.

9. Feed once a month with a fertilizer labeled for use on edibles.

10. Allow the plants some time to acclimate. Once you see new growth, you can start using your herbs.

Tips:

1. Choose herbs that don't grow too wide or tall. Chives, basil, lavender, parsley, mint and thyme are good choices.

2. Fluorescent lights can be used if you don't have a sunny window. They will need to be placed close to the plants (18") and kept on for about 10 hours/day.

3. Snip and use your plants often to encourage them to grow full and bushy.

4. Never trim more than 1/3 of the plants foliage.