How to start an herb garden indoors?

Question

I like to cook with some herbs & spices and want to start an herb garden indoors to have fresh ones for a change. I have been known to kill some plants, even cacti, in the past. so I'm nervous to try but want to. How do I do it? I want basil, garlic (I use garlic salt a lot), rosemary, and thyme. I do buy 'seasoned salt' and I'm not sure if it's possible to mimic that as well. What else do you recommend for pasta sauces, to add to mayo for potato salad and for soups? 
 What containers should I get? Type of soil? Do I start with seed or with baby plants? Amount of watering? Sun from a window or will artificial light be okay? How often do I cut them back? And how do I store extra if I don't use what I cut? 
 Thanks.

Dawn · Answer

Aero Gardens. Just grew herbs in my kitchen in about 3 weeks and now in planters. You can clip the tops and use as you need for cooking and hang clippings upside down to dry out and save in containers. A coffee grinder is also good for chopping dried herbs. The small kits for herb planting are good and are available everywhere during the holidays. I just found that the Aerogarden is foolproof. I have 2 of them and love them. It has grow lights and tells you when it needs watering and feeding. Now a store that is in every neighborhood is selling the small ones in the store, but Amazon also has them on sale during the holiday. They will also grow strawberries and tomatoes. I believe garlic has to be grown in soil and any good potting soil will do and I just stick with old fashion terracotta pots.

RCooper @ thoughtsbyher.com · Answer

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Douglas Hunt · Answer

Here is some excellent information from the Madison Herb Society: http://www.madisonherbsociety.org/Herb_Fair_Handouts/2011_Herb_Faire_Handouts/Growing_Herb_Indoors_Winter_Nino_Ridgeway.pdf In general, herbs want as much sun as you can get, so if you don't have a south-facing window for them, you will probably need a supplemental light source. They also want conditions on the dry side, so I would recommend terra cotta pots that breathe.

The Micro Gardener - Anne · Answer

I would suggest considering microgreens - you can grow all herbs as baby plants for fast flavour in minimal time & space. This is a tutorial you might find helpful. http://themicrogardener.com/easy-guide-to-growing-microgreens/. Spring onions can also be grown on your benchtop in a glass of water. See steps: http://themicrogardener.com/guide-to-growing-spring-onions/. They (and chives) are wonderful herbs to add flavour to potato salad and a great garlic substitute while you wait for it to grow in containers. Steps & tips: http://themicrogardener.com/5-step-guide-to-growing-gorgeous-garlic/. For indoor potting soil that you can use for plants in pots or to raise seeds, you're welcome to use my free recipe. It works really well for both: http://themicrogardener.com/easy-diy-potting-mix-recipe/. The other questions should be answered in these articles or on my blog - try the container garden or herbs categories for articles. Hope this helps. Have fun!

Orchidmg · Answer

Thanks for the answers, & links. I'm still hoping for a few more ideas.

Chas' Crazy Creations · Answer

This post might help https://chascrazycreations.com/garden-101/

How to start an herb garden indoors?

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How to start an herb garden indoors?

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