Go out on a ledge to create your own little oasis.
Having trouble letting go of those gardening gloves? Why not keep your green thumb busy with a windowsill garden this winter.
TRY MICROGREENS
If you’re not sure windowsill gardening is for you, start with microgreens. They’re easy to grow, and you can harvest many of them in as little as a week. And they’re nutritious in a salad!
IDEAL CONDITIONS
While temperature needs vary from one plant to the next, you’ll want to try to keep in the 70°-75° range. Sunshine is most plants’ best friend, so pick a window with a minimum of 5-6 hours of sunlight a day for best results.
EASY GROWERS
If you want to grow herbs, start with one or two of these, which are among the easiest to grow indoors.
1.Mint
2.Parsley
3.Chives
4.Basil
5.Oregano
BASICS OF GARDENING ON A WINDOWSILL
DO install a little ledge or shelf under your window if you don’t already have one.
DON’T put too much weight on the shelf. Keep in mind that plants and pots get heavier when watered.
DO check the temperature next to your window. If it gets cool, you might have to rethink the placement.
DON’T put your plants directly over a heating vent.
DO make sure your windowsill garden gets enough sunlight and turn the herb pots often to encourage upward growth.
DON’T fret if your first plant dies a quick death. Tweak your approach and then try again.
MORE WINTER GARDENING TIPS – FROM BIRDS & BLOOMS READERS
1. I bring my lemon tree in for the winter. It gives life to the garden room—the fragrant flowers and leaves bring a little bit of summer indoors. They brighten even the coldest winter days, like a promise that better weather is on the way. (Sandy BelknapNashua, New Hampshire)
2. Sometimes I dig up annuals, plant them in pots and bring them inside for the winter. It’s nice to have a little piece of summer during these cold Wisconsin winters. (Jennifer HendersonGalesville, Wisconsin)
3. I plant a bunch of flowers with seeds that birds like to eat in cold weather. Then I’ve got winter visitors to my garden. (Julie ZdrazilChamplin, Minnesota)
4. I collect books from the library for ideas, update my garden journal, process dried herbs from the garden and make spaghetti sauce from frozen homegrown tomato juice. (Cheryl MilletSpring City,Pennsylvania)
5. When it’s really cold, I start plants indoors in February to put out in our vegetable garden later on. To do this yourself, be sure to have a good sturdy table near a window. Otherwise, you might need to provide artificial lighting. (Bethany SantoKalkaska, Michigan)
Judy says
can or is there a tomato that you can grow inside for the winter for salads
elizabethsagarminaga says
I just came across your link and was very much impressed to see this lovely gardening ideas.These tips are very valuable for those who are keen for gardening. Thanks for great and informative ideas. Nicely written blog.
Maria Mackenzie says
Nice tips! It’s so nice to have some fresh herbs on the windowsill. This kind of ‘mini gardening’ is a very good idea. Thank you for the shared information!
Pam Lay says
I have brought in potted tomatoes to the 3 season room & had tomatoes into December. As long as the light shines the right amount of hours in it & I keep well watered. Since I also have the pellet stove in there too
Ms. Rosner says
I buy birdseed when on sale and always have the extra bags in the trunk of my car for safer driving on winter’s ice. Also, no mice or rats can get into them while there. Most important, though is the heater I put in the birds’ water trough and fill it each morning.
Kelly says
Dearest Ms Rosner, I am suggesting a tote of some sort to put in your trunk for the bird seed. I know lots of people that have had their car seats, trunk carpet, etc eaten through to get to the seed in the trunk! Mice, chipmunks, etc can get into tiny, tiny spaces! Just a thought!
NEAL MARRISON says
Excellent suggestion, thanks!
Karen H says
If your indoor plants are in a sunny window which happens to be close to a heating vent, be aware that the SMALL pots which herbs are usually grown in will dry out VERY fast; so keep track of their moisture. Sometimes you have no choice as to which window is good.