How often should you water herbs indoors?

water herbs indoors

How often should herbs be watered indoors? The answer, my friend, is blowing in the wind. How often should herbs be watered indoors? There is little more to the answer than wind, but it does play a role. Or more accurately, weather and climate generally affect how much water your indoor herbs will need. The type of soil you use, where you place it in your home, and how much light it gets.

Fortunately, herbs are very forgiving when they're not happy. Basil is a good example. When the soil dries out, basil wilts and wilts, but if you keep it watered, the plant will do just fine.

How often should herbs be watered indoors? It depends.

How often should herbs be watered indoors? To answer this we have to go back in time. Why? While many herbs are happy indoors, some prefer outdoor life. For example, dill is too large to survive as a houseplant. Bay laurel, on the other hand, is a slow-growing tree that is well-suited to growing in a container. Be warned, these aromatic trees can grow up to 50 feet tall! Basil grows well indoors and I actually keep a plant all winter because I use it so much. Thyme, on the other hand, likes to roam outside.

However, back to the question at hand. When you're planting herbs indoors, it's important to consider the soil. Plants like rosemary are native to Mediterranean climates with well-drained, loamy soils. Mars mint likes moist, rich soil. Incidentally, this is your first clue in determining how often to water your herbs.

Now let's talk about light.

   Most herbs enjoy as much sunlight as they can. However, there are some exceptions. Chervil and parsley like light shade. Onions appreciate full sun, but they also grow well in shady locations. Light also affects how often you water your herbs. Too much direct sunlight will dry out the soil quickly.

And that brings us back to wind – or any kind of breeze, whether it comes from an open window or your trusty old box fan. A little wind can actually help your herbs grow stronger because it helps strengthen the stems. However, wind can contribute to drying out the soil, especially from an air conditioner or heating vent.

So how often should you water your herbs indoors?

Stick with me. We're almost there. All of these other factors — the light, the soil, the herbs you're growing — play a role in the response. There are a few more things to consider. The herb container you use can make a big difference. For one thing, you don't want your herbs to sit in a puddle, so make sure you use a container that allows water to drain out. Smaller containers dry out faster than larger ones. And porous materials, such as terra cotta, will soak up some of the water in the soil.

The climate where you live will also affect how your indoor herbs grow. Even if your herbs are indoors and not subject to extreme heat or cold temperatures, you can't escape science. More northern areas receive less sunlight during the winter months, and your home's heating system can dry out the air. Hot, direct sunlight in southern summers can be too much for even the most tender herbs, even when you're hanging on to a cool AC in your kitchen.

Now's the moment you've been waiting for: How often should you water your herbs indoors? Considering all this information, I regret not having an answer. Most experienced gardeners will tell you to check your herbs daily. If the soil is dry, they need water.