Tips for Growing Basil Indoors

While a good many individuals are waiting for the season to turn to Spring before sowing their garden, there are some folks who are planting herbs indoors. Few herbs can be cultivated indoors. The reason mainly being that there is not sufficient light. Sometimes the problem has to do with over or under-watering an indoor garden. Occasionally the indoor environment is just unsuitable for that specific plant. This being considered, basil is a good herb to grow indoors in the wintertime because it is very resilient, however there a few points to keep in mind for successful growing.

Basil can be grown indoors using only sunlight as long as you have a window that receives six or more hours of light a day. If you live in the northern hemisphere a south-facing window will produce the most light. Some people utilize artificial grow lamps for growing during cold periods. While technology is getting better everyday, it will still cost at least $100 USD to get up and running with an inexpensive grow light. A good choice for beginners is a compact fluorescent, full spectrum grow light. These are relatively cheap and quite energy efficient lights for growing. They also do not get very hot like some grow lamps.

Some people tend to over-water their herbs when growing in containers. Basil will not do well in standing water. The solutions for this problem is to water using less water, but more often.
Basil is an herb that will grow best when the weather is hot. Should you grow basil indoors make certain to keep the temperature in your home warm. Ensure that the temperature does not drop below 50 degrees overnight. Make certain there are not any drafts coming from any windows that your plant might be seated near.

These are the biggest changes when it comes to growing basil indoors. If you make an effort to accommodate your sun-loving herb, then you will have no problems growing basil indoors.