This fall we have decided to add forty new herbs to our list. Some are new and some we have only grown for spring in the past, but now are offering in fall for window sill gardening and those in the Deep South who have little fear of freezing temperatures.

A South or West facing window with no obstructions to the sun offer the best opportunity. One of the hardest herbs to give up each fall is Basil. After enjoying fresh Basil all summer, many gardeners will preserve some by freezing. This allows one to continue making Pesto throughout the colder months, but is not quite as good as using fresh leaves. Why not keep an indoor Basil for picking and save the other for winter’s harsher months when Basil just will not grow fast enough to pick.

Italian oregano and Parsley are two good choices for indoor growing. They do not mind cooler temperatures and will continue to grow as long as they receive enough sunlight. These herb plants fit nicely in pots and so can occupy a sunny window sill easily.

Using a six inch pot, plant your indoor garden before the long days of late summer are over. This will allow the plants to grow enough to allow cutting later. During the short days of winter, the plants will not be able to grow fast enough to cut often. By planting early, you are basically growing while the growing is good and later maintaining the plants through winter. Unless one has very powerful grow lights, the plants will not be able to cut foliage until spring. In effect this method is storing fresh herbs “ on the hoof” for winter harvest.

By the end of winter the plants will be cut down with little foliage, but they will also begin regrowth as days begin to lengthen in early spring, giving an early crop long before outdoor herbs begin their spring growth. It may not be possible to enjoy limitless fresh cut herbs from indoor plants, but used sparingly will help fight cabin fever by providing flavor for special meals.