Window Box or Small Herb Garden
An ideal hobby for seniors with dexterity or mobility issues, no bending and very little exertion required. An indoor herb garden does not take much materials, time, tools or money. If you need assistance planting or gathering the materials below, our caregivers would be happy to assist you in creating a fresh herb garden right at your fingertips!
How To Get Started
Start with seeds or small plants of your choosing. Think of herbs you enjoy cooking with or some you may use for crafts or gifts. Easy to grow herb suggestions for beginners include: basil, oregano, thyme, chives, Mint, rosemary and sage. The items below can be found in any hardware store or garden center.
Materials You’ll Need
· Potting Soil
(Moisture control soil is optimal)
· Containers & Saucers
(Waterproof with drainage hole is optimal)
· Seeds or Small Plants
(Small plants are easier for beginners)
· Fertilizer
(Based on plant type and time of use)
· Gloves and Pruners
(Optional)
What To Do First
Find a bright window or a sunny area outside, (grow lamps or garden grow houses work great for dark interior spaces). Fill your container ½ to ¾ inches full with soil. For small plants dig a hole a few inches deep, place the plant in the hole and cover the roots with soil. When planting seeds, soaking them in water overnight is optimal. Small seeds can be sprinkled on the surface of the soil, larger seeds need to be buried one to two inches below the surface. Plant no more than two to three seeds per pot. If both seeds germinate, cut one to create room for the strongest one to grow.
Water Regularly & Enjoy!
One of the most challenging aspects of starting seeds or small plants is watering regularly. Twice a day is optimal, do not water less than once a day, and never allow your soil to dry out. Keep soil moist but not soggy. Generally, herb seeds germinate and sprout in two weeks and prefer temperature around 21 degrees Celsius or 70 degrees Fahrenheit. To speed seed germination, cover with plastic wrap or a plastic dome. This will help keep the seeds moist, remove when you see the first signs of green.
Follow these simple steps to make your window box or small herb garden a success!
If you need help getting started, whether it's planting or gathering materials, our compassionate caregivers are here to assist you every step of the way. Create a greener, healthier space today with Merbess Care! Contact us at Info@merbess.ca
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