Verbena Moss
Verbena Moss
Top Three Points to Consider For Having an Indoor Herb Garden
It might be surprising to some, but most herbs grow better in an indoor herb garden. Majority of herbs are annuals. Annual herbs and plants have a year lifespan. They grow and bloom in one season, then die afterwards within a year. You may think that this type of herbs is too costly, but you actually extend the life of your annuals.
Here are some key points explained in establishing an indoor garden.
Knowing the easy-to-grow indoor herbs
Annuals are the best type for indoor gardens. Since they have a limited lifespan, they cannot be exposed to continuously changing weathers. Their roots usually have small growth; hence they cannot withstand the outside environment. Their leaves would easily wither and they could be easily uprooted.
Some varieties of basil like Thai, Holy Basil or Tulsi and lemon, chives, scented geranium, lavender, rosemary, sweet woodruff and lemon verbena are some of the annuals appropriate in indoor settings. These could grow in small pots and could survive without constant exposure to sunlight. However, some may need to be taken outdoors once in a while. These would be further explained in the succeeding parts.
On the other hand, some perennials could also survive in indoor environments. They just need seasonal outdoor exposure.
Having the right locations
Window areas, door openings, atriums and any area inside your house with natural lighting or close proximity to outside ventilation are the most suitable places for indoor herbs. In the kitchen, place them near the windows which should always be left open or at least ajar. Just a few hours under ample sunlight could make your plants healthier.
If you are into aromatic herbs, you most definitely want them placed in various parts of the house. But be sure to take them outside for at least one, at most three hours daily. Too much sunlight could cause their roots to dry up which would then result to frequent wilting of the leaves.
Perennials could also stay indoors but as much as possible expose them to sunlight regularly. Allot them the spots where there is most sun exposure. If you have limited space near the open areas, you could use chains to hang them instead.
Taking care of the herbs – on watering, pruning and soil maintenance
Indoor plants need as much water as outdoor plants. You can water them every other two days. But never drown the soil as the roots would be too soggy to absorb other nutrients from the soil.
You can also do occasional pruning. But do not remove drying foliage immediately. Letting them fall on the pot would make them possible fertilizers. However, if there are too much falling leaves, you have to remove some of them. They may be too moist, thus killing the roots.
Your soil should have regular peat moss or compost supplements. At least every three months, dig up an inch from the surface and put in a new batch.
Before annuals die, start repotting so you would not have to start planting all over. Cut off a healthy part of the herb. Each cut piece should have some roots and foliage already so it would be easier for you to grow them.
Now these three easy key methods would ensure you of a flourishing indoor herb garden all year round.
About the Author
And now I would like to invite you instantly access
growing herbs
mini course absolutely free!
And discover all you need to know about
herb gardening
is perennial moss verbena plants are useful for border fronts?
Moss verbena is a tender perennial or freely branching annual that originates in South America, in Chile and Argentina. It is part of the Verbenaceae family. Moss verbena is also widely distributed throughout the southeastern United States, from Texas to North Carolina. The tiny and weedy flower commonly appears in fields and alongside roads.
Description
The sprawling perennial consists of small flowers that range in color from purple to violet. Lilac, white and Pink Flowers also are possible. The flowers cluster together tightly and create a bouquet. The individual flowers are approximately 1 inch in length. The base is tubular and thin, and flares out abruptly to create a flat corolla. The plant itself can attain a height of 1 foot, but generally spreads over the ground, with rooting by nodes. The leaves consist of three lobes, and are aromatic and divided into many small linear segments, all about 1/4 inch long.
Cultivation
Moss verbena thrives when grown under full sun. In regions that have particularly hot summers, the plant works well with partial shade, instead. The plant is relatively tolerant of drought and needs soil that is well drained. Heavy to light soils are preferable. Moss verbena can easily be propagated via seed and can be started with cuttings. The plant blooms between the months of March and July, and can handle infrequent mowing.
Uses
Moss verbena is a low-growing plant that is popular for use within annual flower beds or on border fronts. The plant also works well in hanging containers. Other common uses for the plant include in mixtures, waste areas, rock gardens and alongside roads. Moss verbena is especially popular in southern gardens, due to its rapid growth, drought tolerance and freedom from diseases and pests. The plant requires minimal care and is low maintenance.
Invasive
Moss verbena is not classified as an invasive pest or weed in the United States, despite the fact that it is an exotic species and self-sows readily.
Summer Container Spruce Up