[singer4660]

Good morning,
I live in upstate NY where it snows 6 months out of the year so decided that the best approach for getting fresh herbs was to plant them in pots on a shelf in my kitchen. I started with oregano, basil, rosemary, parsley (flat leaf), thyme, and chives. So far, I've managed to kill the oregano twice (two different plants obviously), the rosemary once, and both my parsely and chives are looking rather beat. I think it all comes down to watering. That is, I think I watered the rosemary too much and the parsley and chives too little. Any suggestions on how I can know when to water and how much? Should they all be watered at the same time and in the same amount? Could it be the light? The window is western exposure that gets partial sun. Help!

[KYHeirloomer]

Let's look at your second point first.

Western light, particularly during the winter, is not the best for plant growth. I would consider using supplemental lighting. Just get a two-bulb shop light, and use cold-white bulbs. Hang the fixture so it's adjustible (lightweight chains are the usual choice), and keep it just a few inches above the growing plants.

As to watering. Rosemary is a semi-arid type plant, and does not require a lot of watering. Similar herbs are sage and lavender. For those you can let the soil pretty much dry out before adding more water.

For your others, let the surface dry out before watering and you should be ok.

BTW, to promote leaf growth (which is what you want with herbs), use fish emulsion or other nitrogen-high fertilizer.

Good luck.

[DC Sunshine]

The only herb I've managed to keep alive and not die a tortuous death inside on a windowsilll is basil. I try and forget about it, look to see if its getting wilted, then toss it a bit of water. Its lasted 3 months so far.

I also get to the end of my scallions (spring onions) from cutting and cooking, then plant the root bearing ends into potting mix in an inside window box, then water them pretty regularly to get them started, then watch them sprout again. You don't get much of a yield, but they do regrow. I keep buying bunches, using them, potting the ends. Gives me what I need in an emergency and the crop rotates. Plus its just fun

Anything else - I kill

But my outside rosemary is finally taking off after a year. I've left it totally alone and it likes it hehe

[KYHeirloomer]

DC, fwiw, all the aliums will regrow from the roots like that. Try it with leeks, for instance. True, as you say, the yield isn't that great. But with what leeks cost, it's worth the double dip.

[DC Sunshine]

Hey good idea KYH - hadn't thought of trying leeks. Yeah they are expensive - would be worth the effort.

[amorthermador]

I tried the fish emulsion and it worked great for my herbs, thanks for the tip!