By Raquel Morphy
Well the outdoor gardening season is winding down here in Canada. My roses will be put to bed in the next few weeks. There won't be too much to do outdoors anymore so I've decided to continue indoors this year. We just got new windows installed on our house and it's amazing how much more sunlight streams through them. I've decided that instead of planting a big outdoor herb garden, I'll plant one indoors. Many smaller varieties and dwarf varieties of herbs grow quite well in small pots that can be placed on a kitchen window sill… or in my case, the deep window sill in my basement office.

I'm looking forward to starting my indoor herb garden and you should be too. Now when you're cooking you do not have to run to your outside garden to pick a few herbs to add to your cooking. You can just simply turnaround and grab a few leaves!

It's easy to grow your own indoor herb garden and there are many kits available that have everything that you need to get started. Herbs are easy enough to take care of that kids can get involved too. My nephews help me pick herbs and love to help me make dinner. There's nothing like homemade pizza made with fresh tomatoes and sprinkled with our favorite herbs: basil & oregano. They're excited to see the new indoor herb garden too.

Advantages Of An Indoor Herb Garden

With an indoor herb garden you can easily monitor your plants. It will be much easier to notice if they need any maintenance. I plan to set up my indoor herb garden in the room I use most often - my office. It will be easy for me to keep an eye on my plants and give them any TLC they may need. Even though I love gardening, I'll admit that there are times when I don't show my outdoor garden the attention it requires. Weeds get a little out of control at times. Plants a little thirsty. Roses a little unpruned. Outdoor gardens can be more frequently overlooked.

Another major plus of an indoor herb garden (or even vegetable garden like a mini tomato plant): Indoors you will not have issues with bugs eating the leaves of your herbs. That means you won't have to find a safe chemical that can be used to treat your herbs to keep bugs away.

But what I'm most looking forward to is the wonderful fragrance my indoor herb garden will add to my office. The smell of fresh herbs are associated with positive childhood memories. Rosemary reminds me of my grandmother - who used to pick fresh rosemary from my Daddy's garden to make me the yummiest fried potatoes I've ever had. Mint reminds me of my mum - who used to love to bring me into the garden to smell mint. Oregano and basil reminds me of the old Italian lady that lived next door, who would fill the neighborhood with the aroma of tomatoes and herbs in the fall as she canned more tomatoes than I could count!

I'm sure that being surrounded by the fragrances of an indoor herb garden might even inspire my cooking. Any meal tastes immediately better with the use of fresh ingredients.

Control Growth & Protect Your Garden

Anyone who has planted herbs outdoors know that there are some herbs that are known for being extremely invasive. Once they start growing they are hard to stop and before you know it your herb garden has taken over your entire garden and suffocated other less hardy plants. By planting your herbs in small individual pots inside you can control its spreading.

Plus, plants can make indoor spaces feel warm and cozy. Imagine how much more inviting and warm your kitchen will be with just a few key herbs planted throughout.

Cultivating your own indoor herb garden is simple. Here's a great kit to get you started:

Assortment of 12 Culinary Herb Seeds - Grow Cooking Herbs Indoors or Outdoors - Parsley, Thyme, Cilantro / Coriander, Basil, Dill, Oregano, Sweet Marjoram, Chives, Savory, Garlic Chives, Mustard, Sage

Click here to order an Herb Garden Starter Kit from Amazon

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WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE ON YOUR WEBSITE: You can as long as you include this blurb: The Experts at Everything Outside show you how to get started with the comprehensive book, “Organic Gardening for Beginners.” Learn everything you need to know to garden without the use of chemicals or other harmful substances! Visit http://www.everythingoutside.com/products/organic_gardening/ for more information.