"What are the best herbs to grow indoors?"
Ever since I started writing this column, this is a question that has been asked every winter. I understood the frequency of the query back in the day when fresh herbs were not so readily available here. Yet I still get it today despite our plentiful and ample supplies. This just indicates we want really fresh, right from the living plant.
Would that it was so easy. You can grow herbs indoors. It is possible, but -- OK, you know it is coming -- if you want to grow herbs indoors in the winter in Alaska you really do need extra light to supplement the meager amount we get. Most herb plants originally came from the Mediterranean where it is always sunny, right? I won't harp any more than usual, but will note your options have greatly increased over the years.
For example, It used to be you were limited to fluorescent shop fixtures and tubes that gave off a purple glow. Now you can go even cheaper than that $25 shop fixture with compact fluorescent-bulbed by using those new, cheap, reading lamps, the kinds that have a clamp which you can simply attach the light right to an individual pot.
Today, one can also buy any manner of plant light setups at big box stores, hardware stores and so called "grow stores." Now that it is legal to grow cannabis, there are some really sophisticated and innovative systems becoming available. Check them out. There are lights of all types, kinds and sizes not to mention price.
And, for herbs, there is the AeroGarden, which is a kitchen counter top, automated herb growing system. Infused with money from Scotts Miracle-Gro, these are sure to be around for a while along with all their parts. Like other light systems, you can use these for spring seed starting.
The point is you will need some extra lighting, but our options have greatly increased (and will continue to do so). Once you have light, you will need either seeds, plants or cuttings. Seeds for most herbs can be found in racks at local nurseries that don't close. Some cooking stores may have seed packets. And, of course, you can always order seed from a good mail order web/catalog such as Rennee Garden or Nichols Garden Nursery. Regular parsley is a slow germinator and not the best indoor herb to grow. It can be done, but instead, try growing Chervil from seed.
Herb plants already rooted and growing, are always available at local nurseries and the supermarket plant department. They usually come in small plastic pots, but occasionally you will find larger herb plants. Perennial herbs, the kind that would get big, are more likely available from nurseries, but check as you go buy.
Finally, there are some herbs that you can grow from cuttings and thus buy them as produce, take them home and root them. Root them in damp sand or in a few instances, simply water. The trick is knowing which to buy and try.
It would be hard to name the very easiest herb seed to start. Basil? Chives? Cilantro? Less easy are parsley, sage and thyme as well as oregano. The latter are very small seeds that are also slow to germinate. Dill is easy, but gets too big to grow indoors, in my opinion.
Rosemary, thyme and bay laurel are all best purchased as growing plants or as produce at the supermarket and then rooted at home. You can either use a perlite or vermiculite rooting medium or a sand-based rooting medium with organic soil mixed in, which also works well. Placing the rooting box on a heat mat will help speed things up. These mats are great for germinating seeds as well. Oregano and sage are also easy plants to start with a root tip cutting. Just make sure yours are fresh enough so they will be viable and root.
So, there you have it. Get some lights and then grow some herbs.
Jeffs Alaska Garden Calendar
Make ice candles and luminaries: Dec. 5 or Dec 12 from 2-4 p.m., Alaska Botanical Garden. Limit of 12 per class. Call 907-770-3692 for reservations.
Poinsettias: No drafts. Do not let yours dry out.
Jeff Lowenfels has been writing this column for 40 years and never missed a week. He is the author of the best-selling, award-winning books "Teaming with Microbes" and "Teaming With Nutrients."