7 Types of Plants Best for Windowsills

Whether you live in an apartment without a garden, or quite simply wish to bring the outdoors inside, a windowsill garden is a perfect alternative (or addition) to an exterior space.

It’s easier than you may think to start a windowsill garden, you just need to know what types of plants will be happiest there.

If you already have an abundance of indoor plants in and outside of the home, start by taking cuttings from some of your favorites, using a sharp knife or a pair of pruners. These should measure between 3 and 4 inches in size.

The next step requires you to root them in water. In the beginning, it’s important to change the water on a regular basis (this should be weekly) in order to avoid bacteria from forming.

If you don’t have any types of plants to take cuttings from, pop down to your local garden center or order online at Serenata Flowers.

If you wish to start from scratch, purchase several packs of seeds. Alternatively, you can buy many types of plants for nursery herbs and shrubberies that have already been potted.

To create an aesthetically pleasing display, invest in a variety of colorful pots or clear, contemporary glass containers – these can be free-standing or hanging, depending on the type of window exhibit you wish to create.

Now all that’s left to do is watch your indoor garden come to life. Once your herbs and flowers, or other types of plants are in full bloom, you can both admire their beauty and fragrance, and use them in certain dishes – adding that ‘just-picked-taste’ to your meals.

7 Types of Plants Best For Windowsills

Basil

This particular herb enjoys lots of sun and warmth, especially in the beginning. If you can, use a south-facing window and for best results plant your seeds in small pots. These can be transferred as the herb begins to grow.

Basil adds a strong, delightful flavour to a number of popular dishes and is often added to a meal 5-10 minutes before serving. It’s most commonly used in sauces, pasta recipes, basil pesto, tomato-based dishes and soups. When it comes to picking the leaves of this plant for use in cooking, it’s recommended that you take them from the top of the plant. It’s important to do this often if you wish to encourage your plant to grow whilst harvesting.

Asides from its many cooking use, Basil is also used to treat a number of ailments including headaches and ear infections. It can also reduce blood sugar levels and is said to calm the stomach. Simple add it to a dish or alternatively, add half a teaspoon to a glass of water to lessen feelings of fullness and to soothe indigestion.

Basil, like a number of indoor herbs, is grown for its foliage. It doesn’t offer any flowers or fruits, yet despite this, it still boasts an attractive green verdure – making it a popular option for a window display. For best results, mist the leaves on a regular basis. This will increase humidity, whilst preventing pests such as spider mites from attacking the plant.

Bay

Bay is another popular type of plant for an indoor garden and one that will add a delightful fragrance and color to your home. This perennial often grows better indoors than out, which makes it a great choice for a windowsill garden. When planting this particular species, use a larger pot – Bay requires an uncrowded space and plenty of air circulation in order to thrive and remain healthy.

As well as adding a distinctive flavor to an abundance of dishes, Bay leaves also boast medicinal properties and a warm aroma. They are often used to flavor stews and hearty soups and are good for coughs, colds, chest infections, stomach bugs and kidney ailments. You can also massage the oil of the bay leaf onto sprains and swellings and it can be used to help ease headaches and rheumatic pains.

Chervil

These types of plants should be planted late summer. They require low light and temperatures of between 65 and 70 degrees in order to flourish. If you enjoy fine flavors and fragrances, Chervil is the herb for you. Although it resembles parsley in look, its taste is a combination of fennel and tarragon, but less potent. It’s a more unusual herb yet still one that is worth investing in.

Chives

This popular indoor plant is one of the easiest to grow. If you already have them in your garden (or have a friendly neighbor who will share a section of theirs with you), you’ll need to replant a clump of chives in a small pot. The pot should be left outside at first, once the leaves die back, it can be moved indoors. Pop it in a cool space for the first few days, such as a shaded area in the kitchen or basement, before moving it to a bright window spot with plenty of light. Growing this particular type of plant will allow you access to this culinary delight all year round. At full height, it can measure up to 30cm and boasts round purple and pink blooms. As well as adding fflavorto a variety of dishes, it can add colour to your windowsill.

Oregano

This fragrant smelling, heat-loving herb requires plenty of light and as such, it thrives best when placed on a south-facing, warm window. The ideal temperature for this plant is between 60-70 degrees Fahrenheit. For best results, cut a small section from an existing shrub and replant. This is the ideal herb to have in the home if you enjoy both Mexican and Mediterranean dishes.

Growing this type of plant indoors is an excellent way to add an abundance of flavour to your food.

Source: rodals organic life