growing herbs in apartments

what herbs have people had success growing indoors? I tried several, and the only one that has managed to survive is rosemary, which seems to be quite a hardy plant. most of the others succumbed to little bugs (aphids or something?): cilantro, tarragon, basil, mint, thyme. it sounds like most people have poor results with basil. I'm considering bay leaves and parsley next. will they grow? unfortunately, due to my building's location and the fact that I'm on the second floor, I get very little direct sunlight; maybe I need to get a plant light? finally, what type of fertilizer is best, and how frequently does it need to be applied? thanks.

Eric

If you have a window, why not get a box and grow most of that stuff outside. I'm assuming you don't have a yard given the request. Mint, basil, etc. do very well here during the growing season. Bay leaves are from a fairly large tree (laurel).

Hi,

Keep mint in its' own container. It is pretty aggressive and will take over any window box. Plus it is a perennial, where it may be 'tame' this year you will find it spreading rapidly next year.

This is a link for herb yard and container gardening.

Good luck!

I've tried growing cilantro and I find that the yield is just not worth it. I can't plant enough seeds in one container that would equal one bunch of cilantro that you can buy for $.75 at the store. So unless you use it sparingly (I don't), it may not be worth your trouble.

I have had thyme, rosemary and sage all do well indoors. My sister has done oregano & basil indoors with good results as well. I have done chives in containers outside with great results as well...all these are from seed (I'm frugal).

Good luck with it!

Christine

I had totally forgotten about that post. I am happy to report that my basil plant is still alive and kicking. The yield isn't what I'd term abundant, but it has gotten us through a few pinches. I've even had to prune its flowers on a few occasions, and it's looking like a strong candidate for a re-pot in the near future.

I had the same problem with bugs until I took two actions. First, I separated it a few feet from a nearby spider plant. I was told by someone that this particular neighbor is known to house tiny insects. They apparently enjoyed getting out of the house for lunch, so to speak. Secondly, I mist the leaves with either slightly soapy water or even windex (a very, very light mist) whenever I notice insects camping out there.

My basil's toughest times were the result of my watering and feeding experiments. I have learned to recognize that if the leaves turn very pale green or even yellow, I'm probably watering too much and also that if the leaves are sparse or under-sized, it's time for a few drops of plant food.

The final advice I can give for basil is make sure your window has plenty of light. My plant has never been outside, but it has thrived in a well-lit window even in winter.

This year, I may expand to some other herbs.
EDIT: I should note that this plant was purchased alive and potted from the Armitage farmer's market last June for $3. It has produced for me much more than $3 worth of basil (at Treasure Island prices).