This is an example of a windowsill herb garden. (Submitted photo)

We don’t have to be bored during the winter when our outside gardens are sleeping. If you have never had an indoor windowsill garden, this may be the time to give it a try. If you have had one, chose some new or different plants.

I love herbs growing inside.

An interesting fact: The American English pronunciation of the noun herb is “erb” and the British English pronunciation is “herb,” using the “h,” according to the Cambridge Dictionary.

However pronounced, these gardens can provide fresh herbs for cooking and will be enjoyed year round. There are many choices.

Three important considerations when planning your garden are sunlight, temperature and humidity.

Iowa State suggests a window with about eight hours of sunlight, usually a south or southwest-facing window. In our area, it is often difficult to come by that much sun.

If you do not have a window with direct sun, put your plants in a window with plenty of light. It is important to watch that your plants do not get leggy (a stretched look). This is a sign there is insufficient sun and a grow light is needed.

Most herbs will do well with temperatures of 68 to 70 degrees. A slight temperature drop, between 5 to 10 degrees, at night is good for your plants’ growth. On very cold nights, a piece of cardboard can be slipped between the plant and the window.

Humidity is necessary for healthy growth. With furnaces running during the winter, air tends to be dry. Putting plants close together or placing the pots in trays with pebbles and water in them will provide adequate air moisture. Placing a dish of water close to the plants will work.

Any type of pot with good drainage that fits in your chosen area will work. Fill the pots with potting soil or seed starting soil. Do not use garden soil because it is too heavy. Keep soil moist but not soggy.

You can decide if you want to start seeds for your garden or purchase small plants to fill your pots.

When planting seeds, follow package directions. The University of Vermont suggests lightly watering with a sink spray nozzle or mister. Label your seeds because the initial leaves may not look like “true” leaves you see in store-bought plants. Put each container in a plastic bag to create a greenhouse and leave the top slightly open for air and moisture to escape. These can be set in a warm location without direct sun until the seeds germinate, about two to three weeks. At that time, remove the plastic bags and move the plants to a sunny area.

If you decide to purchase small herb plants, you can have an instant garden. Just put your herbs in pots with potting soil. Sunlight, temperature and humidity will be the same for established plants.

Many herb garden starter kits are available. They come complete with various seed, pots, and soil. Some also have “food” markers and trays.

Some herbs that are easy to grow are chives, thyme, sage, rosemary and parsley.

Chives can be used in many dishes and cut back to encourage new growth. Thyme is a very small plant but has lots of flavor. The more you trim it, the better the flavor. Sage is used for meat and poultry dishes and is very fragrant. It is also good in tea. Rosemary looks similar to evergreen needles. The leaves do not wilt when water is needed so you need to keep an eye on it. Parsley is easily grown and can be added to many recipes or used as a garnish.

Herbs need little fertilizer. Apply half strength soluble liquid or dry fertilizer according to directions. Over fertilizing can often cause poorer flavor.

Provide adequate water to your herb garden but don’t overdo. A good rule of thumb would be to add water until some runs out of the drainage holes. Then allow the soil to dry some before watering again.

You can harvest your herbs a little at a time as needed. Many of them can be planted outside when weather permits so you can enjoy them year round.

So add some extra flavor to your cooking and enjoy your new herb garden.

To learn more about growing herbs, go to http://go.osu.edu/indoorherbs.

Dolak is an Ohio State University Mahoning County Extension Master Gardener volunteer.