Hi everyone, Are herbs generally sun-loving or is it better to keep them in a shady area? And will herbs grow if they are kept inside? I'm wanting to go buy a few herbs on the weekend but thought it's best to check these things before doing so
Most need full sun 6+ hours per day but there are some that thrive in full to part shade. Parsley, Mint, Lemon Balm, Chives are the most common shade ones. If you have a bright sunny window or grow lights you can grow some indoors which is handy during the winter.
Not only do they do better in the sun they taste better if they are grown on the dry side and keep them pinched back. Even if you are not using the leaves they still need to be pinched to keep them from going to seed and from growing leggy.
And keep mint in a pot! It will take over the garden, then the neighborhood if let grow in the ground.
I agree with the above. The only exception I have found is with basil. I think it appreciates moderate water.
I know nothing about herb growing, but I love fresh herbs. I bought a basil plant, and I've been keeping it in its original pot on my back deck, where it gets some morning sun and that's it. It's probably doubled its size since I got it. I also purchased two pots of cilantro and tried to do the same thing with them, but they didn't appreciate being left in their pots. So I planted those under a tree in my front garden, where they get a little afternoon sun. They exploded once they were planted! But I didn't know about the pinching back trick that Carolyn mentioned, so know they're not only leggy, but they have flowers! Who knew?
