The Urban Farmer, Issue #033 * February,
2011: Hydroponic Herbs * Emotional Benefits of
Hydro * Squash them Ole Bugs!
“There
can be no other occupation like gardening in which, if you were to creep up
behind someone at their work, you would find them smiling.”
~Mirabel Osler
HYDROPONIC HERBS
Creating an indoor herb garden is quite an easy
task as herbs are inexpensive plants that are easy to maintain and are
undemanding. An indoor herb garden makes a great introductory course for any
beginner to the art of hydroponics.
Depending on their use, herbs can be classified
into culinary herbs, medicinal herbs and aromatic herbs. Culinary herbs include
basil, rosemary, parsley and oregano. These herbs are used to add spice and
flavor to food. Medicinal herbs include plants like echinacea, valerian,
hypericum, gingko and garlic that are widely used in medicinal preparations.
Most of these plants are not suitable for an indoor herb garden as it is
difficult to extract the medicinal parts of the plant. Ornamental herbs are
those that are grown to enhance the beauty of homes.
You might best start with herbs like oregano,
rosemary, garlic chives, mint and thyme. You can either buy these plants at a
garden center or can use stem cuttings. Containers are useful for growing herbs
at home as these are easy to carry and are convenient for adjusting soil
mixtures. These containers are available in different colors, thus creating an
added attraction. You can also start an indoor herb garden from seeds. Simply
spread the seeds on the top of the soilless media and keep them moist til they
sprout.
You can have a beautiful indoor herb garden if
you follow certain tips. Soilless mixture of vermiculite, peat and perlite
ensures proper growth of seeds and seedlings. Keeping pots in the southern or
western window ensures proper sunlight and air. Media in the containers and pots
should be moist but not damp. Humidity around indoor plants can be increased if
they are grouped together.
There are two popular hydroponic herb gardens
widely available now:
THE EMOTIONAL BENEFITS OF HYDROPONICS
Advantages of
hydroponics…
- Hydroponics is a soothing, satisfying,
stress-dissolving hobby. It’s an escape. Put a chair right next to your
unit. Tend to your babies, train them up vines and talk to them. Play
classical, jazz or new age music for them. Or even hard rock if you want to.
Who cares what people think?
- Hydroponic gardening puts you back in
touch with nature in a delightful way. And don’t forget the “WOW” factor…
your friends and family will hold you in awe for your impressive
agricultural achievements.
Hydro Tip of the Month
The best way to head off a bug
infestation is to catch it early!
Grab a magnifying glass, look for any bugs, and pick them off by hand, killing
them as you go. Now this method, obviously, is only effective in the early
stages of pest-infestation, when there are just a few. But this can be very
effective if you do it daily, and stay on top of the situation.
We hope you have enjoyed this issue of The Urban Farmer Ezine. Each month, we will bring you another inspiring photo, gardening quote or idea, plus fresh new hydroponics news, techniques & products.
Insiders tips to get you growing…
~Stella and Simon from
Hydroponics-Simplified.
|
Reply