YOUR FRIENDS' ACTIVITY

    Green Thumbs Up: 7 Tips for Growing a Windowsill Garden

    By | Green – Wed, Mar 28, 2012 4:46 PM EDT

    7 tips for growing a windowsill garden7 tips for growing a windowsill gardenI live in an apartment, but all my life I dreamed I'd grow a perfect little cutting garden when I grew up. I'd want a few flowers for clipping and popping in bud vases, a few herbs for garnishing homemade meals (and, okay, sometimes takeout), and possibly a few butterfly-attracting greens to keep our windowsill feeling happy and well-loved. I'd like for it not to take up too much space - just what little space I have on the terrace (okay, fire escape) out the living room window. And I really need for it to be easy. Easy to purchase, easy to pot up, easy to water, easy to care for, and easy to harvest.

    Related: The 25 tiniest, most incredible homes in the world

    Think it's impossible? It's not! I have everything I want in a windowsill garden. Here are 7 tips for growing your own.

    Start with a glass of waterStart with a glass of water1. Start with a glass of water
    Did you know you can start your own container garden with just your favorite herbs and a glass of water? Most container gardens do best this way, instead of starting by seed. Simply cover the root ball in water and be sure to change the water weekly.











    Related: Blue ketchup?! and 7 more failed food products we'll never eat again





    Get ready to repot Get ready to repot 2. Get ready to repot
    Your cuttings will eventually need to be repotted in some good-quality potting soil to really thrive. Because water encourages thin, delicate roots, you'll need to be very careful when you move your plants into earth.













    Herbal potting remediesHerbal potting remedies3. Herbal potting remedies
    If you're planning to combine two or more herbs into the same pot, make sure to do your research. Different herbs require different amounts of water to thrive. Keep the thirsty herbs separate from the rest, and you should have no problem keeping everyone happy.












    Related: Gardening in the Kitchen - 5 best herbs to grow this spring




    Keep moist Keep moist 4. Keep moist
    Be sure to keep your freshly potted herbs very moist during those first weeks, so the roots have a chance to toughen up to their new surroundings. Once they've been established, water only when the soil appears dry.










    Related: 10 myths about going vegan


    Take the time to plant some other plants Take the time to plant some other plants 5. Take the time to plant some other plants
    Some non-herb plants that should thrive in your sunny windowsill include: Purple Passion Plant, Wandering Jew, Angelwing Begonia, Swedish Ivy, and Gardenia. (Gardenia smells amazing, just saying.)













    Related: 10 super foods you should be eating NOW



    Or choose a giant tubOr choose a giant tub6. Or choose a giant tub
    If your windowsill isn't up to the task of supporting a few pots of plants, consider a giant galvanized steel tub filled with whatever your heart desires. Just make sure there is plenty of room above for some bushy plants!













    Related: 7 genius projects to re-vamp your garden





    Watch out for tan lines! Watch out for tan lines! 7. Watch out for tan lines!
    Be sure to twist your containers a few times a month to avoid plant tan lines. Just kidding! Rotate to encourage even growth.












    - By Natalie Holbrook
    Follow Natalie on Babble

    For 10 more windowsill gardening tips, visit Babble!

    MORE ON BABBLE

    10 diet foods that are secretly making you fat
    The 20 most incredible tree houses in the world
     8 over-the-top divorce cakes that scream I'M FREE!!
    9 reasons why coffee is good for you
    8 outrageous sports stadiums made of...FOOD

    Family Kitchen | Babble.comStay connected. Follow Babble on Facebook and Twitter.