Fresh herbs are always welcome in the kitchen and it’s hard to keep them from wilting in the fridge. So you’ve decided to start an indoor herb garden. On your next trip to the grocery store, pick up three or four small plastic containers of your favorite herbs.

After reading the little care label on each container, place them on the windowsill, give them a little water, and watch them die over the next few weeks. what’s wrong

Take heart, it’s not all your fault. Plants need a little more care than the quick instructions on the identification plate. We’ll walk you through some simple tips that will give you a green thumb and fresh, green herbs.

Transplant into fresh soil

As a quick and cheap way to get plants to the public, many commercial greenhouse growers use a seed starting mix that is not fertile enough to sustain the plant as it grows. You will have much healthier plants if you transplant each plant into a larger, deeper container with drainage holes.

• Remove the plant from the plastic protective film. Tap the sides of the plastic container to loosen the plant. Turn it over and gently push the bottom of the pot so that the plant slides out. If the soil seems compacted or falling apart, gently uncover the roots before transplanting.
• Fill the new planter about two-thirds full with a good potting mix for indoor plants. For Mediterranean herbs like thyme and oregano that prefer dry soil, mix in cactus potting mix.
• Make a well in the center of the pot and add the herbs. Lightly fill the container with soil leaving about 1/2 inch open at the top.

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Water correctly

You may have found that the root of a plant in your store is swimming in water or dry as a bone. Herbs need to be watered properly to thrive.

• Immediately after potting, add room temperature water until the soil is saturated and water drains freely from the holes in the bottom of the pot.
• Allow the soil to dry out a bit before watering your plants again.

Provide adequate light

Although a kitchen window is the most convenient place for a herb garden, it may not offer the best light.

• Choose a west or south facing window that offers full sun for at least 6 hours a day for potted herbs.
• Turn the pots regularly to keep them growing evenly.
• Another option is to use grow lights. Plants need 14 to 16 hours a day under fluorescent lights placed about 6 to 12 inches above the plants.

Add the appropriate nutrients

Plants need nutrient-rich soil for fresh growth.

• Use NPR balanced water soluble fertilizer every other week when watering.
• Do not over-fertilize as too much fertilizer will compromise the flavor of the herbs.

Maintain good humidity levels

Indoor air is dry, especially during the winter months when heating systems are in full use and the tender stems and leaves of plants need moisture to flourish.

Fill the tray with small pebbles and place the herb pots on top of the pebbles. Add water to the tray, but make sure the water level is below the drainage holes in the trays.

Harvest regularly

In order for the plant to maintain new growth, you must harvest regularly. Trim new growth about once a week. If the stems are allowed to release flower buds, their growth will slow down and the plant will become woody.

Replace plants often

While most herbs such as oregano, parsley, sage, fennel, chives, lavender, thyme and mint are perennials, the plants will eventually grow too large for an indoor garden. The stems also become woody and produce less and less new growth when rooted in a pot.

Herbs can be transplanted outdoors when the weather is moderate. Then you can start again with new plants, rooted cuttings or start herbs from seed.