Growing herbs in winter is one of the true delights of indoor gardening, and it's no wonder! Simply brush against a rosemary plant and the room will be filled with an incredible fragrance. Many varieties of herbs make very attractive indoor plants. It's a great way to carry over a rooted cutting of that favorite plant that was too tender to winter outdoors. And, last but not least, there is nothing like the flavor that fresh culinary herbs add to food.  To grow herbs successfully indoors you will need to provide light, warmth, water, humidity and nutrients. Be sure to give them plenty of elbow room. Herbs hate to be grown where they have to compete for light and air. Here are the basics:

Light Herbs needs lots of light to do well indoors. You should provide at least 12 hours of strong light each day. Indoors in winter in Minnesota, this means supplementing the available natural light. Fluorescent lights are best for the job, providing the most light over the largest area for the least money.

Warmth Herbs grow well in cool to average room temperatures. If you can, keep the room 10º cooler at night.

Water/Humidity Most herbs prefer to stay evenly moist and are sensitive to overwatering or soggy soils. Check them daily by pressing on the surface of the soil. If you can still feel moisture, leave it alone. They are happier a little dry than too wet. Rosemary is the exception. It can be easily damaged if it is allowed to dry out. At the same time, it hates to stay wet. Ideally, rosemary should grow in soil with excellent drainage so that you can water daily without fear of the soil becoming soggy.

Air Circulation Herbs indoors in winter often suffer from stale air. You can ensure good air circulation with those little personal fans they sell in housewares departments. You don't want to create a wind, but daily air circulation through the area is a big plus.

 Where While you can grow herbs anywhere you grow plants, most kitchens are ideal because they are usually more humid and brighter than other rooms. If you don't have a sunny kitchen window, consider placing your herbs beneath an under-the-cabinet light.

Containers and Soil Any container with adequate drainage can be used for herbs. Clay pots give off moisture through the sides of the containers, allowing the soil to dry out more quickly. This can be an advantage or disadvantage, depending on your soil and watering habits. Herbs need a well-drained potting soil that is high in organic matter. A mixture of 2/3 quality potting soil and 1/3 sand is good for most herbs.  For rosemary, make it a 50/50 mixture.

Fertilizing For a more intense flavor, keep your herbs a little hungry. When you do fertilize, use a water- soluble plant food at half strength.

Grooming and Pruning All indoor herbs will need occasional grooming to clean up any yellowing leaves, especially later in the winter. Once every month or so, place the plants in the shower or sink and rinse them off to remove any dust or salt build up.

Insects and Diseases Herbs aren't any more or less likely to have problems indoors than other plants. When dealing with pests on edible plants, be sure to use products such as Safer's Insecticidal Soap, Bonide All Season Oil or Schultz's Houseplant Spray.  Often a quick shower does the trick.

Harvesting/Using Culinary herbs should be pinched often to encourage new growth. To pinch, snip off the
growing tips of branches and remove any bare stems down to their source. You can use what you have pinched fresh or it can be dried or frozen.