Welcome to Hort Culture, where a group of Extension professionals and plant people talk about the business, production and joy of farming. So, join us for a chat on the culture of horticulture.
Questions/Comments/Feedback/Suggestions for Topics: hortculturepodcast@l.uky.edu
Check us out on Instagram! [https://www.instagram.com/hortculturepodcast/]
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Welcome to Hort Culture, where a group of Extension professionals and plant people talk about the business, production and joy of farming. So, join us for a chat on the culture of horticulture.
Questions/Comments/Feedback/Suggestions for Topics: hortculturepodcast@l.uky.edu
Check us out on Instagram! [https://www.instagram.com/hortculturepodcast/]
Fresh Flavors in Cold Weather: Growing Herbs Indoors
Hort Culture
46 minutes
3 weeks ago
Fresh Flavors in Cold Weather: Growing Herbs Indoors
In this episode, the Hort Culture crew dives into the joys and challenges of growing herbs indoors during the cold season. After swapping stories about Kentucky snow days, childhood folklore, and the chaos of cabin-fevered kids, the hosts transition smoothly into practical horticulture: how to bring fresh flavors and greenery into the home when outdoor gardens are asleep.
The conversation covers the best herbs for indoor growing—from Mediterranean sun-lovers like basil, rosemary, thyme, lavender, and sage, to reliable cool-season performers like parsley and cilantro, and the ever-vigorous mint and lemon balm. The hosts emphasize realistic expectations: herbs grow slower indoors, flavors can be milder, and supplemental lighting is often essential. They explain how to choose the right pot sizes, avoid moisture‐retaining soils, fertilize lightly, and select the brightest window available (while watching out for drafts).
Listeners get guidance on starting seeds indoors, preventing leggy seedlings with close grow lights, and even strengthening plants through airflow or the classic "pet your seedlings" method. Microgreens also make an appearance as a fast, rewarding winter crop.
The episode wraps with encouragement: don't be too hard on yourself, try different methods, and remember you can always snag a starter plant or a cutting from a friend. Indoor herbs bring freshness, flavor, and a bit of mental sunshine to the darkest winter days.
Growing herbs indoors adds flavor, saves money [https://extension.oregonstate.edu/news/growing-herbs-indoors-adds-flavor-saves-money]
Growing Herbs Indoors [https://union.ces.ncsu.edu/2021/10/growing-herbs-indoors/]
Indoor Herbs [https://www.johnson.k-state.edu/programs/lawn-garden/agent-articles-fact-sheets-and-more/agent-articles/vegetables/Indoor%20Herbs%201.pdf]
Culinary Herbs [https://www.rs.uky.edu/consumer/extension_pdfs/ho74.pdf]
Questions/Comments/Feedback/Suggestions for Topics: hortculturepodcast@gmail.com
Check us out on Instagram! [https://www.instagram.com/hortculturepodcast/]
Hort Culture
Welcome to Hort Culture, where a group of Extension professionals and plant people talk about the business, production and joy of farming. So, join us for a chat on the culture of horticulture.
Questions/Comments/Feedback/Suggestions for Topics: hortculturepodcast@l.uky.edu
Check us out on Instagram! [https://www.instagram.com/hortculturepodcast/]