6 Tips for Starting a Windowsill Garden

Reader's Digest CanadaUpdated: Mar. 20, 2019

Dust off your green thumb and try your hand at winter gardening with these fun and easy windowsill planting tips.

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1. Let the Sunshine In

Locate your brightest window and add a set of grow lights, if needed.

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2. Make a Flat Plan

Whether you use flowerpots, a seed-starting box or repurposed grocery-store containers, make sure there are holes in the bottom for drainage and a liner underneath to catch excess water.

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3. Get Dirty

Fill your chosen receptacle three quarters of the way with organic potting soil. Sprinkle a handful of seeds on top and cover with a light patting of earth.

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4. Dampen, Don’t Drown

Use a spray bottle instead of a watering can to hydrate the soil until germination.

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5. Trim Regularly

To ensure a long yield and maximum bushiness, give greens a regular haircut even when you’re not cooking with them. You can dry and store excess herbs for later use.

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6. Care for the Air

To prevent plants from drying out, keep air flowing with an oscillating fan and use a humidifier to counteract winter’s drying effect.

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Originally Published: January 02, 2013