Bring Gardening Indoors: Your Herbal Culinary and Tea Garden Awaits

Hi everyone, it’s Mary at Will’s Garden!

February is the perfect time to think about gardening. I’m inviting you on my 2025 gardening journey! It’s my passion this time of year, and while I usually start on my own, this year I’d love for you all to join me. Here in New England, Zone 6A, we don’t have a long growing season and can’t plant anything outdoors until the end of May when temperatures reach 60°F. That’s why I get a head start by growing plants indoors that I can enjoy now and transition outdoors later.

Even better, these plants aren’t just beautiful—they’re functional! Let’s grow herbs for both tea and cooking together. Plus, I’ll share how I use filtered fish tank water during winter and later switch to my rain barrel water system with a pump once the weather warms up. This allows me to provide my plants with fresh, chemical-free water all year long!

Grow Fresh Herbal Teas and Culinary Herbs This Winter: Get Ready for Spring!

February may still feel like winter, but it’s the perfect time to start an indoor herbal garden. Growing your own herbs like lemon balm, peppermint, spearmint, chamomile, basil, parsley, and rosemary not only brings nature into your home but also sets you up for a thriving spring garden.

I personally love experimenting with different types of peppermint! Some of my favorites include lemon, chocolate, apple, and classic spearmint. These mints pair wonderfully with flowers like marigolds, chamomile, chrysanthemums, and even dandelions for tea blends. Meanwhile, culinary herbs like basil, parsley, dill, oregano, and thyme are kitchen staples that elevate every dish. Imagine having a garden that serves double duty for your teas and meals—how exciting is that?

Since I can’t collect rainwater during the winter months, I use filtered water from my fish tank to keep my herbs thriving. Fish tank water is packed with natural nutrients that plants love, making it an excellent organic fertilizer. Instead of letting it go to waste when I clean my aquarium, I fill a couple of recycled milk jugs and keep them near my plants for easy watering.

Once the weather warms up, I switch to my ibc tote irrigation system to collect and distribute rainwater for the rest of the season. This ensures my plants get fresh, chemical-free water while keeping my garden sustainable.

The Health Benefits of Your Favorite Herbs

🌿 Lemon Balm and Chamomile – These soothing herbs help reduce anxiety and promote relaxation. They are also great for improving sleep and combating insomnia.

🌱 Peppermint – My personal favorite! Peppermint is not only refreshing but also offers fantastic health benefits. It supports respiratory health, acts as a natural anti-inflammatory, and aids digestion.

Why Start an Indoor Herbal Culinary and Tea Garden?

Winter doesn’t mean the end of gardening. Starting an indoor herbal garden allows you to:

✅ Enjoy Fresh Flavors Year-Round – Sip on homemade tea blends and cook with freshly harvested herbs.

✅ Prepare for Spring – Grow strong plants indoors now and transition them outside when the weather warms.

✅ Stay Connected with Nature – Brighten your home during the colder months with vibrant greenery.

✅ Use Sustainable Watering Practices – Use fish tank water during winter and rain barrel water with a pump in warmer months.

How to Start Your Indoor Herbal Culinary and Tea Garden

1. Select Your Herbs

For Teas: Peppermint (try lemon, chocolate, or apple varieties!), chamomile, lemon balm, spearmint, and lavender.
For Cooking: Basil, parsley, cilantro, dill, oregano, thyme, rosemary, sage, and bay laurel.

2. Choose Your Growing Method

🔹 Hydroponic Systems – Use systems like the AeroGarden for clean and compact growing. Since I use filtered fish tank water for watering my plants, I also fill my AeroGarden hydroponic system with this nutrient-rich water to give my herbs a boost naturally.

🔹 Soil-Based Growing – Use a high-quality, well-draining potting mix specifically formulated for herbs and vegetables. Fox Farms Potting Soil

3. Provide Proper Lighting

Herbs need bright light to thrive. Use LED Grow Lights to mimic natural sunlight.

4. Use Quality Seeds and Fertilizer

✅ Seeds – Choose Organic Herb Seeds Variety Pack for the best results.
✅ Fertilizer – Instead of store-bought fertilizers, I prefer using filtered fish tank water as a natural and sustainable option. If you don’t have access to Filtered fish tank water Organic Neptune's Harvest Fish Fertilizer

Harvesting and Enjoying Your Herbs

Harvest your herbs regularly to encourage growth. Dry them on a plate in a cool, dry place, or use a dehydrator for faster results. The Magic Mill Food Dehydrator is perfect for preserving your herbs.

Recipes to Try

Soothing Lemon Balm and Chamomile Tea

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon balm leaves

• 1 tablespoon dried chamomile flowers

• 1 teaspoon honey (optional)

• 1 cup boiling water

Instructions:

1. Place the lemon balm leaves and chamomile flowers in a Heart Shaped Tea Infuser or Primula Half Moon teapot.

2. Pour boiling water over the herbs and let steep for 5-7 minutes.

3. Remove the infuser or strain the tea into a mug. Add honey if desired. Sip and enjoy!

Transitioning Herbs Outdoors in Spring

By the end of May, your herbs will be ready to move outdoors. Follow these steps to ensure a smooth transition:

🌱 Harden Off Plants – Gradually introduce them to outdoor conditions over a week.
☀️ Select a Sunny Spot – Most herbs thrive in well-drained soil and full sunlight.
💧 Switch to Rain Barrel Watering – While I use fish tank water during winter, I switch to my Rain barrel with a pump once the weather warms up. This provides fresh, chemical-free water for my plants for the rest of the season!

Final Thoughts

Starting an indoor herbal culinary and tea garden is a rewarding way to stay connected with nature during winter. It sets you up for a thriving outdoor garden while providing fresh, flavorful ingredients for your teas and meals.

Let’s keep growing together—this journey is about building a garden that brings joy, health, and a touch of magic to your home all year long. Happy gardening! 🌿

Coming Next Week: We’ll dive into planning your spring garden, the best vegetable and flower seeds to grow, and companion planting tips to maximize success.

Warmly,
Mary from Will’s Garden

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