teratos indoor herb garden mint pant

Indoor herb garden plant Mint (Mentha spp.)

Mint (Mentha spp.):
Key Characteristics:
  1. Fragrant, pointed leaves (green or variegated)
  2. Purple, pink or white flowers
  3. Perennial herb, grows up to 3 feet tall
  4. Native to Europe, Asia, and North America
Care Tips:
  1. Lighting: Partial shade to full sun
  2. Watering: Keep soil consistently moist
  3. Temperature: 60-80°F (15-27°C)
  4. Humidity: High humidity
  5. Fertilization: Feed with balanced fertilizer during growing season
  6. Pruning: Trim back after flowering, contain spread
Benefits:
  1. Culinary uses (teas, cocktails, desserts)
  2. Medicinal properties (digestive aid, pain relief)
  3. Insect repellent (mosquitoes, ants)
  4. Air purification
  5. Skin and hair care (cools, soothes)
Common Issues:
  1. Pests: aphids, spider mites, whiteflies
  2. Diseases: fungal infections, root rot
  3. Invasive spread (spreads quickly)
  4. Leaf scorch (direct sunlight)
Propagation:
  1. Cuttings: Take stem cuttings, root in water or soil
  2. Division: Separate roots during repotting
  3. Seeds: Sow directly into soil
Toxicity:
  1. Non-toxic to humans
  2. Toxic to pets if ingested in large quantities
Varieties:
  1. Peppermint (Mentha x piperita)
  2. Spearmint (Mentha spicata)
  3. Chocolate Mint (Mentha x piperita f. citrata ‘Chocolate’)
  4. Lemon Mint (Mentha x piperita f. citrata ‘Lemon’)
  5. Ginger Mint (Mentha x gracilis)
Fun Facts:
  1. Name derives from Greek mythological nymph “Minthe”
  2. Ancient Egyptians used mint for digestive issues
  3. Mint is a natural breath freshener
  4. Essential oil used in aromatherapy
Some popular uses of mint include:
  • Teas and infusions
  • Cocktails (Mojito, Mint Julep)
  • Desserts (ice cream, chocolate)
  • Salads and sauces
  • Herbal remedies (digestive aid)
Teratos indoor herb garden plant parsley

Indoor herb garden plant Parsley (Petroselinum crispum)

Parsley (Petroselinum crispum):
Key Characteristics:
  1. Curly, flat, or pointed leaves (green)
  2. Small, yellow or greenish flowers
  3. Biennial herb, grows up to 2 feet tall
  4. Native to Mediterranean region
Care Tips:
  1. Lighting: Partial shade to full sun
  2. Watering: Keep soil consistently moist
  3. Temperature: 60-80°F (15-27°C)
  4. Humidity: Average humidity levels
  5. Fertilization: Feed with balanced fertilizer during growing season
  6. Pruning: Trim back after flowering, harvest regularly
Benefits:
  1. Culinary uses (garnish, salads, soups)
  2. Medicinal properties (antioxidant, anti-inflammatory)
  3. Freshens breath
  4. Rich in vitamins A, C, and K
  5. Improves digestion
Common Issues:
  1. Pests: aphids, spider mites, carrot rust flies
  2. Diseases: fungal infections, root rot
  3. Bolting (premature flowering)
  4. Leaf scorch (direct sunlight)
Propagation:
  1. Seeds: Sow directly into soil
  2. Cuttings: Take stem cuttings, root in water or soil
  3. Division: Separate roots during repotting
Toxicity:
  1. Non-toxic to humans
  2. Toxic to pets if ingested in large quantities
Varieties:
  1. Curly-leaf Parsley (Petroselinum crispum)
  2. Flat-leaf Parsley (Petroselinum neapolitanum)
  3. Hamburg Parsley (Petroselinum latifolium)
  4. Japanese Parsley (Cryptotaenia japonica)
Fun Facts:
  1. Name derives from Greek word “petros” (rock)
  2. Ancient Greeks used parsley for medicinal purposes
  3. Parsley is a natural diuretic
  4. Used in traditional medicine for centuries
Some popular uses of parsley include:
  • Salads (tabbouleh, Greek salad)
  • Soups (chicken noodle, minestrone)
  • Garnish (meats, vegetables)
  • Juicing and smoothies
  • Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine
Indoor herb garden Teratos

Indoor herb garden – Basil

Basil (Ocimum basilicum):
Key Characteristics:
  1. Aromatic, oval-shaped leaves (green or purple)
  2. Small, white or purple flowers
  3. Annual herb, grows up to 2 feet tall
  4. Native to India and Southeast Asia
Care Tips:
  1. Lighting: Bright, indirect light (4-6 hours direct sun)
  2. Watering: Keep soil consistently moist
  3. Temperature: 60-80°F (15-27°C)
  4. Humidity: Average humidity levels
  5. Fertilization: Feed with balanced fertilizer during growing season
  6. Pruning: Pinch off flower buds, trim back after harvesting
Benefits:
  1. Culinary uses (cooking, teas, pesto)
  2. Medicinal properties (antibacterial, anti-inflammatory)
  3. Insect repellent (mosquitoes, flies)
  4. Air purification
  5. Improves mental clarity and focus
Common Issues:
  1. Pests: aphids, whiteflies, spider mites
  2. Diseases: fungal infections, root rot
  3. Bolting (premature flowering)
  4. Leaf scorch (direct sunlight)
Propagation:
  1. Seeds: Sow directly into soil
  2. Cuttings: Take stem cuttings, root in water or soil
  3. Division: Separate roots during repotting
Toxicity:
  1. Non-toxic to humans
  2. Toxic to pets if ingested in large quantities
Varieties:
  1. Sweet Basil (Ocimum basilicum)
  2. Genovese Basil (Ocimum basilicum ‘Genovese’)
  3. Thai Basil (Ocimum basilicum var. thyrsiflora)
  4. Lemon Basil (Ocimum x citriodorum)
  5. Purple Basil (Ocimum basilicum ‘Purpureum’)
Fun Facts:
  1. Name derives from Greek word “basileus” (king)
  2. Sacred herb in Hinduism and Buddhism
  3. Used in traditional medicine for centuries
  4. Essential oil used in aromatherapy
Some popular uses of basil include:
  • Caprese salad (tomatoes, mozzarella, basil)
  • Pesto sauce (basil, garlic, pine nuts, parmesan)
  • Thai curries and stir-fries
  • Herbal teas and infusions
  • Companion planting (repels pests, improves growth)