Pot a windowsill herb
Repot a nursery-grown herb for a windowsill. Choose a pot with drainage, keep the root ball at the right depth and settle it in with a first watering.
- Estimated time
- 20 min
- Skill level
- Beginner
Before you start
Start with a healthy herb that suits the window you have. Check the plant label for light, water and mature size. Pick a pot one size up from its nursery pot, with holes in the base. Have a saucer ready so you can drain it without leaving water on the sill.
Tools and materials
- A nursery-grown herb, such as chives
- A slightly larger pot with drainage holes
- Potting mix
- Saucer
Step-by-step instructions
Prepare the pot
Put enough potting mix in the bottom to hold the herb at the same soil level it had in its nursery pot, with a little space below the rim for watering.
Move the herb
Gently squeeze the nursery pot and slide out the root ball while supporting it with your hand. Centre it in the new pot and fill around it with potting mix.
Water and drain
Water until a little runs out of the drainage holes. Let the pot drain and empty excess water from the saucer.
Pick a spot
Place the pot on a bright windowsill and follow the light and watering instructions on the plant label. Check the soil before watering again.
Check the result
The crown should sit at its original depth, with no stems buried and a small gap below the rim for watering. A few days later, feel the surface of the potting mix and follow the label before watering. Check that the saucer is dry after each watering.
Troubleshooting
If the potting mix stays wet, empty the saucer and check that the drainage holes are clear.