Which fresh herbs can I grow inside, now?

I like having fresh herbs with my sandwiches: dill, chives, coriander. I’ve currently got a coriander plant inside, but it’s coming to the end of its useful life. I’m not looking forward to the winter.
What can I grow inside, on a southerly windowsill which is now 10°C / 50°F? Our house is cold …. I could grow something outside under cover with a bit of trouble.
Thanks!

 

Why not go for fast growing strong flavours, so a little bit goes a long way?

Cress and mustard seem like the obvious choices, as both are routinely harvested while still seedlings, so they don't need too much light as you harvest them while they're still running on the energy reserves in the seed.

If you can get coriander to germinate, which would probably require you to put the seed trays in the warmest place in your house, even if light is inadequate, then you could probably get it to tall enough to harvest as young leaves in the south facing window.

Or you could build yourself a grow cupboard, with a cheap heat pad and led array grow lamp. Mine cost me about £50 all in, but that was with a spare cupboard I already had. That would give you a lot more options.

 

There are a few things you can grow inside over the Winter, Mint, Chives, Sage, Basil e.g. will do well on a kitchen windowsill.

 

Thanks Clueless - how could I have forgotten mustard and cress! I'm not so keen on mustard, but cress sounds ideal. And I'll try germinating coriander in the airing cupboard. Have plenty of seeds from the outdoor plants.

 

Anthony, isn't basil a mediterranean plant which needs warmth? But I'll bring some more chives indoors, good idea.

 

Hi Annemieke
I am not a winter gardener . My season starts end of January when I sow my chilli seeds. But I think on a south facing window you can grow some thing . Maybe this webpage can give you a few ideas
http://www.waitrosegarden.com/how-to/aug/garden-herbs-all-winter/
PS : they have them little 99p growing herb pots in supermarkets . They may give you a good start.....

 

What about having it as pot plant in your living room ?

 

Very useful, thanks!

Our living room is not much warmer, some 14-15 10°C in the warmest (and darkest) place. But I've got quite a few ideas from all the above. Much obliged!

 

If you've got loads of coriander seeds, don't forget that they themselves can be used in cooking. In a large frying pan or wok, with ever such a tiny amount of oil, get it hot, add coriander seeds, wait til they just begin to sizzle, then add stir fry or curry ingredients. Add sauce and or spices for whatever you're making, and cook as per normal for the dish you're making. The coriander seeds act like tiny flavour bombs, they really liven up a meal.

 

I know! My coriander plants have been marvellous: first they yielded leaves throughout the summer, then seeds. I have those in a pepper mill and grind some over my soup every day, for starters. (I start the day with soup you see.)
On the other hand, the dill plants had nice leaves but the seeds were rubbish, and the caraway plants had rubbish leaves and good seeds.
Long live coriander!

 

Coriander is brilliant. In fact no, it's Brilliant with a capital B.

First, as you say, is the lush green. Then the tiny white flowers that almost look like they're floating in thin air above the plants. Then of course the seeds, but, if you're really lucky and conditions are right, the leaves and stems go through very vivid reds and yellows if you get nice dry conditions before winter comes.