How often do indoor herbs need maintenance?
Written by
Nguyen Minh
Reviewed by
Prof. Martin Thorne, Ph.D.By continuing to upkeep your indoor herb garden, you will have a continuous source of herbs in all seasons. Though each system is different, most require simple weekly care. Regular maintenance levels ensure that problems can be addressed as they arise. Ongoing maintenance of your indoor herbs requires little time commitment and will keep them herb-filled!
Water Management
- Check levels every 3-5 days
- Refill reservoirs before they empty
- Use room temperature filtered water
- Prevent mineral buildup
Nutrient Monitoring
- Add hydroponic solution every 3 weeks
- Measure pH balance monthly
- Flush systems quarterly
- Avoid over-fertilization
Light & Environment
- Wipe LED panels weekly
- Rotate plants for even growth
- Maintain 65-75°F (18-24°C)
- Ensure proper air circulation
Smart gardens greatly simplify maintenance. For example, systems such as AeroGarden use indicator lights for water and nutrients to keep you informed, and notifications through the app give alerts when something needs your attention. In many cases, these features can reduce your time in the garden to approximately 5 minutes per week, versus hours.
Seasonal adjustments reduce workload. Herbs need less water in winter. Increase light hours during darker months. I adjust my system settings quarterly. This prevents stress while maintaining steady growth.
Harvesting counts as maintenance, too. Regular trimming encourages bushier growth. Always use clean scissors. Never take more than 30% of foliage at once. This practice keeps plants productive longer.
Read the full article: 7 Best Indoor Herb Gardens for Your Kitchen
