From my perspective, the journey from your sunny garden to the indoor environment is a profound shock to my system. Outdoors, I am bathed in full-spectrum sunlight for most of the day, cooled by breezes, and watered by rains that drain perfectly from my gritty soil. Suddenly, I am placed in a dim, stagnant, and often dry environment. My first request is to make this transition gradual. Please do not wait until the first frost. Begin bringing me inside for a few hours each day, gradually increasing the time over a week or two. This allows me to slowly acclimate to the lower light levels and prevents me from going into severe shock, which can cause me to drop my leaves and weaken considerably.
Sunlight is my lifeblood; it is the energy I use to create the essential oils that give me my wonderful scent and flavor. A dim windowsill, especially a north-facing one, is a sentence of slow decline. I need the brightest, sunniest spot you can provide—a south-facing window is ideal. Without a minimum of six to eight hours of direct light, my growth will become leggy as I desperately stretch toward the light source, and my fragrance will fade. If you cannot provide this naturally, please supplement with a strong grow light positioned just a few inches above my foliage for 12-14 hours a day. This artificial sun will help sustain me through the short, dark days.
My watering needs change dramatically indoors. Outdoors, breezes and sun quickly dry my soil. Indoors, evaporation slows to a crawl. My roots are adapted to dry, well-draining conditions and are highly susceptible to root rot if left sitting in moisture. You must let my soil dry out almost completely between waterings. Test the soil by sticking your finger an inch deep—if it feels dry, it is time for a thorough, deep drink. Ensure all excess water drains away completely, and never let my pot sit in a saucer of water. I would much prefer to be slightly underwatered than overwatered.
The dry, still air of a heated home is my enemy. It creates the perfect environment for spider mites, tiny pests that love to suck the juices from my leaves, and it causes my leaf tips to dry out and turn brown. To help me, please increase the humidity around me. You can place my pot on a pebble tray filled with water (ensure the pot is not sitting *in* the water) or run a humidifier nearby. Additionally, gentle air circulation is vital. A small oscillating fan set on low, positioned so it creates a mild breeze, will strengthen my stems and discourage fungal diseases and pests by mimicking the outdoor conditions I crave.
Please understand that winter is a natural period of rest for me. My growth will slow down or stop entirely. This is normal and healthy. Do not fertilize me during this time, as my roots cannot process the nutrients and the salts can build up and damage them. My goal for the winter is not to thrive and grow lushly, but simply to survive—to maintain enough health and energy to burst back into vigorous growth when I can return to my true home outdoors in the spring, after all danger of frost has passed.
