Herbs that are grown indoors add fresh aroma to your home, and because they are so close at hand, they encourage you to make use of them for seasonings and in food preparation. Basically, indoor-grown herbs require a sunny growing area (five to six hours of sunlight per day), water, and humidity. They will need protection from cold drafts and extreme temperatures. Also, turn your pots occasionally to promote even growth of the plants.

Here are a few bewitching culinary herbs that are suited to growing indoors:

• Basil (Ocimum basilicum): Great indoor plant. Pinch off the flowers to encourage leaf production. Basil's culinary uses are numerous. Adds a nice flavor to Italian foods, red sauces, and tomatoes.
• Bay (Laurus nobilis): Add a leaf to savory dishes, chili, or stews.
• Borage (Borago officinalis): Use these pretty and edible blue flowers to garnish food and beverages.
• Chives (Allium schoenoprasum): Cut off the flowers for improved leaf production. Chives are a versatile cooking herb. Season potatoes, eggs, salads, stews, etc.
• Marjoram (Origanum majorana): May be added to salads, eggs, or cheese dishes, or to meat in the last few moments of cooking.
• Oregano (Origanum spp.): Popular in Italian dishes, red sauces, and meat dishes.
• Parsley (Petroselinum crispum): Parsley is underappreciated until you start to learn to cook with it when it is fresh. Adds great color and freshness to many dishes.
• Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis): Great with chicken, pork, or beef. Do not overwater this plant.
• Tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus): These thin aromatic leaves have a distinctive flavor. Tarragon is becoming popular once again as a seasoning in cooking, especially in French cooking.

Excerpted from Garden Witch's Herbal, by Ellen Dugan