Many varieties of herbs make wonderful houseplants. They provide attractive foliage and fragrance in addition to their use in cooking.

Herbs can be treated the same as most houseplants. They generally need at least 5 hours of sunlight or 10 or 12 hours under a fluorescent light set 6 to 8 inches overhead. A daytime temperature of 65 to 70 degrees and 55 to 60 at night works best.

Water the plants thoroughly when the top of the soil dries down 1/2 inch or so. Be sure to use a well drained soil mix and have a hole in the bottom of the pot so that the roots do not set in water.

Fertilize about once a month at half the recommended strength. The plants are not growing very much at this time so they do not need as much food. Besides, many people feel that herbs taste and smell better when grown "lean."

To maintain humidity, place the pots in a second pan with pebbles on the bottom. Keep water in the pebbles but below the bottom of the pot.

Herbs suggested for indoor growing include basil, garlic chives, rosemary, French sorrel, winter savory, bay, lavender, oregano, sage, marjoram, scented geraniums, thyme and salad burnet.