There are many steps to embracing a more sustainable lifestyle, and it can certainly be overwhelming. Whether you’re trying to go green in college or have a family to consider, one of the simplest things you can do is start in the kitchen. While indoor gardening may sound daunting, there are plenty of easy herbs to grow at home.
You might be asking, why should you go through all the trouble of planting herbs in your kitchen? Buying them fresh is good enough, right? Besides being a good stress reliever and saving you money in the long run, you’ll find many more benefits of growing your own herbs! Today, let’s look at some of the easiest herbs to grow at home. Who knows, this could be the beginning of your indoor garden adventure!
1. Mint
Did you know that mint can relieve indigestion and enhance brain function? It’s no wonder that people love consuming mint, considering all their health benefits. The good news is they’re easy to grow and excellent for anyone who is just starting. It doesn’t need much water or sunlight to thrive. More importantly, they’re great for mojitos and iced teas.
However, keep in mind that it’s an invasive plant and may take over the garden. We recommend keeping your mint in large containers that will allow them to grow.
2. Basil
No matter what type of cuisine you enjoy, you will most likely benefit from having a basil plant at home. It’s most popular in Mediterranean cooking, but you can use them in pasta, pizza, soups, and seafood dishes too. Basil is hands-down one of the most fragrant herbs you can get and a must-have for your home garden.
You can grow basil from the seed in a fresh and fertile potting mix. This plant will flourish in moist soil where it is warm and bright. The ideal location is a south-facing window that receives enough sunlight throughout the day. Don’t forget to prune your basil regularly to keep them thriving and fresh.
3. Parsley
There are different types of parsley, although Italian parsley is the easiest to grow. This herb has a mildly bitter taste that goes perfectly with a lot of foods. However, what we love about parsley is its rich vitamin K content. It’s versatile, and you can use it to make sauces or for garnishing.
In terms of difficulty level, parsley is extremely hardy and therefore easy to grow. Plant them in moist soil and place them in a semi-shaded spot. It will keep growing back after you harvest so that you can enjoy at least a year of parsley straight from your own garden!
4. Rosemary
Rosemary has a vibrant and distinct flavor, so many use it for cooking meats and vegetables. You’ll find it especially useful when making Christmas meals! Moreover, its scent is also fragrant, so that you can use rosemary in floral arrangements.
This evergreen plant will thrive in the sun and grow into a bush or hedge. To start with, we think planting them in a container should be enough. One thing to note is that rosemary prefers drier soil, which means do not overwater it!
5. Thyme
It’s time to talk about thyme! Although they look delicate, this herb is highly versatile and will elevate almost every dish you make, from regular eggs to Italian cuisines, stews, or any lamb dish.
The most popular type is the garden variety, which can grow in a pot or garden patch. Either way, make sure that it is sheltered from direct sunlight. Thyme is also known to move around a lot. You can let this plant grow and spread over the sides of its pot.
6. Cilantro
Cilantro, or coriander, is sometimes known as Chinese parsley. This herb is essential for those of you who love spicy food. Most Mexican and Southeast Asian dishes won’t be complete without a fresh sprinkle of cilantro.
It’s easy to grow cilantro from seed, and the mature ones can grow up to 24 inches. This herb likes indirect sunlight and light, fast-draining soil. They also have deep roots, which means you have to keep the soil moist but never soaked.
6. Chives
Do you like dipping anything in sour cream and chives? If that’s the case, it might be a sign for you to start growing your own chives at home. It is considered a delicate herb and goes well with eggs, fish, salads, and stews. Plus, they’re a great source of vitamin C
This perennial plant will grow well in pots or gardens, whichever you prefer. You can even plant them in a mason jar and place them in your kitchen. Growing your herbs does not get any easier than that. As a bonus, chives produce edible pink flowers, which will look delightful in your salad.