If you enjoy preparing delicious meals in your kitchen, it’s more than likely that you add herbs to enhance the flavor. But buying them directly from the supermarket can be costly, and many herbs go to waste because they either wilt before you use them, you buy more than you need, or they lack that “homemade” flavor.
A safe way to use fresh herbs as needed without spoiling and with the best flavor is to grow them yourself. Park Seed explains: “The flavonoids that give herbs their flavor can break down over time. That’s why home-grown herbs and foods are more flavorful than store-bought ones.”
The good news is that you don’t need a garden to grow your own herbs. While you can grow an herb garden outside, you can also grow one on your windowsill. Even better if it’s in your kitchen, because it’ll give you a constant reminder to add fresh, delicious herbs to your meals. Plus, by growing your own herbs, you’ll reap the benefits of eating herbs that are free of pesticides and fertilizers.
Wren Kitchens has teamed up with Peter Ivanov, plant expert at Fantastic Services, to bring you the 7 easiest herbs to grow and maintain on your kitchen windowsill.
1. Rosemary
Rosemary is an ideal choice for starting your indoor herb garden because it is very easy to care for. However, it takes a while to grow and according to Sow the right seedsIt can take a year for the plant to reach full maturity. Aside from spraying it with water mist once or twice a week, regular pruning is enough to keep it healthy.
Rosemary is known for its strong scent. It naturally freshens the air in the kitchen and adds a strong aroma to dishes. And as Ivanov says, “It’s a woody herb with a pine-like scent that’s perfect for roasting meat and vegetables.”
Top tip
It is worth soaking rosemary seeds before germination. This process will help to “wake up” the seeds from dormancy. Before sowing, place them in a cup of water overnight.
2. Thyme
Thyme is an aromatic herb that grows well in small clay pots to ensure good drainage. It is a striking herb with small green leaves and delicate purple flowers that decorates kitchen spaces. Thyme has versatile flavors that are popular in Mediterranean, French and Middle Eastern cuisine. According to Ivanov, “thyme enriches meat, vegetable and bread recipes. Once established, it is also drought resistant, much like rosemary.”
Top tip
Prune woody stems to encourage new growth and remove flowers to increase foliage production.
3. Basil
Basil is an excellent herb for novice gardeners and likes plenty of sun and warmth. However, for optimal growth, it needs regular watering to keep the soil moist and not soggy. To encourage leaf growth, pinch off the flowers as they grow.
Ivanov says, “Basil is a perfect addition to salads and Italian dishes like pesto and pasta.” It is also a great companion plant for tomatoes and peppers, which are also perfect as ingredients in salads and pasta dishes.
Top tip
Basil grows vigorously, so it may need to be repotted regularly to prevent it from becoming too big for the pot.
4. Parsley
Parsley adds a special touch to the flavors of a dish and adds a fresh twist to almost anything you prepare. Ivanov suggests, “Parsley can be used as a garnish or in soups, stews and salads.” As a biennial plant, it lasts two growing seasons, making it the ideal multi-season herb. To further extend the harvest season, Ivanov says, “Parsley needs rich, well-drained soil and full sun exposure.” Parsley also benefits from occasional fertilization with a general seaweed fertilizer.
Top tip
Of all the kitchen herbs, parsley and basil thrive best in a Hydroponic environment because they thrive in moist conditions.
5. Chives
Chives are known for their long grass-like leaves and bright purple flowers that are both beautiful and edible. Ivanov explains, “Chive plants need full sun and well-drained soil for the flowers to bloom.”
Give chive plants plenty of water during dry weather. Daily watering may be necessary during the summer months to prevent wilting.
He says, “Chives are a mild herb with an onion flavor and are perfect for garnishing soups, salads and potatoes.” They can be used fresh or dried and will add a better look and taste to your dishes. Personally, I like to use chives on homemade cheese scones to enhance the flavor.
Top tip
The aroma of chives acts as a pest repellent and keeps vermin away from your indoor herb garden.
6. Coriander
Cilantro has a distinctive, fresh, lemony flavor that can be used in salsas, curries, and soups. The leaves or cilantro seeds can be harvested from the white and pink flowers that bloom. Place cilantro in full sun or partial shade in deep, rich, well-drained soil.
But Ivanov warns: “Coriander grows quickly and needs to be repotted often. This can be done easily by removing the plant, untangling old roots and replacing the soil.”
Top tip
Coriander grows best in cooler temperatures between 15 and 21°C, as higher temperatures can make it taste bitter and put the plant at risk of bolting. Bolting occurs when the plant transitions from predominantly leaf-based to flower and seed-based growth, and its energy is diverted from the roots and leaves to seed production.
7. Oregano
Like rosemary, oregano thrives indoors with minimal care and a little patience due to its drought resistance. Plant the compact plant in full sun and prune it regularly to help it grow bushier. Ivanov advises, “Oregano doesn’t tolerate too much water and thrives in slightly dry conditions. The best way to keep an oregano plant alive indoors is to provide well-drained soil.”
The distinctive, earthy flavor of oregano goes naturally with strong flavors like garlic or lemon, as well as fried fish and meat. For a more concentrated and bold flavor, use dried oregano.
Top tip
To obtain the most delicious leaves, oregano should be cut back before flowering.
Tips for growing herbs indoors
When you start growing herbs indoors, you will not only benefit from the culinary benefits, but also from a wonderfully fragrant home. To make your herb growing a success, Ivanov tells you how to make your herb garden flourish at home.
“For a successful indoor herb garden, choose pots with drainage holes to avoid root rot and use well-draining potting soil with sand or perlite. Place pots in sunny locations with at least six hours of sunlight daily and water only when the top layer of soil feels dry to the touch. Check regularly for pests and use natural pesticides like neem oil to maximize plant life.”
Regarding pruning and harvesting, Ivanov also points out: “Be sure to trim the tips of the plants regularly to encourage bushier growth. Harvest herbs in the morning when their essential oils are most concentrated, and avoid harvesting more than a third of the plant at once to ensure continued growth.”
However, it is also worth knowing which 7 mistakes can easily be made when growing herbs.
How to grow herbs from seeds
The cheapest way to grow herbs is from seeds. Here’s how to do it in 6 easy steps:
1. Fill a container to the brim with seed soil.
2. Tamp the surface of the compost lightly without compacting it.
3. Scatter the seeds over them and cover them with a thin layer of compost or vermiculite.
4. Place the bottom of the pot in the water for about 5 minutes. Avoid watering from above so as not to disturb the seeds.
5. Place the plants on a sunny windowsill or cover them with a clear plastic bag to create a mini greenhouse to speed up germination.
6. As soon as the seedlings emerge, thin out the weaker ones to encourage vigorous growth.
