If you’re like me, your idea of gardening is keeping a succulent alive with weekly waterings, and your attempts at actual gardening have ended in tears of frustration when you see all of your hard work and money go to the birds…literally. Well, I say to heck with real gardening! Instead, try your hand at herb growing! Though this method is not really gardening per say (hence the name), it does yield results that you can actually eat. Best of all, those results pop up in your own home and away from those pesky birds and pests that have destroyed your corn, beans, carrots and other crops in the past. The process is simple and (are you ready for this) requires just two things:
- The herb itself, which you can pick up from your local grocery store
- Water
That’s it.
If you want to impress your friends, your parents or your partner with your resourcefulness, grow these 13 herbs in your kitchen windowsill:
1. Sage
Professional chefs recommend seasoning your eggs, chicken, lamb or pineapples with this flavorful spice. Holistic health professionals use it as a relaxing agent as well. Don’t have a bottle of sage in your spice cabinet? Don’t worry. Grow your own (after all, fresh is better!) with a little bit of sunlight, moderate water and a stem of sage from the produce department.
2. Lemon Balm
Lemon balm is a spice that everyone should have in their cabinets, as lemon balm has calming properties that smell and taste good. Use this herb in your tea to reduce anxiety, relieve indigestion or stave off insomnia. This plant requires moderate water and plenty of sunlight.
3. Rosemary
Rosemary is one of those spices that EVERY recipe seems to call for but that I never seem to have in my cupboards. If this is how you feel, stop feeling as if you’re missing out on a great dish by foregoing the spice and just grow your own in your kitchen. Place a stem of fresh rosemary in a cup of water and place the cup in a sunny or partially shaded area. Though the herb does best in full sun, it can survive in partial sunny conditions.
4. Thyme
Thyme is a versatile herb. Most people don’t know this about thyme, but it flowers, and the flower is edible. Once the flowers have died, the part that you consider the spice is left. You can use it fresh or hang it upside down to dry it out to use in your cooking. Thyme needs plenty of sunlight, so place the waterfilled jars in a window that receives the most sun.
5. Oregano
Are you a huge pasta fan? If so, it’s likely because of all that oregano chefs put in their pasta dishes. Oregano is extremely savory and can take any dish from ho-hum to delicious. Remove a few leaves from a stem that you pick up at your local supermarket and place them in water. Oregano can grow fast, and it can grow large, so be sure to prune it regularly.
6. Peppermint
Peppermint is not for everyone, but those who do like the spice LOVE IT. I’m one of those people. Use peppermint in your tea, mix it with other essential oils or flavor your cookies with it. Don’t use the artificial flavorings that come in a bottle – use the real deal for more flavor and a more calming effect. You can grow peppermint in a partially sunny or shady window and in a cup of water.
7. Basil
Basil is a wondrous herb, as not only does it add substantial amounts of flavor to just about any dish, but also, it keeps the flies away. Basil has a very strong scent that the bugs just do not like, so by growing it in your home, you can effectively keep the flies at bay, keep your home smelling fresh and have a cooking spice right at your fingertips. Basil needs at least six to eight hours of sunlight each day.
8. Lavender
Lavender is another fragrant herb that keeps the flies away. You can also keep your home smelling like a summertime garden, ease migraines, soothe cramping, help reduce the symptoms of depression and get better sleep with this flavorful flower. Stick a few sprigs in a cup of water and place in a window that receives plenty of direct sunlight. If it’s warm enough outside, let your flowers soak up as much fresh air as possible.
9. Cilantro
Are you a huge fan of Mexican food? If so, you know that no dish is complete without a bit of cilantro. You also know that the bunches they sell in the stores are way more than you could possibly need in any given week. Stop throwing cilantro away and ensure that you always have it on hand (you know, for that random Taco Tuesday), and grow the herb in your own kitchen. Cilantro prefers plenty of sunlight but can survive in partial shade if necessary.
10. Chives
Chives are apart of the onion family and as such, require little maintenance to grow. Place a few bulbs in a full glass of water and put the glass in direct sunlight for best results. Use the results to top of any pasta dish, soup or another dish that needs that last touch of flavor.
11. Marjoram
Marjoram grows really well indoors, but it’s also really slow to grow. However, your patience will pay off once you’re finally able to eat it, as it’s extremely flavorful and can turn any plain piece of chicken or beef into a savory entree. You can also use this herb in your homemade lotions or bath soaps.
12. Stevia
Get rid of you artificial coffee creamer and sweeten your morning beverage with stevia instead. Grow this herb in plenty of sunlight for best results. If your home doesn’t get a ton of sunlight, shadier areas will work as well.
13.Tarragon
Tarragon lends a sweet, delicate licorice-like perfume and flavor to just about any dish. Though the herb is primarily used in France, you can bring a bit of culture to your own meals by flavoring them with the fresh herb picked straight from your kitchen garden. Make sure to keep your pickings in bright sunlight for best results.
If you don’t have a green thumb but want to grow SOMETHING you can eat, try your hand at these easy to grow herbs. They taste good, will give your home a fresh scent all year long and look pretty! Happy Growing!
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