You can always trust herbs to jazz up a night’s cocktail or add flavor to a dish. And growing herbs is one of the easiest ways to achieve this, even for you who have brown thumbs. Enjoy the delicious scent and company of bees when taking care of them in your garden. You won’t need too much space for this; some spot in your windowsill, backyard, or patio will do!
This list of must-have herbs you can grow at home will ease you in the little world of herbs. For young gardeners like you, these herbs won’t give you a hard time planting. With the right amount of tools and soil, you can already set off on your gardening journey. Come on, and dig in.
Table of Contents
Borage
Borage is a herb with a signature star blossom, dangling buds, and frizzy stems and leaves. Once cultivated, borage may be grown as an ornamental, cover crop, and herbal or culinary ingredient. It also has plenty of uses when placed outdoors; borage can ward off pests, and other plants in your garden may benefit from this.
Basil
It is impossible not to hear of basil in your entire life. Basil is one of the widely-known herbs used by people from all walks of life. Whether you pick sweet purple basil or Italian basil, your dishes are in good hands.
When growing basil at your home, better to place it in moist but well-drained soil. To grow basils well, plant them under full sun. Basils also require regular pruning from you. This process encourages new growth from them, meaning more herb produce even before harvest season comes.
Parsley
Parsley is known to have a mildly bitter taste perfect for enhancing the flavors of food. Many people think of parsley as some curly green garnish, but it is so much more than that. Parsley serves as an equalizer for dishes such as stews to have a more balanced taste. It is also a good source of both vitamins A and C and can help relieve indigestion.
Parsley grows from seed during autumn and spring. They prefer being placed in a pot with moist soil and under full sun. Suppose you start noticing its leaves turning yellow, better to add liquid fertilizers during winter for a boost of nutrients. When harvest season comes, parsley will mature into a large and bushy herb.
Rosemary
Considered one of the most flavorful herbs, rosemary is best added to meat, poultry, and vegetables. This herb isn’t only used in dishes, but with floral arrangements too. Rosemary has an aromatic scent that gives another touch to flower bouquets.
Rosemaries don’t only work well in the flavor department, but with gardening too. They are among the list of easiest herbs to grow in the garden. Rosemary would prefer dry soil, so it is best not to overwater them. Other than that, they can thrive well on their own. Even if it only has rainwater to sustain it, rosemary can still last for a couple of years.
Cilantro/Coriander
Also known as Chinese parsley or coriander leaf, cilantro is best paired with spicy food such as Mexican, Indian, Chinese, and Southeast Asian cuisines. Cilantro seeds can be used as a spice and have a more lemony flavor. Meanwhile, its leaves are chopped to bits, and it tastes more bitter. Cilantros grow early in the season and dislike it when the soil gets a little bit too warm.
Chamomile
Around Europe and the United States, chamomile is a popular ingredient for herbal teas. Hence, chamomile teas being one of the widely-consumed herbal teas around the world. For thousands of years, chamomiles are also used in traditional medicine for calming the nerves and relieving stomach pains.
Chives
A member of the garlic family, chives are the perfect ingredient to complement sour creams. In French cuisine, chives are considered to be of fine herbs. This herb is best added to simple dishes such as eggs, potatoes, fish, salads, soups, and shellfish. It is best to plant chives in winter, under full sun. Make sure to keep the soil moist but well-drained.
Some Tips for Growing Herbs at Home
- Keep in mind that your herbs get the right amount of sunlight and water it needs to grow.
- The soil must be well-drained.
- If your gardening spot’s drainage is questionable, plant your herbs in pots or create raised beds instead.
- To improve the soil, you may take advantage of compost or manure.
- When your herb requires a nutrient boost, you may use liquid fertilizers in moderation.
- Store seeds in a secured paper bag and place them in a cool area before planting season.
- Take note that overfeeding can decrease flavor concentration in herbs.
Takeaway
Growing herbs is like having a natural food seasoning right at your doorstep. Picking the right herb that suits your palate must be thought of well. Review this list when you plan on growing a personal herb garden at home.
