There’s nothing that exhilarates the senses and amps up the ante to cook more than that zesty smell of ripe herbs wafting from the kitchen windowsill. Herbs and spices are commonly purchased in small bottles, dried and ground, BUT it’s easy to grow them yourself, right in the heart of your kitchen! Here are the best plants to opt for that require little care and will keep your kitchen lush with a bit of green year-round.
Get those jars ready for homemade pesto! The fragrant basil is a cooking favorite, especially in Italian dishes. It’s also a great addition to any indoor container garden. Pot your basil seeds with moist soil and keep it in a location where it can get direct sunlight for 6-8 hours a day. Basil grows quickly! To maintain, trim leaves and pinch the flower heads to ensure healthy, continuous leaf growth.
Mmmm...the spicy aroma of rosemary sprigs always brings a smile to the face! During the winter months, no hearty stew is complete with some fresh rosemary. And, by growing it at home, you can reach for it whenever you desire. Plant rosemary seeds in well-drained soil, and be sure to give them plenty of space for growth. Rosemary needs plenty of sunlight, and must be pruned regularly to avoid lagging branches. Leaves can be used fresh or dried for later use by storing them in an airtight container.
Mint is a perennial with a fruity, refreshing taste that compliments teas. It’s also easy to grow, thriving in sunlight with well-drained soil. Mint does well in containers, just be sure to water the plant regularly to ensure moist soil is a constant. For use in cooking, young mint leaves are most flavorful. Use them fresh, freeze or dry leaves in an airtight container once harvested.
