If you’re anything like me, you understand the joy that fresh herbs can bring to your cooking and home. Herbs, with their good smells and easy-growing nature, are the perfect addition to your kitchen garden dreams.
But what about those of us who don’t have outdoor space or soil to grow herbs, is there hope for us too?
Read on…spoiler alert: THERE IS GOOD NEWS AHEAD!
1. Peppermint
You can grow peppermint in a jar and snip off a bit to make herbal tea, oil, or soup. This fragrant herb also adds a sweet scent to your home. Peppermint thrives well in partially sunny or shady windows.
2. Oregano
You can incorporate fresh oregano into pasta sauces, soups, and other savory meals. Simply use kitchen scissors to carefully snip a few leaves from the stem. Oregano plants can grow quite large, so monitor their growth regularly.
3. Sage
Sage features a flavorful scent, making it a top choice in holistic practices. It pairs beautifully with eggs, chicken, lamb, or pineapple. Simply snip the amount you need and add it to your dish. Sage thrives with minimal water and requires moderate sunlight.
4. Basil
Basil, a widely loved Italian herb, thrives in water. Integrate it into various dishes like sauces and soups. Ensure your basil jar receives between 6 to 8 hours of sunlight each day.
5. Stevia
Stevia is a resilient herb that thrives with some sunlight but also manages well in shadier spots. You can use the fresh leaves to naturally sweeten tea or coffee. Alternatively, the leaves can be ground into a powder for use as a sweetener.
6. Thyme
Thyme is an adaptable herb that produces edible flowers. You can harvest thyme before it blooms, hang its stems to dry, and then strip the leaves for culinary use. Ensure your thyme gets plenty of sunlight by placing it in a bright window.
7. Rosemary
Rosemary thrives in both full sunlight and partially shaded areas. For optimal growth, full sunlight is best. Use this herb to enhance your favorite chicken dishes.
8. Lemon Balm
Lemon balm can be brewed into an herbal tea that may help with reducing anxiety, relieving indigestion, and improving sleep. Ensure the plant gets plenty of sunlight for optimal growth.
9. Chives
Chives are an easy-to-grow member of the onion family. They thrive with abundant water and sunlight. You can incorporate them into numerous dishes for added flavor.
10. Cilantro
Cilantro thrives with ample sunlight, but can adapt to partial shade. Use this aromatic herb to elevate your salsa and other Mexican-inspired recipes.
11. Lavender
Lavender can help soothe symptoms of depression, ease migraines, and reduce cramping. It’s also excellent for promoting better sleep. Use its leaves to make a tea or an oil. Additionally, lavender has a wonderful scent. This herb thrives in sunny, airy environments.
12. Marjoram
Marjoram thrives best in full sunlight, making it a suitable herb to grow indoors. Patience is needed as this herb takes longer to grow. It’s a versatile addition to your kitchen, perfect for seasoning chicken and beef dishes. You can also create marjoram-infused oils for lotions and bath soaps.