Growing Kitchen Herbs Without a Garden
Herbs are excellent for enhancing culinary dishes with flavor. An added benefit of using herbs is that they contain antioxidants, nutrients, and vitamins. While fresh herbs are often interchangeable with dried herbs, the former has greater purity of flavor. It should also be noted that some dishes, such as pesto and tabbouleh, require fresh herbs. Since fresh herbs are expensive, growing an herb garden is a way to enjoy their benefits without spending a lot of money. Growing herbs can be a very enjoyable and rewarding experience, whether you be a city dweller, or live in the suburbs in a house with a backyard. All you need is a sunny windowsill, a few pots and/or planters, soil, water, and some seeds. If you don't have a green thumb, fear not: herbs are easy to grow and maintain.
For beginners, the simplest herbs to grow are perennials, which bloom every season after the first planting. These include mint, thyme, marjoram, chives, fennel, and tarragon. Mint and lavender are notorious for their widespread proliferation and ability to survive different climates. While perennials can be grown indoors, they thrive outdoors in the summer. Therefore, a balcony would be an ideal location for them. Other good herbs to start with are rosemary, sage, sweet basil, and chives. When growing caraway and parsley, keep in mind that they are biennial plants that live for only two seasons and must be replanted thereafter. Annual plants, which include anise, basil, coriander and dill, must be replanted every year.
Once you have decided on which herbs to plant in your garden, it is time to grow them! You have the option of growing from seeds or purchasing them from a plant nursery. You will need a container that is 6-12 inches deep and 6 inches in diameter if growing individual plants. When planting multiple herbs in one container, be sure to space the plants out by at least 4-5 inches. If growing from seeds, first, line the bottom of the planter with gravel for drainage. Make the soil mixture by mixing 2 parts potting soil,1 part coarse sand, and 1 teaspoon of limestone per 6-inch pot. Fill three quarters of the container with the soil mixture. Then, press the seeds into the soil and cover with 1 quarter inch of soil, and then water. If the plant is from a nursery, fill the planter halfway with soil, carefully transplant the herb into the planter, and add more soil to cover. Water the herbs just enough to keep the soil moist. Avoid over-watering, since this can cause root rot. If the plants do not receive enough sunlight, supplement with a fluorescent lamp.
Aside from having the convenience of organically-grown herbs on-hand for cooking, growing your own herbs is a fun and relaxing way to get in touch with nature. There is a certain amount of pride in growing your own food. Herbs are also fragrant, serve a decorative purpose, and look quite attractive when grown in hanging baskets and planters that have multiple “pockets”. Whatever the reason may be, anyone can grow their own herbs and enjoy their benefits.
