Growing a herb garden indoors, particularly in the kitchen, offers numerous benefits. For instance, it provides access to fresh, healthy herbs at low costs and allows one to control pesticide use, not to mention the continual supply of herbs all year round and a visually pleasing kitchen. However, before one starts sowing seeds or buying saplings, it is important to know which herbs thrive indoors and how to care for them.
Best herbs to grow indoors
Quite a few herbs grow all year round and do not require constant care and regular maintenance.
Bay
One of the most popular low-maintenance indoor herbs is bay laurel, known as bay leaves. They are ideal options to flavor stews, sauces, and soups.
Bay leaves can be grown using container gardening methods, making it an ideal option for the kitchen. The perennial plant requires full-to-partial sun for growth, so placing the pot in an east- or west-facing window is ideal. Additionally, one can thin the plant at the soil level if one has a compact kitchen.
Parsley
Certain plants are known to adapt to indoor conditions, with parsley being common. Biologically known as Petroselinum crispum, parsley has a distinctive bright green color, curly or flat leaves, and a fresh, peppery flavor and aroma. It grows to a length of 12 to 18 inches.
To harvest parsley, one can cut the outer stems at the base of the plant. This method allows the inner stems to continue growing throughout the year. It is important to ensure that the plant receives full or partial sunlight and is planted in well-drained soil to prevent it from rotting.
Chervil
This plant is also known as “French parsley,” as it is a recurring favorite for seasoning and flavoring delectable French dishes. Chervil leaves are ideal seasoning options for soups, veggies, poultry, and fish. Furthermore, this plant can also be used to prepare a delicious herb butter.
This plant is ideal for those who don’t get much sunlight in their kitchen. This is because chervil needs partial sunlight to grow; however, it requires temperatures between 65 and 70 degrees to thrive in an indoor herb garden setup. Sow its seeds in late summer or spring to get the best results.
Mint
This plant has several varieties, including peppermint, chocolate mint, and spearmint. Each type possesses a characteristic menthol-like aroma and sharp, toothed leaves. This plant needs well-drained soil and a partial amount of sunlight to thrive. One should place mint in a separate container to control its invasive nature.
DIY kitchen herb garden ideas
One can try out many useful DIY ideas to grow an indoor herb garden.
Woodland herb garden
These kits include wooden plaques that bring a rustic charm to the kitchen. A key feature of these indoor gardens is mason jars filled with herbs such as basil, chervil, oregano, and rosemary. One can occasionally detach these jars and take them outside to enjoy some sunshine.
Chalkboard frame herb garden
Consider trying this DIY idea to create an indoor herb garden that resembles a piece of art. Use a frame coated with chalkboard paint to transform into a chalkboard herb garden. Secure a few herbs to the chalkboard, hang the frame vertically on a kitchen cabinet or wall, and label each plant with chalk for easy identification.
Stacked herb garden
For many homeowners, an indoor garden is as much a visual statement as a practical and cost-effective way to have fresh herbs. For those who wish to create a gorgeous elevated herb oasis in their kitchen, opting to build a stacked garden is a useful alternative. This involves stacking multiple planters of various sizes on top of one another; it not only looks beautiful in one’s kitchen but also helps people save space.
Beginner-friendly tips to grow herbs indoors
Certain proven strategies can be useful for beginners looking to build a herb garden in their kitchen for the first time.
Avoid overwatering
A common misconception about growing plants indoors is that they need watering daily for growth. The truth is that most herbs only need water when the top of their soil feels dry to one’s touch. Feeling the soil is a great way to gauge the hydration requirements of a given plant. If the soil feels dry, then one can water it. On the other hand, overly wet soil can hinder the plant’s development.
Create adequate drainage provisions
Choosing a pot with ample drainage is necessary for the growth and development of indoor herbs. Pots with multiple holes allow excessive water in the soil to run out. This helps the roots of a plant to grow with just the right amount of moisture needed for growth.
Monitor temperature
Most indoor herbs thrive at room temperatures of about 70°F. The temperature can rise rapidly during hot afternoons, especially in kitchens with multiple glass windows. This is why creating provisions for insulation and periodically monitoring the room temperature are useful herb-growing tips for beginners.
