Herbs! We could technically live without them, but why suffer through bland, lifeless meals? Herbs are highly aromatic, enhancing both indoor and outdoor spaces before you even harvest them for the kitchen.
Herb plants are among the easiest to grow, whether indoors or out. Indoors, all you need are small pots (4 to 6 inches), a bright sunny window (or a grow light), and the desire to cultivate fresh flavors at your fingertips. Outdoors, they thrive in a sunny location with easy access to water.
Store-bought herbs, whether fresh or dried, are pricey—and the cost keeps climbing! Growing your own is almost foolproof, and even if one or two don’t make it (it happens!), they’re inexpensive to replant.
Why Grow Herbs?
1. Homegrown Herbs Save Money
Fresh herbs from the store have a short shelf life. That small bunch of basil? You’ll need to plan a week of basil-packed meals just to use it up. Growing your own means you harvest only what you need—no waste, no overspending.
2. Fresh Herbs Taste Better
Fresh herbs elevate dishes in a way dried ones simply can’t. They add brightness, color, and that gourmet touch. Even if you dry your own, they’ll be much fresher than anything off a store shelf.
3. They Smell Fantastic
A kitchen filled with growing herbs releases an inviting, warm fragrance. Open a window, and your whole house gets a natural air freshener.
4. Gardening Reduces Stress
Sowing, nurturing, and harvesting herbs is not just productive—it’s therapeutic. Watching your plants grow and using them in your meals brings a satisfying sense of accomplishment.
5. Herbs Make Great Gifts
Herb plants are thoughtful housewarming gifts, and fresh-cut herbs can be packaged with recipe cards for a personal touch. Hosting a dinner party? Mini potted herbs labeled with guests' names double as both place cards and take-home favors.
Annual vs. Perennial Herbs
Some herbs are annuals, meaning they need replanting each year, while others are perennials that return season after season. Gardeners in colder climates will need to treat most herbs as annuals outdoors, while those in warmer regions may be able to grow them year-round.
Annual Herbs (Replanted Every Year Outdoors, Grown Anytime Indoors)
Basil
Basil is one of the most versatile herbs, with varieties like Lemon, Lime, Sweet, Spicy, Mammoth Leaf, and even African Blue.
- Basil thrives in rich, well-draining soil. Mix compost into your soil or use a balanced fertilizer.
- Water consistently to keep the soil moist but not soggy.
- Pinching back leaves and flower buds encourages bushier growth.
- Commonly used in Italian, Vietnamese, and Thai cuisine for sauces, salads, pesto, and marinades.
Cilantro
A love-it-or-hate-it herb, cilantro’s flavor is due to genetics—some people taste citrusy notes, while others experience a soapy flavor.
- Cilantro thrives in partial to full sun but benefits from afternoon shade in hot climates.
- Best planted in spring or fall, as it bolts quickly in heat.
- Used in Mexican, Indian, and Thai dishes—often paired with garlic, lime, or lemon.
- Indoors, place cilantro in bright, indirect sunlight.
Dill
Dill’s feathery leaves are as beautiful as they are flavorful, perfect for seasoning fish, potatoes, soups, and pickles.
- Best grown in cooler temperatures—bolts quickly in heat.
- Add fresh dill toward the end of cooking to preserve its delicate flavor.
- Grows year-round indoors with regular watering.
- Outdoors, protect from frost or grow in mild temperatures.
Perennial Herbs (Return Year After Year Outdoors)
Oregano
Oregano’s earthy, woody flavor is highly aromatic and often used in Mediterranean cuisine.
- Prefers full sun and well-draining soil but is very hardy.
- Drought-tolerant once established—water only when the soil feels dry.
- Crush or chop before use to release flavorful oils.
- Great in tomato-based dishes, vinaigrettes, marinades, and chimichurri.
Rosemary
Rosemary resembles a miniature Christmas tree, with pine-like needles and an energizing aroma.
- Prefers full sun and well-draining soil.
- Drought-tolerant outdoors; water sparingly once established.
- Indoors, water when the top inch of soil is dry.
- Used in roasted meats, baked goods, oils, and even cocktails.
Thyme
Thyme’s subtle, earthy flavor complements nearly any dish—no chopping required!
- Grows best in full sun with well-draining soil.
- Drought-tolerant once established; allow soil to dry between waterings.
- Essential in French cuisine, soups, marinades, and roasted vegetables.
- Whole sprigs can be added to dishes early in cooking to infuse flavor.
What About Parsley?
Parsley is a biennial, meaning it lives for two years but flowers only once before dying off.
- Flat-leaf and curly varieties both have a fresh, mildly peppery flavor.
- Excellent as a garnish or blended into pesto, soups, and marinades.
- Stimulates taste receptors, making other flavors more pronounced.
- Chewing fresh parsley after a meal can freshen breath.
Transitioning Herbs from Indoors to Outdoors
If you start herbs indoors and want to move them outside, follow these steps:
- Gradual Acclimation – Over 2–3 weeks, place plants in a shaded spot and slowly introduce more sunlight.
- Wait for Warm Soil – Garden soil should be consistently above 60°F before transplanting.
- Container Considerations – Herbs in pots warm up faster than garden soil but also cool down quicker in cold weather.
Herbs: The Perfect Beginner’s Plant
Herbs are ideal for beginner gardeners and those with limited outdoor space. Most can be started from seed or transplanted into a garden or pot.
If you’re new to gardening, growing herbs is a great place to start. And as your collection grows, so can your recipe repertoire—experimenting with fresh flavors makes every meal an adventure!
