Herbs are lovely additions to take your culinary creations to the next level, but organically grown herbs can cost you a pretty penny. An excellent natural alternative is growing your own indoors or outdoors herb garden.
These herbs fare well when grown indoors.
Mint
Mint can grow incessantly, and it’s best to keep them in pots. Spearmint is an excellent herb to grow since they are easily maintained and easy to grow. Once produced, you never have to replant them as they keep coming back each year. Mint prefers shade, therefore, grows well alongside the house or indoors.
Rosemary
Rosemary has an extensive folkloric history and adds a delightful flavor to savory, garlicky, and meaty dishes. When steeped in hot water for ten minutes, it makes a soothing tea. Rosemary flourishes year-round, and the mature plants love well-drained soil and full sun. Plant them in a windowsill or outside.
Nasturtiums
One of the most natural plants to grow and they actually prosper on neglect. They benefit from very little soil, and there is no need to add anything to the soil. Soak the seeds overnight before planting in late spring. You can find more great herb-related articles at Trotting Through Time. Flowering takes about two months and prevails through summer and fall. Nasturtium leaves are excellent additions for sandwiches or blended into sauces, dressings, and soups. The flowers are edible and taste similar to radishes. The seedpods can be pickled.
Cilantro
Cilantro is a tasty addition to Asian stir-fries, Indian dishes such as chana masala or south-of-the-border recipes like green chili and guacamole. The herb is potent and fresh when you grow it, and the seeds can be ground for coriander. The plant grows optimally in cool weather, and the soil must be kept damp but not soggy. If left to flower, the herb reseeds itself every year.
Sage
Sage compliments all poultry dishes, and the leaves can be used as a light appetizer when flower-fried in olive oil. It tastes great when paired with fresh figs, locally made chevre, and California merlot. The herb necessitates full sunlight and proper drainage.
Woolly thyme
This herb grows like a weed and is an excellent ground cover, which can be used for numerous recipes. It is commonly used for Mediterranean dishes and soups. It grows best when planted in full sun locations and watered sparingly.
Chamomile
Easily grown in partial shade or full sun and yields an apple-and-honey-flavored plant which is used for stress-related physical problems. The flower contains the healing characteristics when mixed into tea, planted on a lawn or infused into honey. This herb is an excellent addition to any herb garden.
Basil
Genovese basil is always available in large quantities and grows fast. You can start growing it indoors from seeds a month ahead. Once the weather warms, you can plant them in a sunny spot. It should be harvested early and regularly. When the flowers are cut, it produces more leaves. Basil complements just about any dish, and most people add them to salads, soups, and sauces. It is a superb addition to pizza.
