Growing herbs for use in the kitchen is getting popular among households in the US.
People are growing rosemary, cilantro, calendula, basil, and many other herbs in the kitchen.
You can grow these herbs for medical use, cooking, or simply improve the ambiance of the place.
If you are interested in growing your own herbs then keep reading as this blog post contains tips for growing herbs in the kitchen.
Best Growing Conditions for Herbal Plants
Each herb has different growth requirements. You need to find out the ideal growing conditions for the herb you want to grow at home.
Look at the package to learn everything there is to know about specific growing conditions. You can also search for the information online.
Here are the general instructions for growing herbs including the best soil, light, and water required for growing herbs in the kitchen.
Well Drained Soil
A well-draining soil is required for proper growth. Soggy or wet roots are not good for the growth of herbs. You should use basic potting soil with worm castings or aged compost.
Adding aged compost can improve the drainage of hard soil such as clay.
You can use a raised garden bed used for growing vegetables to grow herbs. There is no need to make changes in the soil as it already has the right type of soil required for growing herbs.
Water Requirements
Water requirements vary between herbs. Some herbs that are drought tolerant such as rosemary, sage, and thyme require less water. You must let the soil dry out between watering.
Others such as mint and basil must be kept damp for proper growth of the herbs.
But you should note that none of the plants must be kept completely soggy. You must aim for moderate and semi-dry soil. Assess the soil’s moisture level by sticking your finger in the soil.
You should water only when the soil feels more dry than wet.
Consider erring on the side of caution. You should avoid overwatering and wait for the soil to dry. Moreover, it is recommended to water herbs thoroughly and less often to ensure proper growth of the plant.
Occasional Fertilizer Use
Herbs don’t require quality fertilizer. They tend to grow well in average soil.
You won’t have to fertilize most herbs such as sage, oregano, thyme, and rosemary.
However, perennial herbs grown in a container will require occasional fertilizers. Basic is also a herb that requires rich fertilizer such as aged compost to thrive.
Sunlight Requirements
Culinary herbs generally require good sunlight. They require about five hours of sunlight every day. Ideally, the herbs should get about eight hours for the best growth.
Herbs like parsley, basil, and cilantro grow well from shaded sun or protection during the sunny part of the day in summers.
Herbs that Grow Well in Kitchen
Here is a list of herbs that you can grow in your kitchen.
Basil
Basil is a popular culinary herb that can be grown in the kitchen.
The herb is an important ingredient in many Italian, Southeast Asian, and Mediterranean dishes. You must plant basil seeds about a quarter-inch deep in well-drained soil.
Make sure that the basil seeds are about six inches apart from each other.
You should place the plants where they have access to full sunlight. Consider pruning the herbs three inches from the top once every two weeks. This will keep the plant tidy and also spur the growth of the herbs.
Chives
Chives are also a popular herb that can be grown in the kitchen.
Growing the herb is easy and they add a slight onion flavor to the food. You should plant the chives seeds about a quarter-inch deep in the soil. Similar to planting basil seeds, it is important to plant in well-drained soil.
You must plant the herbs in full sunlight as they don’t grow well in shades. The leaves of the herbs are similar to grass that can grow to about a foot tall. You should cut them using scissors and add them to your dishes for taste.
The purple flowers must be pruned to ensure the healthy growth of the herb. You can also add flowers to dishes as they are edible and healthy.
Cilantro
Cilantro is a versatile herb that is used in many dishes, particularly in the Caribbean and North Africa.
They are also popular in Mexican and Southeast Asian dishes. You must grow the herb in well-drained soil in direct sunlight.
You should plant the cilantro seedlings in a compostable pot. Cut the stems to ensure the robust growth of the plant.
The plant has a short lifespan and bolts easily. You will have to plant the seeds once every few weeks to ensure a steady supply of the seed.
Dill
Dill is a fragrant and feathery herb that is used in salads. It is also added to soups and salads.
Dill seeds should be first planted in the garden and transplanted in a pot once it grows. The herbal plants produce flowers that slow down the growth of the leaves.
Similar to the cilantro plant, the flowers of dill are edible. You can cut the flowers and use them in spice blends and pickles.
Consider planting the dill seeds every few weeks. This is important if you want a continuous supply of the dill herb.
The new plants will take place of the older ones that fade after a few weeks.
Bay Leaves
Bay leaves will be a good addition to your kitchen. You can grow the herbs in warm zones. To grow the herbs in cooler regions, you have to plant the herb in a pot inside.
Growing bay leaves plant from the seed can be difficult. You should buy the Laurusnobilis bay plant from your local nursery.
Bay leaves plant should be grown in well-drained soil.
You should allow the soil to dry as soggy soil can be bad for growth. The plant can grow in partial shade, unlike most other herbs.
You should give the plant light pruning during spring to control its size. Consider picking off the fresh leaves when you need them. Dry leaves can also be used as condiments.
You must store the dry leaves in an airtight can covered with dark color paper to prevent exposure to light. Jam jars with glass lids secured by metal clamps work great.
Parsley
Parsley is also a great herb that you can grow in your kitchen. Fresh parsley can be used as a garnish. You can use it in salad, dressing, and sauce.
Plant parsley seeds in a pot about a quarter-inch deep outside.
It will take about three weeks for the parsley to sprout from the leaves. You must transplant the seedlings to a partially sunny location. Trim the stems and flowers for the proper growth of the plant.
Rosemary
Rosemary is a decorative shrub that is commonly found in warm climates. The woody herb can also be grown in a climate-controlled environment inside the house.
You can also grow the herb as an annual in your kitchen garden.
The herb has a fragrant flavor that can improve the aroma of the kitchen. Moreover, the herb of the plant is also flavorful that can spice up the food.
Growing rosemary herb from the seed can be a bit tricky. You should buy the plant in your local garden center.
The pot should be placed in a sunny location. Trim the stems once a week to ensure proper growth of the leaves. You use the stems as a skewer for grilling outside.
Oregano
Oregano is a resilient herb that you can grow in your home kitchen. The plant can also be used to decorate the kitchen. A variety of oregano herbs known as Origanumvulgare is used in tomato sauce and pizza.
There are edible varieties including ones with variegated and golden leaves.
You will need to plant oregano seeds in gravely soil. Place the pot in a sunny spot near the window.
You will have to plant the seeds about a quarter-inch deep. The seeds should be placed about six inches apart from each other in the pot.
Oregano herbs don’t need frequent watering. You can let the herb get dry between watering. Trim the twigs and leaves of the oregano as you need it. Pruning the flowers and leaves will encourage fuller growth of the herb.
Final Remarks
You can grow herbs from seeds or buy one in your local nursery. You should ideally plant the herbs after the end of the winter season.
Remember that you cannot take a large number of herbal leaves for culinary purposes.
You can only take a few leaves from the plant in the kitchen. To ensure a steady supply of herbs for cooking, you can sow and plant the herbs over several months in the backyard.
Herbs are grown in the kitchen more for decorative purposes and improving the aroma of the place.
The fragrant herbs have a calming effect on the nerves due to which many homeowners grow them as an indoor plant.
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