22 Aug Top Picks: The Easiest Herbs to Grow Indoors
Whether you are a beginner or experienced, growing herbs indoors can be a fun and easy way to enjoy your favourite culinary spices and add some aromatic zest to your home.
Herbs are versatile plants that can be used in both savoury and sweet dishes, so there are sure to be a few that you will love growing. Plus, most herbs are relatively easy to care for, making them the perfect plant for novice gardeners. Let’s look at some of the easiest herbs to grow indoors and share some valuable tips on getting started.
What Are Herbs?
Herbs are plants with aromatic leaves, seeds, or flowers used to flavour and add colour to food, and for medicinal purposes. Many herbs can be used fresh, dried, or as an oil or tea.
Some of the most popular ones include basil, mint, rosemary, sage, thyme, and oregano. These herbs are a low-maintenance addition to any home garden and can be grown in pots or on the ground. They also make a great garnish or addition to recipes.
In addition to their culinary and medicinal uses, herbs can also be used for their decorative and fragrant properties.
Most Common Uses Of Herbs
Herbs have numerous uses, both culinary and medicinal. Here are some of them:
Cooking
Herbs are a versatile and healthy addition to any dish. They can be used to add depth of flavour to soups and stews, garnish to finish a meal, or add a nutritious and zingy punch to a salad or sandwich. When it comes to cooking with herbs, the possibilities are endless. But perhaps the most popular use for herbs is in spice rubs and blends. These are used to flavour meats and vegetables before cooking, or added to finished dishes for extra visual appeal and taste.
Herbs can also be used in vegetable dishes, added to salads, or used as a general seasoning for just about any dish. Next time you’re in the kitchen, don’t be afraid to experiment with herbs. You might find that they’re the secret ingredient you’ve been missing.
Medicine
Herbs have been used for medicinal purposes for centuries, and they continue to be an essential part of healthcare today. There are many ways to use herbs for medicine, including teas, tinctures, oils, and ointments.
Herbal teas are perhaps the most well-known way to use herbs medicinally. They can be helpful for a wide range of issues such as headaches, indigestion, and anxiety. For example, ginger is often used to help digestion, while lavender is known for its calming effects.
Tinctures are another popular option, and they are often used to treat more severe conditions such as infections or chronic pain. Oils and ointments can be applied topically to the skin to treat everything from insect bites to muscle pain. Regardless of their use, herbs offer an alternative way to treat various ailments.
Decoration
Not only do herbs make your food taste great, but they can also spruce up your home décor. Dried herbs can be used to make wreaths, potpourri, and other decorative items. And fresh herbs can add a pop of colour and freshness to any room.
When selecting fresh herbs for decorative purposes, choosing varieties that will thrive in your climate and soil conditions is important. Many herbs prefer full sun and well-drained soil, so be sure to select plants that will fit your gardening needs. With a bit of planning, you can enjoy the beauty of herbs all year long.
Easiest Herbs to Grow Indoors
Now that we’ve discussed the many uses for herbs, let’s look at some of the easiest herbs to grow indoors. These plants are perfect for novice gardeners or anyone looking for an easy-to-care-for plant.
1) Basil
Basil is a versatile and flavorful herb that is easy to grow indoors. Not only does it add a burst of flavour to cooked dishes, but it also makes a delicious addition to salads and sandwiches. Best of all, basil is relatively easy to care for. It prefers warm, sunny conditions and should be watered regularly. However, basil is susceptible to root rot, so it is crucial to ensure that the soil drains well. With a little care and attention, basil can thrive indoors and add a delicious touch to your cooking.
2) Bay Laurel
Bay laurel is another excellent option if you’re looking for an easy herb to grow indoors. Also known as sweet bay or true laurel, this herb is native to the Mediterranean and has been used in cooking for centuries.
Bay laurel is relatively tolerant of neglect, so this herb is a terrific choice if you’re not the most attentive gardener. When bay laurel is grown indoors, it will stay relatively small, perfect for shelves or windowsills. And if you’re interested in culinary uses for bay laurel, the leaves can be used to flavour soups, stews, and other dishes. So if you’re looking for an easy-to-grow herb that can be used in the kitchen, bay laurel is a superb choice.
3) Chives
Chives are one of the easiest herbs to grow indoors. They need a pot (with drainage holes), some potting mix, and a sunny spot. Water them regularly, and trim the leaves as needed. You can also divide the plant every few years to keep it healthy.
In addition to being easy to care for, chives have many uses in the kitchen. Its delicate bite enhances soups, salads, and egg dishes. And their pretty purple flowers make a beautiful garnish. So, if you’re looking for an easy-to-grow herb that will add flavour and colour to your cooking, give chives a try.
4) Cilantro
Cilantro is a versatile herb used in various dishes, from salsa to pad thai. Best of all, it is one of the easiest herbs to grow indoors. All you need is a pot, some potting soil, and a sunny spot. Cilantro seeds should be sowed about ¼ inch deep and germinate in 7-10 days. Once the seedlings have reached about six inches tall, you can transplant them into individual pots.
Water cilantro plants regularly and fertilize them every few weeks. When the plants are about 12 inches tall, you can begin to harvest the leaves. Simply cut off the plant’s top two to three inches, and new growth will quickly emerge. With a bit of care, you can enjoy fresh cilantro year-round.
5) Marjoram
Marjoram is a perennial herb that is part of the mint family and has a sweet, woody scent. It’s often used in culinary dishes but also to make potpourri or sachets. Marjoram prefers loose, well-drained soil and full sun but will also do well in partial shade. Water regularly to keep the soil moist but not soggy. When growing marjoram indoors, it’s best to start with seedlings or cuttings rather than seeds. With some care, your marjoram plants will thrive and provide fresh herbs for your kitchen all year.
6) Lemon Balm
As we said, fresh herbs can add a delicious and healthy boost to any meal, and a lemon balm is an excellent option for indoor herb gardens. This fragrant herb is part of the mint family and has a light lemon flavour that pairs well with fish, chicken, and vegetables. Lemon balm is also relatively tolerant of colder temperatures, so when it snows here in Kelowna, you can still enjoy the fresh taste of lemon balm in your cooking.
It is also known for its calming properties and can be used to make herbal tea. This easy-to-grow herb is tolerant of neglect, making it an excellent choice for busy gardeners. Just give it a sunny spot in your kitchen and water it when the soil feels dry. You can enjoy fresh lemon balm all year round with just a little care.
7) Mint
If you’re looking for an easy herb to grow indoors, mint is a great option. Mint is a hardy plant that can tolerate various growing conditions. It also doesn’t require much care – simply water it regularly and trim it back if it gets too big. Mint is also a versatile herb used in many different dishes. You can add it to salads, soups, and stews or use it to make homemade tea or mint jelly. Plus, the scent of mint is refreshing and can help to keep your home smelling pleasant. So if you’re looking for an easy-to-grow herb that’s versatile and low-maintenance, mint is an attractive choice.
8) Oregano
If you’re looking for an herb that’s easy to grow indoors, oregano is another fantastic option. This Mediterranean native is well-suited to growing in pots, and it doesn’t require a lot of sunlight or watering to thrive. Oregano is also a reasonably low-maintenance plant, so you won’t need to spend much time caring for it. And when it’s time to harvest, you’ll be rewarded with a bounty of flavorful leaves that can be used in all sorts of dishes. So if you’re looking for an easy-to-grow herb that will add some zest to your cooking, oregano is a great choice.
9) Parsley
If you’re looking to add a little greenery to your home, parsley is a great option. Not only is it one of the easiest herbs to grow indoors, but it’s also a good source of vitamins A and C, making it a healthy addition to any diet.
There are a few things to keep in mind when it comes to growing parsley. First, parsley prefers cool temperatures, so it’s best to keep it in a spot that receives indirect sunlight. Second, parsley needs moist soil, so water it regularly. With just a little care, parsley will thrive indoors.
Need Help Growing Herbs Inside Your Home?
If you are considering nurturing herbs that are easy to maintain, consider growing some of the herbs we’ve listed. They are simple to take care of and offer a range of flavours and scents that can enhance any meal.
If you need help getting started, contact Kel Lake Garden Centre today for all your indoor gardening needs. We can help you select the right herbs for your needs and provide expert advice on caring for them.
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