If you’re interested in dipping your toe into growing your own food, you’ve come to the right place. By far the easiest food to start growing are herbs. Growing herbs saves money, reduces waste, and ensures that you always have just the right amount to complete your culinary creations.
Even if you are Renting an apartment in Scottsdale, Buying a home in AlbuquerqueOr Renting a house in Kansas CityYou can learn how to grow your own herbs. ApartmentGuide reached out to homesteading bloggers, plant shops and chefs to compile nine tips for beginners growing herbs indoors. Read on to know more.
1. Pick your herbs to grow
There are many herbs. Some are easier to grow than others, and if you’re just starting to build your herb garden, it might be better to start with some that will definitely bloom. Below are easy-to-grow and versatile herbs that you can use for a variety of recipes.
Basil
Popular for use in pesto and as a garnish on pasta, basil is an herb in your garden that is sure to be used. “Basil thrives in sunny spots and is easy to grow in pots,” says Erin Turner. The Farm at Spring Creek. “I like to use herb snips and mix them into salads or put them on hummus. Basil needs a sunny window and regular water. Pinch the flowers to encourage leaf growth and keep them from becoming bitter.”
Mint
Mint is a versatile herb known for its refreshing aroma and taste, often used in culinary dishes, beverages and for its medicinal properties. “Mint really only needs half a chance to survive because it’s so hardy and can grow in a variety of conditions, but you want to keep it in a pot because it will take over,” says Erin Turner. The Farm at Spring Creek. “It’s perfect for teas, cocktails and garnishes, or just stir some into your water.”
Rosemary
Rosemary is an aromatic herb with needle-like leaves, often used in culinary dishes to impart a rich, earthy flavor to meats, breads, and roasted vegetables. “Rosemary has an incredible aroma and enhances many dishes, especially meats and stews,” says Erin Turner. The Farm at Spring Creek. “It’s relatively low maintenance. You can grow it in a well-drained pot, in full sun if possible. Allow the soil to dry out between waterings.”
Parsley
Parsley is a bright green, biennial herb commonly used as a garnish or spice, known for its fresh, slightly peppery flavor that enhances the flavor of a variety of dishes. “Whether you want curly leaves for a garnish or flat leaves for a kitchen staple, parsley is a must for the kitchen garden. Although it may be thought of as ‘just a garnish,’ this delicious herb adds bright flavor and a gorgeous shade of green to soups, salads and sauces.” says the team from Barn Owl Garden. “You can pinch the stem near the base to pick individual leaves. Planting in a deep pot and providing strong light will give your parsley what it needs to thrive!”
Chives
Chives are a perennial herb related to onions and garlic, characterized by their long, thin, hollow green stems and mild, onion-like flavor, often used to garnish and flavor dishes. “We needed the perfect amount of chives to finish the meal and realized we were out. Fresh chives add a full, mild punch to your egg, soup and salad recipes. They also look great on top of almost any savory dish,” says the team. Barn Owl Garden. “As long as you leave two inches of growth on the chives, you can use scissors to cut what you want. Try bright light and your chives will thank you.”
2. Grow what you eat
Besides reducing waste and cutting costs, growing herbs gives you control over what you use in the kitchen. “The best herbs to grow in your apartment are the ones you use the most and cost the most. This ensures you’ll both save money and have your favorites on hand whenever you need them,” recommends Carly Macquarie. The Little Green Shoot. “With that in mind, herbs that grow best indoors include: basil, mint, rosemary, thyme, chives, parsley, and oregano. Bay leaves and lemon grass can also be fun to grow indoors.”
You can focus your efforts on herbs with a variety of uses to get the most bang for your buck. “If you’re into cooking, there’s nothing like cooking with fresh herbs. Basil, parsley, cilantro, mint, thyme, chives and sage are some of the most versatile choices for apartment growing,” says Connie Byers. The Unbound Life. “Each of these plants has a unique flavor profile, a wide range of uses and is compact enough for small spaces.”
3. Learn how to prune
For those still earning their green thumbs, it’s important to learn about the specific pruning requirements for each herb you grow. Of Cindy Juncaj good cook Have you covered with expert pruning tips for growing each of the five early herbs.
“Pruning your indoor herb garden is a breeze when you know what to do with each plant. Use these easy-to-follow instructions for your herbs:
- Basil: Pinch off the top two sets of leaves when the plant has at least six sets. Trim the stems above the leaf mass to promote branching and bushier growth.
- Rosemary: Trim stems from top to bottom, cutting just above a cluster of leaves or branches. Remove any dead or yellow leaves to promote healthy growth.
- Mint: Cut back long stems above a cluster of leaves to encourage new growth. Remove any flowers to prevent the plant from becoming woody and bitter.
- Parsley: Trim the outer stems and leaves, leaving the central growth intact. Cut stems at a 45-degree angle above the leaves to encourage new growth.
- Chives: Cut off the leaves near the base of the plant, leaving about 2 inches of growth. Cut off any flower stems to redirect the plant’s energy into leaf production.
Use sharp scissors or shears to prevent damage to the plant. Pruning regularly will promote healthy growth and keep your indoor herb garden thriving.”
4. Choose whether to propagate or start from seed
For some herbs, you can start their growth with just a clipping from an existing plant or a fresh bunch. “Basil and mint are great starter herbs to supply fresh leaves for summer pestos, salads and mint teas, and happily both are very easy to propagate and care for with minimal gardening tools,” says Alison Marsden. Gardening by design. “Cut two or three stalks from an existing plant or a freshly purchased bunch, cutting down a pair of leaves, carefully pinching off those lower leaves and setting the stalks up on your windowsill in a jar of water. After ten days you’ll see white roots growing in the water and you can turn them into multi-purpose compost. But both the plant and the basil are re-cuts. Fades and then you can just take new cuttings and start again!”
If you’re feeling more adventurous, you can try starting your herbs from seed. “Starting herbs from seed is a straightforward process that anyone can master,” says Connie Byers. The Unbound Life. “Most herbs, with the exception of rosemary, which has a low germination rate, can be easily started from seed. For rosemary, it’s best to start with purchased plants or clippings from existing plants.”
5. Consider your apartment environment
The hardest part of growing herbs indoors is making sure they get the right amount of light. “Knowing your apartment environment is the key to successfully growing herbs indoors,” says Jessica Anderson. Ogden Publications. “Choose herbs (and appropriate growing equipment) based on what you have to do in your apartment, such as square footage, how much sunlight comes through your windows, availability of outdoor space, temperature, vertical growth, and more. If you don’t have a lot of sunlight and warmth available, it’s best to buy herbs instead of trying to grow them from seed.”
Sunlight is one of the most important factors determining the growth of your plants. “Just like you take the dog outside for a walk and fresh air, I occasionally take my plants outside for sun and fresh air when time and weather permit,” says Bon Cook’s Cindy Junkaj.
Carly Macquarie seconds the importance of sunlight from The Little Green Shoot. “Be sure to keep the soil moist, especially in colder climates – and with frequent watering,” says Carly McQuarrie of The Little Green Shoot. “Grow lights are easy to find and easy to use these days, especially if you live in a dark apartment.”
In fact, grow lights are a great way to make sure your plants get the sunlight they need. “If you don’t have direct access to a window, consider adding a small grow light to complement,” says Katie. Homesteading Rd. “Most herbs actually like some shade except rosemary and thyme – they like the sun!”
6. Get vertical with it
If you’re running out of space in your apartment for your plants, you can always set things up to grow vertically. “Get it and plant more herbs in a small space Greenstock Vertical Planter If you have a deck or outdoor patio attached to your apartment,” recommends Lauren Miller of Miller Acres. A vertical planter maximizes growing space in small areas, allowing you to grow a variety of plants without needing much ground space. It promotes better air circulation and exposure to sunlight, which leads to healthier plants and reduces the risk of pests and diseases.
7. Use healthy soil
Many people new to growing herbs indoors fail to understand the importance of soil in the growth of their plants. “Healthy potting soil is crucial when growing herbs in pots. Soil is an ecosystem, and the more diverse your potting soil is, the healthier your apartment herb garden will be,” shares Connie Byers. The Unbound Life. “To mimic outdoor growing conditions, start with a high-quality potting soil mixed with coconut coir to retain moisture and worm castings to increase mineral content and add biodiversity.”
For some people, working with clay can be a hassle they don’t want to bother with. Kevin and Julie of recommend Wild Homestead Living. “Hydroponic growing kits cost more but are a cleaner way to grow herbs indoors.”
8. Know the difference in harvesting
Not all herbs grow the same; Some require different light levels or water frequency. This is also true for harvesting. “Know what to expect from your plants,” says Katie Off Homesteading Rd. “Some herbs such as thyme, mint, sage and oregano can bloom for years if cared for, while herbs such as basil, green onion and cilantro can only last a few months and will need to be re-seeded for continued harvest.”
9. Other green thumb tips to complete this beginner’s guide to growing indoor herbs
If you’re looking for more tips when it comes to growing herbs indoors, Kevin and Julie of Wild Homestead Living Have you covered with some extra tips for beginner gardeners.
- Sufficient light is essential. While a south-facing window may work in the summer, using grow light will help your plants stay healthy year-round.
- Maximize pot size. The more room for plant roots to grow, the bigger your plants will be.
- Build in drainage. Wet roots can rot and the plant may die. Make sure your pot has holes and a waterproof tray to catch excess moisture.
- Invest in quality seeds and plants. Find a trusted supplier online or a local nursery that has a good reputation.
- Choose varieties wisely. Some herbs, such as chives, do well in indoor conditions while other dills need outdoor space for deep roots.
