Growing herbs is one of the easiest and most beginner-friendly ways to get started with gardening! And growing them indoors? It’s so easy and fun. Believe us when we say that growing herbs for your kitchen garden is quite simple, as any home cook or even an amateur always has a fresh supply on hand! And you don’t even have to pay retail price when picking herbs that are grown in your kitchen garden.
Why have an indoor herb garden?
There’s nothing like growing herbs in your kitchen garden when they have a fullness of flavors, along with a multitude of health benefits, which dried herbs do not. So, whether you just want a few pots on the patio, have an indoor gardening hobby, or want to save money, you should grow herbs for your kitchen garden to complement your home decor and add some great flavor to your food, as well.
1. Lavender
Lavender is one of those herbs for your kitchen garden that is sure to offer your food a rich taste. It is grown as a condiment and is often used for dressings and salads. While not particularly delicious, lavender is one of those herbs that can be grown indoors and has several health advantages. The herb also works in aromatherapy and soothes insect bites and headaches. Lavender syrup and dried lavender buds are highly popular in the US for scones and marshmallows since they are most people’s favorite indoor kitchen herbs.
Lavender is one of the best herbs for your kitchen garden since it can thrive in various growing conditions; but it grows best in full sun, warm soil, and well-drained soil.
2. Chives
Chives are one of the most extensively utilized kitchen green plants for flavor. As one of the best herbs to grow indoors and a wonderful complement to sour cream, chives are referred to as one of the ‘fine herbs’ in French cooking. Although chives, a member of the garlic family, are native to Asia, they are grown extensively in indoor herb gardens throughout the US. It has been used as an addition for more than 5000 years and is suitable for use with eggs, potatoes, salads, soups, and seafood. Did we mention that this herb is a great choice for indoor gardening as it’s rich in vitamin C?
3. French Tarragon
French tarragon is a must-have for every culinary indoor herb garden, making it one of the freshest, best herbs to grow indoors. With its smoky anise flavor, this traditional component of ‘fines herbes‘ can quickly turn any dish into a work of art. One of the best ways to use French tarragon herbs in the kitchen garden is to incorporate them into any chicken recipe. Planting this in your indoor herb garden can also help you have the best-tasting meats, soups, and sauces.
4. Dill
When compared to other herbs for your kitchen gardens, dill has the richest flavors even before it flowers. It is one of the tastiest additions that can go into your soups, dips, herb butter, and fish dishes. But, of course, having fresh dill on hand is always better than buying dried dill from the store, whether you want to make dill pickles with cucumbers, bake delectable bread, or make delicious soups or stews.
5. Mint
Many people grow mint in their gardens; so it shouldn’t come as a surprise to hear that it does just as well in a container, given how persistent this herb plant is. In reality, peppermint can be used for its intense aroma, whereas spearmint is one of those herbs for your kitchen garden that you can use in teas, jellies, and desserts. After planting, give the mint kitchen herbs plenty of water and set them in a spot with indirect light. Furthermore, for best results, place them near an east-facing window during the spring and summertime. And, a west or south-facing window during the fall and winter.
6. Sage
Sage is an aromatic kitchen herb that works best for kitchen gardening and is ideal for seasoning meats, vegetables, and sauces. Additionally, it has impressive wound healing, anti-inflammatory, and memory-enhancing effects. Since it is popularly believed to be an all-purpose medicinal remedy, sage is one of the best herbs to grow indoors. The best part is that these kitchen garden plants are effortless to grow and sustain. However, sage herbs tend to overshadow other flavors, so you need to be cautious when utilizing them while cooking.
7. Thyme
Thyme, a member of the mint family, is a beautiful herb often used to flavor beans, eggs, and most vegetable dishes. Additionally, it goes well with lamb, tomatoes, and chicken. Not only that, but you can also add thyme that grows indoors to your soups and stews. The most popular type, though, is garden thyme, which has gray-green leaves and a lemony, minty scent. Ah, we can already smell it already!
8. Basil
Basil, whether large leaf Italian basil or giant purple sweet basil, can be used in your indoor herb garden as it is widely used in many cuisines. It has antioxidant benefits and protects against low blood sugar. It is one of the best herbs to grow indoors as it has amazing health benefits. Not to mention it can be used in everything from sauces and salads to pizza and pesto. However, there isn’t any conclusive proof that basil should be grown next to tomatoes to enhance their sweetness.
9. Rosemary
Rosemary is one of the most flavorful herbs for your kitchen garden that works well with meats, vegetables, and even poultry. You can easily get some on sale during the holidays, but you can also bring them home and use them for indoor gardening in the spring. Don’t overwater this herb though; rosemary prefers its soil to be a little dry. So, prepare your rosemary plant to grow into a full-sized bush as it thrives in your kitchen!
10. Parsley
You can choose parsley for your kitchen garden as it really improves the flavor of any food. However, while many people merely view parsley as a curled green topping for food, it actually can enhance the flavor of dishes like stews. In addition, even though parsley is cultivated annually, it can remain evergreen all winter in milder locations. So, get ready for parsley, a rich source of Vitamins C and A, to grow vast and bushy when adequately cared for.
We hope this list of herbs to grow indoors was exciting to read about. Now, you can add flavor to your meals all year long, along with great health benefits and home aesthetics. But be careful to put these herbs close to a bright window, as they require light to grow.
If herbs aren’t your thing, pick one of these easy-to-care-for houseplants, which are great for new plant parents.
Or, are you looking for some simple tips to prolong the life of your indoor plants? Then, refer to this guide: 10 Easy Hacks To Help Your House Plants Live Much Longer.
