What are the best herbs to grow indoors? For many gardeners mint is a perennial that will thrive indoors for the entire year. It’s beautiful and fragrant, so it’s definitely worth planting. It’s not difficult to grow mint either, so if you’re a novice gardener this is an excellent place to start.
Basil. Basil is another one of the easiest herbs to grow indoors, so if you’ve never bothered growing anything then you have a good start. It is quite hardy and a very easy plant to take care of, although some varieties require more frequent watering. Basil is an herb that has a big round head with a long stem and purple flowers. To keep your basil from becoming dry out, mist it frequently during the hot, sunny periods and give it a well-drained soil.
Rosemary. If you enjoy cooking with spices, Rosemary grates are a great addition to your kitchen. Rosemary is most attractive in its golden, red color, but don’t be fooled: this herb is actually a spicier cousin of mint. Like mint, Rosemary is an indoor plant that needs a lot of moisture, but unlike mint, Rosemary doesn’t like high temperatures. It grows best in a warm environment and also likes rocky soil.
Garlic. Not only does this tasty herb have great flavor, it is also considered a root crop. This means it’s grown for its fruit, which is harvested when it’s tender. Garlic is easy to grow if you choose the right climate for growing it indoors.
Oregano. This warm-weather herb requires a moderate amount of watering and can survive without soil as long as there are trees nearby. However, oregano is actually a perennial so it should be pruned regularly to prevent drying out during the dry, winter months.
Basil. Most of the Mediterranean region loves basil, which makes it a popular choice for many people, including those who want to learn how to grow herbs. Basil’s fragrance adds to the relaxed, homey feel of many home settings, but it’s also a bit temperamental and needs a lot of sun. It blooms in the spring and has lovely flowers that come in a multitude of tones from a rich orange to a deep purple. It’s great for indoor herb gardens and can thrive with minimal watering.
Mint. Mothballs can provide your plants with just the right amount of moisture, but mint does best when it’s given a bit more sun, especially in the late afternoon. The good thing about mine is that it’ll grow almost anywhere, and you can place it where you like in your home. It can be used as a seasoning for foods or mixed into jams and spreads, making it easy to add a little extra zest to everything.
Lemongrass. If you’re looking for herbs that don’t require a great deal of attention, lemongrass will fit that bill. The plant grows to six inches, and its dark green foliage goes well with most decors. Since it prefers to grow in sunny conditions, it’s a good choice for indoor gardeners, and it’s a favorite among amateur gardeners as well as commercial growers who tend to specialize in certain kinds. Like many other herbs, it will thrive with minimal supplemental watering, but you should avoid over-watering or the roots may rot.
Chives. Chives are an easy plant to care for, though they do require a bit more care than some other herbs. Like many perennials, new plants must be planted every few years, spaced apart four to six inches. Because the leaves grow larger with each new year, they will need to be divided regularly so that new plants don’t have the opportunity to get too large for the space in which they are placed.
Chervil. A perennial herb that is a member of the mint family, chervil has a light green foliage and small dark green berries that taste sweet. This herb can withstand dry spells, but not if you choose to leave them wet. Plant your chervil plants in moist potting soil in the early summer, then cover them with a plastic lid during the winter. They should stay healthy through the spring planting year, and you can keep them green and juicy through the summertime.
Parsley. As one of the easiest herbs to grow indoors, parsley is a favorite addition to any kitchen. Parsley is high in antioxidants, which help rid the body of free radicals that contribute to cancer. While it is best grown in a sunny window, it is an excellent choice for an indoor herb garden as long as it receives ample sun. Keep the roots of your parsley plants moist and give them a chance to grow tall.