Now is the perfect time to start a kitchen garden! Here are a list of herbs to grow so you can enjoy them all year long.
Herbs are probably something you already use in your life or your cooking, but most people rely on dried herbs for their cooking. Did you know that most herbs are really easy to grow and great for use in your kitchen. From soups to garnishes to seasonings, herbs are always handy to have around. And you can dry fresh herbs to last longer as well. Here are some useful kitchen herbs to grow right now and a little about them.
HOW TO GROW KITCHEN HERBS
During the warmer weather I love to grow my herbs outdoors. I have several containers around my deck that I use for growing herbs. If you don’t have the space for a full garden, container gardening is a great option.
It doesn’t take up a lot of space and it allows you to enjoy fresh herbs all summer long.
To last the winter months, I set aside herbs from my container gardens and freeze them for recipes when it’s growing fresh herbs isn’t an option. Sometimes I even have herbs growing in my windowsill right in my kitchen.
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WHAT HERBS ARE BEST FOR GROWING
Basil
Basil is incredibly hearty as a growing plant and can not only withstand most conditions but thrive in them. This is a herb used in tomato dishes, pizzas, sauces, and more. It’s heavily used in Italian foods. Basil has antioxidants so it’s great for you.
Rosemary
Rosemary is fairly easy to keep, it just prefers more dry conditions so be careful with watering. Rosemary is useful in most types of meat and has a large amount of flavor. If you keep a rosemary plant long enough and well, you can have loads of it for use.
Cilantro
Cilantro is a double whammy because its seeds are also a type of seasoning called coriander. Cilantro doesn’t like super warm conditions, but it is useful in so many dishes. Specifically, this herb is good in spicy dishes and Mexican or Indian foods.
Chamomile
Chamomile grows into a flower, so it’s often forgotten in the herb categories. However, chamomile is a great herbal tea and has medicinal uses in settling stomachs or calming anxiety. If you have space, chamomile is worth a try.
Parsley
Parsley is incredibly underrated as an herb. This helpful herb can grow year-round in mild climates and is abundant when well cared for. Parsley is rich in vitamins A and C and is known to help digestion as well as balance out the flavors of dishes well.
Dill
You may not use this one often today, but you should start. Dill is really easy to grow and helps with reducing swelling, cramps, and bad breath. This herb is great for fish or potato dishes.
Chives
Chives are a really hearty plant and easy to keep as well as get a lot from one plant. This herb has vitamin C and beta carotene which are great for your body. Some people like eating them alone, but they’re great in sour cream, soups, eggs, and more.
Winter Savory
This is a little known herb that has a strong flavor with some spice to it. Winter Savory can work well with beans or poultry among other things and has antibacterial and anti-fungal properties when used medicinally.
Realistically, this list could go on for a very long time because there are so many useful herbs you can experiment with growing. However, this is a great starting point.
WHEN SHOULD I START GROWING MY KITCHEN HERBS
Always check for gardening tips in your area to see when it’s best to start growing your garden. Depending on which part of the country you’re in will determine when you start growing your plants.
If you’re planting seeds, they’re perfect for starting indoors and either transferring to your windowsill, your container garden or your actual garden.
Once the danger of frost passes and they’re big enough, you can easily plant them where you want.
These herbs are some great things to consider growing in your kitchen or garden space to use, and it’s a great experiment to see what you like to grow. You could also use herb growing as a fun kid-friendly kitchen activity!
Have you grown herbs before?
Dawn