Winter’s cold, gray skies have me dreaming of summer’s golden glow and the sweet smell of basil wafting on a warm breeze. But it’s not a dream – I really am smelling the delicious, clove-like scent as I move my hand over the pot of basil growing on my kitchen counter. Immediately, my mood improves.
And my countenance isn’t the only thing enhanced. With fresh herbs in reach, my cooking also gets an added dash of flavor. I love how basil enlivens pasta dishes, and earthy sage, thyme, and rosemary add depth of flavor to my roasted chicken, turkey, and beef dishes.
Herbs are easy to grow indoors, so the gardener (or cook) should never be without fresh, homegrown herbs—even during the year’s coldest months.
You can grow herbs in your kitchen to improve your mood and meals with little effort!
Choosing What to Grow: Which Varieties Are Best for Indoor Growing?
Herbs are low-maintenance plants that offer big rewards in the kitchen. Some of the most popular culinary herbs for an indoor garden include basil, mint, thyme, oregano, rosemary, sage, parsley, and chives. But, regarding what to grow, I recommend choosing those you frequently use in the kitchen.
Perhaps the easiest herb to grow indoors is basil; many beautiful varieties are available. A few to try include Genovese basil, famously used for making pesto, spicy-clove-scented Thai basil, cinnamon basil, or citrus-scented lemon and lime basil—each has a unique scent and flavor profile.
Finding Herbs in Winter: Plants, Cuttings, and Seeds
The quickest way to start an indoor herb garden in the winter is to purchase small plants – if you can find them. Often, garden stores or grocery stores (like Trader Joe’s) will carry an assortment of culinary herbs in small pots.
However, herb plants may not always be available. In that case, you can propagate herbs from existing plants or stems from grocery store packets. I’ve had success rooting rosemary and basil from grocery store stems.
Herb cuttings can be rooted in water or soil using a rooting hormone. Soft-stemmed herbs like basil and mint produce roots quickly when placed in water and exposed to bright light. Woodier herbs, like rosemary and sage, root in water, too, but it takes longer, and tender stems are needed for success.
Of course, you can start herbs from seeds, giving you more choices for what to grow. You’ll need a window that receives bright or a grow light, small containers with drainage holes, quality potting mix, and seeds (shop online for seeds year-round).
Most herb seeds germinate within 7 to 14 days, but basil wins the instant gratification award for sprouting in about five days (or less with a heated germination mat).
Essential Care Tips for Thriving Indoor Herbs
Your indoor herb garden requires little care, but here are a few pointers to keep your plants healthy, happy, and thriving:
- Provide Plenty of Light. Herbs need at least 6 hours of sunlight daily. If bright, natural light is limited, use an LED grow light as a supplement.
- Avoid Overwatering. Most herbs prefer evenly moist soil, so water when the top inch feels dry. Be careful not to let the roots sit in water, which can lead to root rot.
- Ensure Good Drainage. Use a quality, organic potting mix that contains compost or other nutrients for plant growth and containers with drainage holes to allow excess water to drain.
- Harvest Regularly. Harvest or prune your herbs frequently to prevent them from becoming leggy and to stimulate bushier growth. The more you snip, the more they will grow.
- Maintain Proper Humidity and Temperature. Herbs grow best in a warm, slightly humid environment. Mist occasionally if the air is dry, and avoid placing herbs near drafts or heat sources that can dry them out.
Brighten Your Winter with Fresh Homegrown Herbs
Growing herbs indoors during winter brings a touch of green to your home and a burst of flavor to your meals. With just a bit of effort, you can enjoy the freshness of homegrown basil, rosemary, thyme, and more—even when snow blankets the ground. So, embrace the season, nurture your herb garden, and let summer’s vibrant scents and tastes enhance your cooking and lift your spirits all winter!
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