In soups, cocktails, ice cream, and more, incorporating fresh herbs is an excellent way to elevate any dish and add an elegant, aromatic touch. While you can always use store-bought herbs in your cooking, growing your own is an easy, cost-effective way to make sure that you have fresh herbs on hand whenever you need them. If you’re a home cook considering growing your own herbs at home, check out our step-by-step guide below.
Getting Started
Start by choosing a suitable location. Most herbs thrive in well-drained soil and require a sunny spot where they’ll receive at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. If your outdoor space is limited, know that herbs also grow well in containers on a sunny windowsill or balcony.
Choose your herbs based on your preferences and culinary needs. Some of the easiest herbs to grow at home include basil, mint, parsley, and chives. Consider starting with a few, and then add more as you gain confidence in your ability to care for them.
Planting and Care
To plant your herbs, begin by preparing the soil. Most herbs do well in loose soils such as sandy loam in plastic or terracotta pots. Once your soil is ready, follow the planting instructions specific to each herb, as some may require different depths or spacing.
Regular watering is crucial, but be careful not to overwater, as herbs generally prefer a slightly drier soil. Fertilize occasionally with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer, and prune your herbs regularly to prevent them from becoming leggy.
Harvesting
Harvest your herbs when they are at their peak, typically in the morning after the dew has dried. Snip what you need, taking care to leave a set of healthy leaves below to allow your herbs to continue growing. Rinse the harvested herbs gently and pat them dry before using them in your favorite recipes.
