Growing herbs in the home is something that a lot of people think of doing, however a lot of people do not know where to get started and if their home is optimal to grow them in. This is understandable if you live in an apartment and you still want to use them for many things – instead of having to purchase them from a grocer. Here is how you'd get started growing them (even in smaller apartments with less sunlight), easy herbs to grow if you're a beginner and what they can be used for.
Getting Started Growing Herbs
Growing herbs inside is something known as container herb gardens since each herb option grows in a container on a window sill or other sunny area in the home. There are some things that you will need though in order to grow these herbs at home such as a window that receives at least 5 hours of sunlight every day and the temperature inside the home should be between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
The pots that you use to grow the plants should have a drainage spot in the bottom of it so the plants do not rot. You should choose pots that will allow your herbs to grow, ideally around 6 to 12 inches is needed. Use potting soil from a store – add it to the pot about half way, plant your herb seeds and then cover it with the soil. Add your plant food and water and watch them grow over time. Make sure the soil is not too wet or too dry and that you do add plant food every other day for a healthy grow.
Some of the ideal herbs to grow if you're a beginner include, but are not limited to:
- Rosemary
- Onion Chives
- Basil
Once you've grown these, you can move onto some of the more difficult herbs that are out there. Become familiar and comfortable with the process and be able to grow just about any herb once you learn.
What These Herbs Can Be Used For
Rosemary
Rosemary stems are able to be used at any time and they can go great with many different food options. One of the best ways to use rosemary is by finely chopping the roots and adding it on top of chicken. The stems can also be used as skewers or basting brushes and add a little flavor to an otherwise drab meal.
Onion Chives
Almost as quickly as they come up, they can be harvested and used but you have to ensure that you cut at lease a half inch above the stem. Do not cut too much off at one time either since they need foliage to grow. They can be a great substitute for onions, garlic or shallots. They are great to grow inside as well, especially if it is over the winter time.
Basil
Basil can be used in many foods and is easy to harvest since you just pinch off the leaves when the plant is between 6 to 8 inches tall. It can be used in many different summer dishes such as salads and tomato plates. It is also a beautiful flower that is able to be added to many arrangements or used to ward off pests.
Getting Started Growing Herbs
Growing herbs inside is something known as container herb gardens since each herb option grows in a container on a window sill or other sunny area in the home. There are some things that you will need though in order to grow these herbs at home such as a window that receives at least 5 hours of sunlight every day and the temperature inside the home should be between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
The pots that you use to grow the plants should have a drainage spot in the bottom of it so the plants do not rot. You should choose pots that will allow your herbs to grow, ideally around 6 to 12 inches is needed. Use potting soil from a store – add it to the pot about half way, plant your herb seeds and then cover it with the soil. Add your plant food and water and watch them grow over time. Make sure the soil is not too wet or too dry and that you do add plant food every other day for a healthy grow.
Some of the ideal herbs to grow if you're a beginner include, but are not limited to:
- Rosemary
- Onion Chives
- Basil
Once you've grown these, you can move onto some of the more difficult herbs that are out there. Become familiar and comfortable with the process and be able to grow just about any herb once you learn.
What These Herbs Can Be Used For
Rosemary
Rosemary stems are able to be used at any time and they can go great with many different food options. One of the best ways to use rosemary is by finely chopping the roots and adding it on top of chicken. The stems can also be used as skewers or basting brushes and add a little flavor to an otherwise drab meal.
Onion Chives
Almost as quickly as they come up, they can be harvested and used but you have to ensure that you cut at lease a half inch above the stem. Do not cut too much off at one time either since they need foliage to grow. They can be a great substitute for onions, garlic or shallots. They are great to grow inside as well, especially if it is over the winter time.
Basil
Basil can be used in many foods and is easy to harvest since you just pinch off the leaves when the plant is between 6 to 8 inches tall. It can be used in many different summer dishes such as salads and tomato plates. It is also a beautiful flower that is able to be added to many arrangements or used to ward off pests.