Indoor Herb Gardens for Eco-Friendly Cooking

By Danielle Roberts July 19, 2023 22 mins read 217 Views

Herbs are relatively easy to grow and take up very little space. They're also a great way to bring some green into your kitchen and to try herbs you may not have grown before.

Make sure to use a well-draining potting mix and to plant them in containers with drainage holes. Herbs don't like to sit in standing water.

Chives

Most herbs require a lot of sunlight to thrive and grow well, but they don’t all need the same amount. Some no-fuss picks, including chives, cilantro, parsley and rosemary, work great indoors. Plant them in containers with a rich, well-draining soil and moderate precipitation. Keeping the herbs watered often and feeding them regularly will keep them happy.

A common herb, chives are one of the easiest to grow and maintain, making them ideal for beginners. You can harvest fresh sprigs from this versatile, perennial herb year-round for a delicious and healthy addition to meals. Whether you enjoy them as a garnish or add them to salads, meat dishes and soups, chives’ mild onion-like flavor is a delicious accent to many foods. They also make beautiful, edible flowers, and they’re a favorite among pollinators.

You can start chives from seed or by taking a cutting, which is a branch of the existing plant cut at a node and soaked in water until new roots sprout. You can also buy a starter plant from a garden center to get your herbs growing quickly and efficiently. If you choose to take a cutting, you will need to prune it frequently to encourage new growth and prevent the leaves from becoming too large or overcrowded.

In general, most herbs prefer a sunny location with at least six hours of sunlight each day and rich, well-draining soil. Add organic matter, such as well-rotted manure or garden compost, to the soil before planting to increase its nutrients and help it retain moisture.

Containers made of plastic, glass or metal, such as terra-cotta pots, can be used to house your herbs. However, they must have drainage holes and be deep enough to allow for proper root development. It’s a good idea to line the bottom of the pot with pebbles to catch excess water and prevent the potting soil from becoming saturated.

Chives are shallow-rooted and do best with regular watering, but they should not be allowed to become soggy. A light watering with a small watering can or a daily drizzle from a sink should be sufficient. If the herbs get too dry, they may wilt or turn yellow, and their production will suffer.

Cilantro

Cilantro is a cool-weather herb that can survive the winter in many climates, but it does best with consistent light and temperatures. Growing it indoors allows you to harvest herbs at their most flavorful.

Unlike some other herbs, cilantro does not require a lot of space for growth, so it's one of the easiest to grow in your kitchen. However, it does need a minimum of six hours of sun each day from a southern- or western-facing window. If you don't have the space to provide that amount of sunlight, consider using a grow lamp. These are similar to lamps used for other plants and come with an automatic timer that provides the right amount of light at the correct times.

Most herbs grow best in a well-draining soil, and cilantro is no exception. The soil should be kept slightly moist at all times, but not soggy, especially when seeds or seedlings are first germinating and developing. You can use a standard potting soil or a fast-draining, organic soilless medium like a mix of peat, vermiculite, and perlite. It's also important to add a teaspoon of ground limestone to the soil to avoid overly acidic conditions that can be detrimental to cilantro.

A constant wet soil can rot your cilantro plant, so it's important to check its moisture level frequently. Stick your finger in the soil to see how dry it is; if you feel nothing, the plant probably doesn't need more water. Overwatering can also invite pests such as fungus gnats, which love to breed in wet soil. To help eliminate these flies, allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings.

Another alternative to a traditional windowsill is a Click and Grow system, which eliminates the need for soil and is self-contained with built-in lights and pre-filled nutrients. These are available in a variety of styles and sizes to fit your home decor, and some even include apps that let you monitor the health of your plants.

Having an herb garden in your own kitchen offers some major benefits beyond just saving money and making fresh food. Herbs in their original containers retain more of their strong flavors than those sitting on a shelf, so you'll enjoy more delicious meals with the same amount of money you spend on your herbs. Plus, you'll skip the grocery store and have fresher ingredients that you grew yourself, instead of those that were shipped from thousands of miles away.

Rosemary

Herbs need sunlight to thrive. Choose a window location that gets at least six hours of direct sunlight per day, or place them in a sun-loving artificial light fixture. Herbs grown under fluorescent lighting need about 14 to 16 hours of daily exposure. Herbs that are not exposed to the correct light conditions will become thin and spindly, have smaller leaves and less flavor. This includes mint (Mentha spp), bay (Laurus nobilis), marjoram and oregano (Origanum spp) and rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis).

Indoor herb gardens need adequate drainage, so choose a container with drainage holes. Most herbs do well in containers that hold 6 to 12 inches of potting mix. Keep the potting mix slightly moist at all times, but don't allow it to become waterlogged. To help your herbs retain moisture, add a water-soluble fertilizer to the potting mix and apply it to the soil surface once or twice per month.

Most herbs require cool temperatures, so avoid exposing them to drafts or heating vents. Herbs prefer a daytime temperature of 65 to 70 degrees and a nighttime temperature no lower than 55 to 60 degrees.

If you want to grow your own herbs from seed, start them in a sunny window about 8-10 weeks before the last frost in your area. You can also buy starter plants to begin with.

Once your herb plants are established, harvest them frequently to encourage growth. You can use fresh sprigs in your favorite dishes or dry them to preserve the flavors for later use. To avoid overcrowding your herb plants, remove no more than a third of the total foliage at one time.

If you don't have a windowsill, try this wall-mounted grow light from Food52 or this planter that comes with a drip tray and grows six different types of herbs. Another option is this mason jar planter kit that has more than 1,300 five-star reviews on Amazon. This set features a metal stand to hang your pots from, and it includes chalk labels for easy identification of each herb.

Basil

Herbs are easy to grow indoors, but it's important to keep in mind that they each have unique growing requirements. For example, some herbs need more moisture than others, and most thrive in warm temperatures. Likewise, some herbs are more sensitive to cold than others. To keep your herbs healthy, match them to the conditions in your home and provide them with individualized containers and care.

Most herbs need at least six hours of full sun each day, so set them near a sunny south-facing window if possible. If your windows don't provide enough light, invest in a plant grow lamp to help them thrive.

Many herbs also require good soil, so choose a container that's the same size as their rootball. You can use traditional potting mix, or try a soilless alternative like a well-blended sphagnum peat moss, a blend of equal parts worm compost and vermiculite, or coconut coir. To check soil levels, stick your finger about an inch down; if it feels moist, it's time to water.

Indoor herb plants may grow slowly, especially in the winter, and it's a good idea to prune them regularly to promote bushiness. Regular pinching and pruning can also trigger fresh new growth and encourage branching, resulting in a fuller plant.

If your herbs outgrow their containers, it's a sign that it's time for a transplant. Be sure to use a container that is the same or only slightly larger than their roots and a potting mix that drains quickly to prevent overwatering. Generally, organic potting mixes tend to hold up better in containers than standard garden dirt.

It's also a good idea to feed your herbs occasionally, particularly in early spring with a half dose of liquid fertilizer and again throughout the summer. You can make your own natural herbal food from compost tea or buy slow-release granules. Avoid overfeeding your herbs, as this can cause them to stretch and become spindly. Keep your herbs away from drafty locations and heat or cooling vents, which can dry out the air and increase the risk of diseases like fungus gnats, powdery mildew and root rot.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you style a small white kitchen?

Small white kitchens require a lot creativity. A small white kitchen can be beautiful if you use natural materials like wood, stone and glass. Also, remember that white kitchens should be kept clean and organized.

Personal touches can be added to your space. This will make your kitchen feel like a home.

Which colour is best for white kitchens?

A white kitchen can look amazing in different colours. However, walnut looks best with it. The space will feel warm and inviting thanks to its natural wood tones. These two colors will complement each others well. You can also choose black or grey if you prefer something more subtle. You can also choose bright colours like yellow and red if you are looking to make an impact. Whichever way you go, make sure your decor fits in with the style.

Where do pots & pans belong in the kitchen

Pots and pans should be kept in the cupboard above your stove. This allows them to be easily accessed when they are needed and helps keep your kitchen clean and clutter-free. You might also want to consider a pot rack that will help you keep your pots & pans organized and in easy reach.

What Do I Really Need to Remodel My Kitchen?

Remodeling a kitchen is a major investment. It's important to consider the suitability of your home before you make any decisions. Remodeling your kitchen requires you to take into account many factors, such as its age and condition, your family's requirements and lifestyle, and your finances.

A kitchen remodel is a great option to make your space more functional. If you have a growing family, a remodel can add storage or counter space. A well-designed kitchen can add value to your house.

A kitchen remodel is sometimes not the best option. A complete kitchen renovation is unnecessary if your kitchen's condition is good and you are satisfied with its layout. You can make small improvements that will enhance the space's appearance without spending a lot of money.

So, how do you know if a kitchen remodel is right for you? Here are some questions to consider:

Is your current kitchen functional? If your kitchen is cramped, has insufficient storage, or doesn't suit your family's needs, a remodel can provide the solutions you're looking for.

Are your kitchen cabinets in dire need of repairs? You may need to remodel your kitchen if your cabinets are deteriorating or your appliances are out of date. These issues will probably require a complete remodel of your kitchen.

Are you looking for ways to increase your home's value? You may be looking to sell or upgrade your kitchen. A well-designed kitchen can increase the appeal of your home and its resale potential.

What's your budget It is possible to spend a lot on a kitchen renovation. Before you even start, you need to have a realistic budget. Be sure to factor in the cost of materials, labour, and permits when estimating the total cost of your project.

A kitchen remodel may be the right choice for you if you answered "yes" to any of these questions. Talk to a qualified contractor about the details of your plans before you start. It is possible to create the kitchen you desire with careful planning.

What is a reasonable budget for a Metro Vancouver kitchen remodel?

Metro Vancouver's kitchen remodeling budget is reasonable at $50,000. This would cover new appliances and countertops, flooring, cabinets, flooring, and lighting.

What countertops look best with white kitchen cabinetry?

White kitchens allow you to be very bold with your countertops. Quartz countertops are becoming the norm in kitchen design. These are our top choices for quartz countertops to match white kitchens.

Different shades of concrete grey
Bold Granite patterns
Veiny marble-like designs
Bright and striking colours such sunflower yellow or oceanblue are available

Statistics

Experts also recommend setting aside 20 percent of your budget for surprises, including unpleasant demolition discoveries. One is water damage, the electricity that is not up to code, or other budget-spiking gotchas. (hgtv.com)
In large firms, the commission charged by the GC ranges from 15 to 25 percent of the total job cost. (thespruce.com)
According to Burgin, some hinges have this feature built-in, but it's an add-on cost for other models of about $5 retail, adding up to $350 to $500 for an entire kitchen, depending on size. (hgtv.com)
This is rather grim, but according to Business Insider, 12 percent of couples consider getting a divorce while renovating their home! (familyhandyman.com)
Keep 10 to 25 percent of List 2, depending on the budget. (familyhandyman.com)

External Links

How To

What is the Cost of Kitchen Remodeling in 2022 These 12 Tips Will Help You Save Money

How much do you need to spend on a new kitchen. The average kitchen project costs $40,000-$100,000. This will depend on how large your space is and what features are desired. Upgrades can help you get top dollar for your home if it's time to sell.

Here are our top twelve ways to save money without sacrificing on quality.

Secondhand appliances
DIY projects
Repurpose old furniture
Use salvaged materials
You can hire a professional to do the job
Donate your stuff
Sell online
Use paint colors to get creative
Go green
Keep it simple
Make it unique
Be flexible

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