Herbs: How to Grow and Use Them in Your Kitchen

Why You Should Grow Your Own Herbs

Growing your own herbs has many advantages over buying them from the store. Herbs can be expensive to buy, especially if you want organic or exotic varieties. By growing your own herbs, you will only need to invest in some seeds, pots, soil, and tools once, and then you can enjoy a continuous supply of fresh herbs for free.

The selection of herbs in the store is often limited to the most common ones, such as basil, parsley, mint, and rosemary. By growing your own herbs, you can experiment with different types and flavors, such as lemon balm, sage, thyme, oregano, cilantro, chives, dill, and more. You can also grow rare or exotic herbs that are hard to find in the market, such as lavender, lemongrass, curry leaf, bay leaf, and more.

Herbs from the store are often treated with pesticides, preservatives, or irradiation to extend their shelf life. They may also lose their flavor and aroma during transportation and storage. By growing your own herbs, you will have fresh, organic, and fragrant herbs that are ready to use whenever you need them. When you grow your own herbs, you can decide what kind of soil, fertilizer, water, and sunlight they get. You can also choose when to harvest them and how to store them. You can also avoid cross-contamination with other plants or animals that may affect their taste or safety.

Growing your own herbs is a rewarding and enjoyable hobby that can relax your mind and body. You can watch your herbs grow from seeds to sprouts to mature plants. You can smell their wonderful aromas and touch their soft leaves. You can also share your herbs with your family and friends or use them for crafts or gifts.

How to Choose the Right Herbs for Your Kitchen

Before you start growing your own herbs, you need to decide what kind of herbs you want to grow. There are hundreds of different herbs to choose from, but not all of them are suitable for every kitchen or every cook.

Think about what kind of cuisines and dishes you like to cook and eat. Do you prefer spicy or mild flavors? Do you like Mediterranean or Asian food? Do you use a lot of sauces or marinades? Do you bake or grill? The answers to these questions will help you narrow down your choices of herbs that match your taste buds and cooking skills.

Some herbs are more tolerant of cold or heat than others. Some herbs need more sun or shade than others. Some herbs grow better indoors or outdoors than others. Depending on where you live and where you plan to grow your herbs, you may need to choose different varieties that suit your conditions.

Some herbs are more compact or sprawling than others. Some herbs need more pruning or watering than others. Some herbs are annuals or perennials. Depending on how much space and time you have available for your herb garden indoor or outdoor,  you may need to choose different types that fit your resources.

Growing Herbs Indoors: Tips and Tricks

If you don’t have enough space or suitable conditions for growing herbs outdoors, you can still grow them indoors with some care and attention. 

You should use pots that have drainage holes at the bottom to prevent waterlogging. You should also use pots that are large enough for the roots of your herbs to spread. You can use plastic, clay, metal, or ceramic pots depending on your preference.  You should use a potting mix that is light, loose, and rich in organic matter for your herbs. You should avoid using garden soil as it may contain pests, diseases, or weeds. You should also add some perlite, vermiculite, or sand to improve drainage. 

You should place your pots near a sunny window that gets at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. You should avoid placing them near drafts, heaters, or air conditioners as they may affect the temperature and humidity of your herbs.

You should water your herbs when the top inch of the soil feels dry to the touch. You should avoid overwatering as it may cause root rot or fungal infections.  You should also avoid under watering as it may cause wilting or drying.  You should feed your herbs with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted according to the label instructions once every two weeks during the growing season.  You should avoid overfertilizing as it may cause excessive growth or reduced flavor. 

Essential Tools and Supplies for Herb Gardening

To start growing your own herbs, you will need some basic tools and supplies that will make your job easier and more enjoyable. Here are some of the essential items for herb gardening:

• Seeds or seedlings :You can buy seeds or seedlings from nurseries, garden centers, or online stores. 
• Seeds are cheaper but take longer to germinate and grow. Seedlings are more expensive but give faster results. 
• Pots :You can use any kind of pot that has drainage holes at the bottom. You can choose from different materials, shapes, sizes, and colors depending on your preference. 
• Potting mix :You can use any kind of potting mix that is light, loose, and rich in organic matter. You can also make your own by mixing compost, peat moss, perlite, vermiculite, or sand. 
• Fertilizer :You can use any kind of balanced liquid fertilizer diluted according to the label instructions once every two weeks during the growing season. 
• Watering can :You can use any kind of watering can that has a long spout and a fine nozzle for watering your pots without splashing. 
• Pruning scissors :You can use any kind of sharp scissors for trimming your herbs regularly. 
• Labels :You can use any kind of labels for marking your pots with the names of your herbs. 
• Gloves :You can use any kind of gloves for protecting your hands from dirt, thorns, or irritants. 

How to Plant and Care for Your Herbs

Once you have your tools and supplies ready, you can start planting and caring for your herbs.  Fill your pots with potting mix up to an inch below the rim. Make sure the potting mix is moist but not soggy. Sow your seeds or plant your seedlings according to the instructions on the packet or label. Make sure to space them evenly and leave enough room for them to grow. Water your pots gently and thoroughly until water drains out of the holes. Make sure to water them regularly but not too much.

Place your pots in a sunny location that gets at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. Rotate your pots occasionally to ensure even growth. Fertilize your pots with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted according to the label instructions once every two weeks during the growing season. Prune your herbs regularly to encourage bushy growth and prevent flowering. Pinch off the tips of the stems or cut off the unwanted branches with scissors. Harvest your herbs as needed by snipping off the leaves or stems with scissors. Use them fresh or preserve them for later use.

Harvesting and Preserving Your Herbs

Growing your own herbs allows you to get their benefits year-round, whether they are fresh or dried. Gather your herbs first thing in the morning, when their oils are at their richest. Harvesting them when they are moist or wilted should be avoided. As soon as possible after picking, use your herbs fresh. They should be cleaned delicately, then dried with paper towels. For up to a week, keep them in the refrigerator in a glass jar or a plastic bag.

Hang your herbs upside down in bunches in a warm, dry, and dark location for a few weeks to dry them. To expedite the procedure, you can alternatively use a dehydrator, an oven, or a microwave. When they become brittle and crisp, check them frequently and remove them. For up to a year, keep them in sealed containers in a cold, dark, and dry location.

Herbs may be frozen by being finely chopped and put in ice cube trays. The trays should be filled with water or oil then frozen until solid. Remove the cubes from the freezer and keep them there for up to six months in freezer bags or containers. Steep your herbs in vinegar, oil, honey, alcohol, or water for a few weeks to infuse them. Remove the herbs, strain the liquid, and keep it in the pantry or refrigerator for up to a year.

Cooking with Fresh Herbs: Techniques and Recipes

Cooking with fresh herbs can enhance the flavor, aroma, color, and health benefits of your dishes. Here are some techniques and recipes for using fresh herbs in your cooking:

• Chop your herbs finely or coarsely depending on your preference and the type of dish. Use a sharp knife or scissors to avoid bruising or crushing them.
• Add your herbs at the right time depending on their flavor and texture. Add delicate herbs such as basil, parsley, mint, cilantro, and dill at the end of cooking or as a garnish to preserve their freshness and color. Add robust herbs such as rosemary, thyme, oregano, sage, and bay leaf at the beginning or during cooking to release their flavor and aroma.
• Use your herbs sparingly or generously depending on their potency and your taste buds. Use about one teaspoon of dried herbs or one tablespoon of fresh herbs for every four servings of food. Adjust the amount according to your preference and the type of herb.
• Experiment with different combinations of herbs to create different flavors and effects. You can use single herbs such as basil for pesto, parsley for tabbouleh, or mint for mojitos. You can also use herb blends such as Italian seasoning for pizza, herbes de Provence for roasts, or garam masala for curries. 

Here are some examples of recipes that use fresh herbs.

Tomato Basil Soup: Saute onion, garlic, and carrot in olive oil until soft. Add chopped tomatoes, vegetable broth, salt, pepper, and sugar. Bring to a boil then reduce heat and simmer until tomatoes are soft. Blend until smooth. Stir in chopped basil and cream. Serve hot with bread.

Lemon Thyme Chicken: Marinate chicken breasts in lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, salt, pepper, and thyme for at least an hour. Preheat the oven to 375°F. Place chicken in a baking dish and pour over marinade. Bake for 25 minutes or until chicken is cooked through. Serve hot with rice or salad.

Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream: In a saucepan, heat milk, cream, sugar, and mint leaves until sugar dissolves. Remove from heat and let steep for 15 minutes. Strain out mint leaves and discard. Whisk in vanilla extract and green food coloring if desired. Chill mixture in the refrigerator until cold. Churn in an ice cream maker according to manufacturer’s instructions. Stir in chocolate chips. Transfer to a freezer-safe container and freeze until firm. Serve cold with whipped cream if desired. 

Using Dried Herbs in Your Cooking

Dried herbs can also add flavor, aroma, color, and health benefits to your cooking. Here are some techniques and recipes for using dried herbs in your cooking:

• Crush your herbs lightly or finely depending on your preference and the type of dish. Use a mortar and pestle, a spice grinder, or your fingers to break down the herbs and release their oils.
• Add your herbs at the right time depending on their flavor and texture. Add dried herbs earlier than fresh herbs as they need more time to rehydrate and infuse their flavor. Add them at the beginning or during cooking for soups, stews, sauces, roasts, and grills. Add them at the end of cooking or as a garnish for salads, dips, dressings, and breads.
• Use your herbs sparingly or generously depending on their potency and your taste buds. Use about one-third of the amount of fresh herbs as dried herbs as they are more concentrated and stronger. Adjust the amount according to your preference and the type of herb.
• Experiment with different combinations of herbs to create different flavors and effects. You can use single herbs such as oregano for pizza, rosemary for lamb, or bay leaf for soup. You can also use herb blends such as curry powder for Indian food, ras el hanout for Moroccan food, or Cajun seasoning for Southern food. 

Making Herbal Teas and Infusions

Herbal teas and infusions are beverages made by steeping herbs in hot water or other liquids. They can have various effects on your health, mood, and well-being. Here are some ways to make herbal teas and infusions:

• Choose your herbs depending on your purpose and preference. You can use single herbs such as chamomile for relaxation, peppermint for digestion, or ginger for nausea. You can also use herb blends such as lemon balm and lavender for stress relief, hibiscus and rose hips for vitamin C boost, or echinacea and elderberry for immune support. 
• Use fresh or dried herbs depending on their availability and quality. You can use about one teaspoon of dried herbs or one tablespoon of fresh herbs for every cup of water or liquid.
• Boil water or other liquids depending on the type of herb. You can use plain water for most herbs or add honey, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, or other ingredients for extra flavor or benefits. You can also use milk, almond milk, coconut milk, or other liquids for a creamier texture or a different effect. 
• Steep your herbs for the right amount of time depending on their flavor and potency. You can steep them for 5 to 10 minutes for a mild infusion or up to an hour for a strong infusion. You can also steep them overnight in the refrigerator for a cold infusion.
• Strain out the herbs and enjoy your tea or infusion hot or cold. You can add ice cubes, sweeteners, spices, or other ingredients to enhance your drink.

Creating Your Own Herb Blends and Seasonings

Herb blends and seasonings are mixtures of herbs and spices that can add flavor, aroma, color, and health benefits to your food. You can buy ready-made herb blends and seasonings from the store or online, or you can make your own with your home-grown herbs. 

Herb blends and seasonings can be expensive to buy, especially if you want organic or exotic varieties. By making your own herb blends and seasonings, you will only need to invest in some jars, labels, and basic spices once, and then you can enjoy a continuous supply of homemade herb blends and seasonings for free.

The selection of herb blends and seasonings in the store is often limited to the most common ones, such as Italian seasoning, taco seasoning, or curry powder. By making your own herb blends and seasonings, you can experiment with different types and flavors, such as Cajun seasoning, Moroccan seasoning, or barbecue rub. You can also make rare or exotic herb blends and seasonings that are hard to find in the market, such as za’atar, ras el hanout, or garam masala.

Herb blends and seasonings from the store are often treated with additives, preservatives, or fillers to extend their shelf life or enhance their appearance. They may also lose their flavor and aroma over time. By making your own herb blends and seasonings, you will have fresh, organic, and pure herb blends and seasonings that are ready to use whenever you need them.

When you make your own herb blends and seasonings, you can decide what kind of herbs, spices, salt, sugar, or other ingredients you want to use. You can also adjust the proportions according to your preference and the type of dish. You can also avoid ingredients that you are allergic to or don’t like.

Making your own herb blends and seasonings is a creative and enjoyable activity that can stimulate your senses and imagination. You can mix and match different herbs and spices to create your own unique flavors and effects. You can also share your herb blends and seasonings with your family and friends or use them for gifts or crafts.

Medicinal and Aromatic Herbs: Uses and Benefits

Herbs are not only useful for cooking, but also for healing and soothing. Many herbs have medicinal and aromatic properties that can help with various ailments and conditions. Here are some uses and benefits of medicinal and aromatic herbs:

1. Chamomile: A calming herb that can help with insomnia, anxiety, stress, headaches, stomachaches, menstrual cramps, and skin irritations. It can be used as a tea, tincture, compress, or bath.
2. Peppermint: A refreshing herb that can help with digestion, nausea, colds, coughs, sinus congestion, headaches, and bad breath. It can be used as a tea, tincture, inhalation, or rub.
3. Ginger: A warming herb that can help with nausea, motion sickness, indigestion, inflammation, pain, and fever. It can be used as a tea, tincture, capsule, or syrup.
4. Lavender: A calming herb that can help with insomnia, stress, anxiety, depression, headaches, burns, wounds, and insect bites. It can be used as a tea, tincture, oil, or sachet.
5. Echinacea: A stimulating herb that can help with immune system support, infections, colds, flu, and allergies. It can be used as a tea, tincture, capsule, or lozenge.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Herb Gardening and Cooking

Herb gardening and cooking can be fun and rewarding, but also challenging and frustrating. 

You should plant enough herbs to meet your needs, but not so many that you can’t use them all or they crowd each other. You should also plant different types of herbs to have variety and diversity.

You should plant herbs that are suitable for your climate and location, or provide them with the right conditions such as sun, shade, water, and soil. You should also plant herbs that are compatible with each other and avoid invasive or aggressive ones.  You should water your herbs when the top inch of the soil feels dry to the touch, but not so much that they become waterlogged or soggy. You should also water them evenly and thoroughly, and avoid wetting their leaves or flowers.  

To fertilize your herbs with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted according to the label instructions once every two weeks during the growing season, but not so much that they become overgrown or lose their flavor. You should also fertilize them evenly and lightly, and avoid burning their roots or leaves.  You should prune your herbs regularly to encourage bushy growth and prevent flowering, but not so much that they become weak or die. You should also prune them carefully and cleanly, and avoid damaging their stems or leaves.

It will be great to harvest your herbs as needed by snipping off the leaves or stems with scissors, but not so much that they become depleted or exhausted. You should also harvest them at the right time and in the right way, and avoid bruising or crushing them.  You also need to store your herbs properly depending on whether they are fresh or dried. You should store fresh herbs in a plastic bag or a glass jar in the refrigerator for up to a week, and dried herbs in an airtight container in a cool, dark, and dry place for up to a year. You should also label them with the name, date, and ingredients of your herbs.

You should use your herbs properly depending on whether they are fresh or dried. You should use fresh herbs at the end of cooking or as a garnish to preserve their freshness and color, and dried herbs at the beginning or during cooking to release their flavor and aroma. You should also use them sparingly or generously depending on their potency and your taste buds. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Herbs

Published: 11.05.2023