Be it the fresh taste of chopped coriander leaves over your soup or the refreshing flavour of just-picked mint leaves in your Mojito, it is easy to fall in love with fresh herbs picked straight from your home garden. Whether you have a big garden, a small kitchen garden, or a tiny window sill, growing these fresh greens is very easy.
Growing herbs in the garden is a good decision. They are medicinal and offer several health benefits. Apart from that, you can grow them in a confined space without any issues. Therefore, herbs should be your first choice if you have limited space in your terrace or open garden. However, many people are unaware of the gardening methods one should employ to grow organic herbs.
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Using fresh herbs in your food is any day better than buying bunches of herbs from the supermarket. Read on to know which herbs are best to grow in your home garden:
Herbs You Can Grow At Home
Cilantro/Coriander/Dhaniya
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There is nothing better than the taste of fresh home-grown fresh coriander leaves. Soak the coriander seeds overnight in lukewarm water. Pick a container or a spot in your garden to plant your herb. Sprinkle the seeds in a pot and cover it properly with a layer of soil. Spray some water on the soil and place your pot in a sunny spot. Within 35-40 days of planting, you will see shoots of coriander that can be plucked. Use this refreshing herb in your chutneys, to garnish your food and more.
Thyme
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Thyme comes from the family of mint. Its versatile flavour and multiple varieties make it a great herb to add to all the cuisines around the world. The plant does well in fast-draining soil, place your pot in a warm and sunny place. It takes a few months to grow into a fully established plant. Keep watering the plant whenever the soil looks dry and do not let the plant wilt. Harvest the leaves with the help of a knife, use these lemony leaves in soups or add them to your stir-fried veggies. The blossoms on this plant are also edible.
Lavender
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Lavender plants are prized for their fragrant flowers. These plants may survive in many growing conditions but they do well when they receive 4-5 hours of direct sunlight. Regular pruning of the branches and flowers will encourage the growth of the plant.
Besides using Lavender plants in salads and dressing, you can also use them to soothe insect bites.
Chamomile
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Chamomile herbs are both visually appealing and useful. The best time to plant this herb is during the spring season. It does well in cool conditions and should be planted in an area that receives partial shade. It does not require frequent watering, the plant is drought-tolerant.
You can start by sowing the seeds indoors and then move the plant outdoors when seedlings appear. The seeds should germinate in about fourteen to sixteen days. Both the flowers and leaves of the plant are used. Add them to your tea and enjoy the soothing effect.
Carom/ Ajwain
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Growing the ajwain plant is simple and rewarding. Start by planting ajwain seeds in well-drained soil, either directly in your garden or in pots. This hardy herb does not demand much sunlight or water, making it a low-maintenance addition to your garden. Keep the soil lightly moist until the seeds germinate, which typically takes about 10-15 days. The ridged leaves are not only visually appealing but also edible, offering a quick and natural remedy for digestive issues.
Rosemary
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Rosemary is best propagated through cuttings, as its seeds can be challenging to germinate. Simply take a 6-inch cutting from a healthy rosemary plant, remove the lower leaves, and plant it in well-drained soil. Keep the soil consistently moist until the cutting establishes roots, which usually takes a few weeks. Once established, this perennial woody shrub can thrive for years, especially in well-drained alkaline soil and sunny, hot climates. To keep the plant from becoming spindly, regular pruning is essential.