Have you ever thought about growing herbs at home? Fresh herbs improve even the best chef's cooking, and it's easier than you think to have all the flavor of an herb garden right on your windowsill. All you need is a pot (or a few), potting soil, seed-starting mix, and a window that gets at least 6 hours of sun!
If you're looking to add a burst of flavor to your meals, consider growing rosemary.
Purchase a young rosemary plant rather than starting from seed, as it can be difficult to germinate. After you get your new plant home, repot into a container one or two sizes larger than the original.
A larger pot allows the root system to branch as the herb grows, accessing more nutrients in the soil. Once repotted, place it in a bright spot and water it when the top of the soil feels dry. Overwatering can cause rotting and insect issues. Impress your dinner guests with restaurant-quality dishes infused with fresh rosemary. You can also use rosemary sprigs as skewers and make kabobs for the grill or the oven. And when the meal is over, and your guests have departed, take a load off your feet with a rejuvenating Rosemary foot soak.
To enhance your tea, lemonade, and adult beverages, mull over a mint plant!
Mint is one of the easiest herbs to cultivate at home. However, starting from seeds can be challenging, like rosemary, so purchasing a young plant from a store is best. To ensure optimal growth, keep your mint in a cool room with bright, indirect sunlight and water it about once a week, rotating the pot 90 degrees to compensate for stems bending toward the light.
Once your plant has grown to at least 3 inches in height, you can start harvesting. Trim the stems regularly to encourage branching and promote new growth; avoid plucking only the leaves if possible. Pinch off any blooms right before they open so the plant will continue to make new buds.
Use your yield to make the mintiest Mojitos and invigorate your taste buds with a combination of mint, pureed watermelon, and freshly squeezed lime juice! Our mouths are already watering. After a day in the garden, cool off with an ice-cold drink and scrub away the dirt with a bar of Loofa Mint soap.
Are you battling the winter blues? Then basil is the herb for you.
Its refreshing and light aroma can transport you to the feeling of summer, even when the sun sets as early as 5 p.m. With just a small indoor plant, you can fill your entire home with the fragrance of a sunny day. Plus, growing and germinating basil from seeds is a breeze!
To start growing basil, use a small pot and fill it with a seed-starting mix (avoid potting soil). Press 2-3 basil seeds about 1/4 inch deep into the mix, and press firmly over the top. Lightly moisten the mixture with water and cover the pot with plastic wrap. Place the pot in a sunny area and let the plastic wrap keep the mix warm and moist to promote seed germination. Once the basil sprouts appear, remove the plastic wrap.
It takes about 6 to 8 weeks for seedlings to mature and be ready for harvesting. To encourage the growth of robust and bushy plants, pinch off the top set of leaves once the seedlings have six sets. Soon you'll be enjoying a bounty of basil that you can use to make delicious pestos, vinaigrettes, and bruschettas. And while your plant grows, experience the essence of summer when using our Detox Bath Seltzer, complete with basil essential oil.
Indoor herb gardening is a fantastic way to add natural beauty to your home while enhancing your cooking and self-care practices. With a little effort, you can grow a variety of herbs all year round. Not only will you reap the benefits of fresh, flavorful herbs, but you'll also enjoy the satisfying and rewarding experience of watching your plants grow. The possibilities are endless, and the herbs are abundant!
