Herbs are particularly great for growing in small spaces. Unlike fruits and vegetables, which require a lot of space and time to grow properly, a small herb garden requires minimal amount of space.
Not only are most herbs forgiving, but herbs smell beautiful, look pretty and they are delicious. Fresh herbs are an amazing addition to any cook’s repertoire. Like everything else in the culinary world, fresh is better and it is definitely true when it comes to having fresh herbs rather than dried. When growing your own fresh herbs at home, your kitchen is supplied all year with varieties that thrive on a balcony or sunny windowsill.
Before you start gardening your indoor plant babies, consider the following things:
- Light – Consider how much sun your space gets to dictate what will thrive.
- Space – Examine the space in your living space. Saddle pots and rail rack planters are great alternatives if ground space is limited.
- Wind – Ensure your plants are sheltered as they often dry out quicker in windy conditions.
- Pots – Utilize lightweight pots and containers rather than stone and terracotta pots to avoid plants from drying out faster.
The following are common and easy herbs to grow in a small space:
Basil – A tender culinary herb used in cuisines worldwide. Its leaves make a great salad, sandwich or mashed up to make pesto sauce.
Sunlight – Loves the heat and prefers at least 6 hours of sun
Water – Let the soil dry slightly in between watering
Harvesting – Cut the stem between a third and halfway down once the plants are 6-8” tall
Chives – Produces edible leaves and flowers, adding a mild kick to eggs, soups, salads, and as pretty garnishes.
Sunlight – Best in bright light on a sunny windowsill
Water – Requires damp soil to avoid them from drying out
Harvesting – Trim 1-2” once plants reach at least 6” tall and leave at least a half inch or more to the root
Mint – The genus of plants with dozens of flavorful varieties available, used for tea and mixed drinks, salads, and desserts.
Sunlight – Can tolerate shade but prefers good morning sun
Water – Don’t let the soil dry out – mint requires ample moisture
Harvesting – Trim back regularly and pinch off flowers before blooming, to extend harvest
Oregano – A must for Italian, Mexican, Central American and Middle Eastern Cuisines added into tomato sauces, meat, casseroles, soups and stews.
Sunlight – Access to 6-8 hours of sun is recommended. The more sun, the stronger the flavor
Water – Water thoroughly but do not overwater
Harvesting – Trim back to encourage growth
Rosemary – Consists needle-like leaves making it a great addition to chicken, pork, lamb, soups, potatoes, and olive oil.
Sunlight – Prefers full sun of 6-8 hours
Water – Does not require a lot of watering and may dry out between watering
Harvesting – Trim considerably to grow
Thyme – Key ingredient in every cuisine of the world and it known for medicinal and ornamental uses.
Sunlight – Best outdoors or inside a small facing window where there is a lot of light
Water – Pot in fast-draining soil to water whenever the surface is dry
Harvesting – Regular pruning promotes growth and trimmed sprigs cis used for cooking
If you are a beginner to herb gardening, or any gardening for that matter, keep it simple, rather than incorporating lots of elements. Start with one or two herbs to grow to test the waters. Growing is all about making the most of what you’ve got.
Not only are these herbs great for growing in small spaces, but it is a great and delicious way for gardeners of all skill levels to get into growing their own produce.