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A lack of sunshine and warm weather is no reason to go without fresh, seasonal produce. With an abundance of creative planter ideas and a little more green-spiration (you've mastered that house plant game, after all), you can create your very own kitchen garden. Click through for our top herb picks (get it?!) that are easy to care for *inside* your home all year-round.
Basil: The deliciously fragrant herb is easy to grow and is a great addition to most dishes — even ice cream! Just be mindful of when this plant starts to "bolt" and be sure to pinch off the top to ensure ongoing plant health.
Lemongrass: Aside from its rampant use in Thai cuisine, this grass family relative has many benefits and can help maintain healthy skin and cholesterol levels. Lemongrass hates winter, so it will be *much* happier inside your home. Harvest frequently to encourage new growth, and give it sun, water, and fertilizer frequently.
Parsley: Popular for good reason, this plant is often a garnish, sometimes a pesto, but always good for you. In addition to being a great source of vitamin C, calcium, iron, and fiber, it's also a breath freshener and has anti-inflammatory properties. Keep it happy with slightly moist soil (but make sure to drain the dish after watering so the roots don't soak), and fish emulsion or fertilizer every two weeks. Pro tip: It grows well with others.
Lemon Balm: Best known as mint's lesser known (and lemony fresh) cousin, this herb can be traced back to ancient Greece and Rome where it was commonly used as a remedy. Take care of this lil' indoor buddy with plenty of water (good drainage is a must) and lots of sunlight.
Rosemary: We. Love. This. Herb. In, like, EVERYTHING! Add to olive oil or butter, meat marinades (fish, steak, chicken, oh my!), roasted veggies, potatoes, potatoes, potatoes, etc. Keep this plant living its best (and sometimes tricky) life by giving it lots of sunlight, avoiding "root rot," and keeping air circulating (to avoid powdery mildew).
Coriander: You may know this better as cilantro, the Spanish word for coriander leaves. It is, in fact, one in the same but the name differs depending on location. The fastest path to homemade chimichurri sauce requires you to start from seed (this plant does not like being transplanted), use a potting soil/sand mixture, fertilize bi-weekly, and make sure it bathes in full sun four to five hours a day.
Sage: This silky-leaved herb complements the heck out of a pork chop, makes a top-notch herb butter, and is a key ingredient in chicken saltimbocca. Keep the drought-tolerant herb in medium to full sun and wait until the soil is completely dry before watering again.
Mint: Probably the most well known of the gang, mint is also the most versatile. Whether you're making that mojito or hot mint tea, it freshens everything up. For max happiness, keep soil moist, mist between waterings, rotate to keep even (and not lopsided), and fertilize as needed.
Chives: What isn't better with chives?! Onion's cousin is easy to grow and the entire plant (bulb to flower) is edible. Add to egg dishes, lively up any creamy sauce, and add to absolutely every baked potato. Give this pretty herb plenty of sunlight (six to eight hours per day), keep near other plants to ensure humidity, and water when the top layer is dry.
Thyme: Roast with veggies, add to meat rubs, and even bake into cheddar biscuits for *all* the added flavor. Put it in indirect light, water only when it's completely dry, and make sure to trim woody stems (to encourage new growth).
Want to live your best plant life? Follow us on Pinterest for more green tips, tricks, and hacks!
Want to live your best plant life? Follow us on Pinterest for more green tips, tricks, and hacks!
Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.
Want to live your best plant life? Follow us on Pinterest for more green tips, tricks, and hacks!
Want to live your best plant life? Follow us on Pinterest for more green tips, tricks, and hacks!
Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.
Illustrations: Sarah Tate
