Kitchen Herb Gardens: A New Path to Sustainability

Having your own in-home herb garden has never been more on trend, but it’s not as easy as we might hope. We’ve all been there. Purchased some healthy-looking basil and then within a week, it’s all stringy and limp. Everyone who enjoys cooking knows that the constant availability of fresh herbs in your kitchen is key. 

Fresh herbs not only perk up your homemade dishes, but also carry tons of health benefits. To mention a few, oregano contains antiviral and cancer-fighting antioxidants, whilst rosemary helps balance your gut and reduces inflammation. We came up with some tips and ideas to help you get started.  

Get sunlight

The most important decision you’ll make regarding your kitchen herb garden is the location. Yes, we all want a beautifully decorated windowsill, ideally near your kitchen in order to make it accessible for delicious recipes. 

However, most herbs prefer being outside, and require 6 to 7 hours of direct sunlight. If placing them outside is impossible, place them in the brightest spot in your house. The key ingredient to a successful herb garden is loads and loads of sunlight to ensure they prosper and grow healthily.  Remember to turn your herb pots regularly, especially if it is placed near a sunny window. This is to prevent uneven growth and to ensure that dead leaves are kept away from light. If your apartment is too dark and you can’t set up a window box, your best option would be to create a set up with timed lights. A CLF bulb provides the right light for plants to grow.

Building a home

Another crucial element to your kitchen herb garden is choosing the right materials. No matter what herb you want, one should research ahead of time as this little extra amount of effort provides a massive payoff.

Here’s 3 things to look out for.

1. Herbs that suit your houses’ humidity level

2. Pots that drain well

3. Potting mix 

You can also have fun with brightly coloured pots. They will add dimension to your kitchen and spice up your living room! 

Herbs for Shanghai

Beating the Shanghai heat may be your top priority, but it’s also a perfect time to take advantage of the humidity. Here’s a list of herbs that love the heat and are super easy for beginners.

1. Basil

Basil is, in a nutshell, the perfect herb. Its fresh and is a delightful addition to various cuisines. It grows well in warm environments and requires watering only when the soil is dry.

Tip: Basil has long roots so it would benefit from a deeper pot.

2. Chives

Chives are low maintenance and super easy to cultivate. These can be used as delicious additions to salads and savoury dishes. It grows perfectly under the sun and in moist, well-drained soil.

Tip: They bloom into white, lavender and pink flowers which can be trimmed for flower arrangements.

3. Mint

The fruity, aromatic fragrance of mint makes them as beautiful as they are functional. They thrive in light soil with good drainage.

Tip: Mint can be invasive spreaders, so be careful where to plant it. Try to grow them separately to prevent inconsistent growth. 

We don’t recommend buying seeds unless you’re experienced. Growing herbs from seeds takes a great deal of time and patience. As a first timer, it is recommended to buy a small plant from a local store or garden. It roughly costs the same, with the benefit of not needing to wait for germinating seeds in advance. 

Caring for your herbs

Once you’ve picked the perfect materials for your kitchen herb garden, it is important to give it the love it deserves. Yes, if you’re wondering if you should talk to your plants then you’re absolutely right. But it’s not just that, it’s also important to maintain the size of your herb to ensure a leafy growth. Every herb is different, but a good general rule of thumb is to never let your herb bloom. Snip off the flowers as soon as you see them to ensure leafy growth. 

But it’s not just that, it’s also important to maintain the size of your herb to ensure a leafy growth. Every herb is different, but a good general rule of thumb is to never let your herb bloom. Snip off the flowers as soon as you see them to ensure leafy growth. 

Extra Love

You should constantly stay vigilant and watchful. Always monitor the health and wellbeing of your herbs in order to prevent larger issues. Fertilizers ensure herbs receive the right nutrients. For example, seaweed extracts and fish emulsions are the best as they improve soil fertility and allow plants to thrive.

Along with loads of sunlight and regular watering, make sure to provide good air circulation for your plants; let them breathe!

It’s tempting to grow new flavours, but you should prioritize herbs you eat over others. This will ensure that you get the most mileage out of your kitchen herb garden. But don’t be afraid to try new herbs, you never know what may fancy your taste buds.

In essence, start with the most common herbs that can be easily incorporated to liven up your dishes. Some of which include, sage, rosemary, parsley, and so many more. Growing a kitchen herb garden is not just enjoyable, but also rewarding. It allows you to fulfil your gourmet MasterChef dream in the comfort of your kitchen!