We have been using herbs and spices since ages and every kitchen has its own collection of herbs to use in their everyday cooking. An herb is nothing but a plant which is used for flavoring food, for its fragrance, and for its medicinal properties. One of the easiest plants to grow is herbs as they do not require much care. Just plant them and once they harvest you can use it in your cooking. Herbs can be easily planted in your garden, but if you are short of land or want some indoor plants, then try planting them in containers. Some of the things that matter most while growing herbs are the soil, water, and the temperature. Planting herbs in your garden will bring lustrous greenery and aromatic fragrance. Here are my 5 Easy Herbs to Grow.
Mint: Mint is one of the easiest and versatile plants to grow indoors as well as outdoors. They can grow all year round and in any condition. They grow in full sun as well as a shade too. They can acquire your entire garden as they are fast growing plant. So it’s best to plant them in a container or secure the area by planting them in bottomless containers submerged in the ground. Mint can grow up to 1-2 feet tall and can be planted from the cutting of the stem from the mint plant. Mint has a very fresh fragrance and a strong aroma of menthol. It has many health benefits too. It promotes good digestion, helps in nausea, headache, and fatigue. The two most common species – peppermint and spearmint, are used to flavor variety of foods, drinks, and toiletries like toothpaste, deodorant, room freshener, cosmetics and skin care products.
Cilantro/ Coriander: Who wouldn’t like picking fresh and organic cilantro from their herb garden to garnish their meals? Cilantro can be easily grown from coriander seeds which help in digestion and sleep. This bright green herb is full of vitamin A and K, and has plenty of Vitamin B, C, and E. It also contains minerals like potassium, calcium and magnesium. Cilantro not only treats stomach disorders but also helps to regain loss of appetite. Cilantro is used to flavor soups, salads, curries, chutneys, and sauces. This herb is similar to parsley and has fresh and lemony flavor. Cilantro needs full sun but can be grown indoors too in a clay pot with some extra care. This plant has short life cycle and can develops seeds in very hot weather. These seeds are coriander seeds which are used as a spice to flavor curries and meat. It is a self-sowing herb.
Basil: Basil is one of the most popular culinary herbs. It has a strong and pungent smell and it tastes somewhat like anise. There are many species of basil. Among all the species sweet basil is the most used herb in cooking. It has wonderful fragrance and it is used in herbal medicines apart from cooking. You can use basil in your tomato sauce, soups, salads, and pesto. Basil is used fresh as well as dried. To get the most flavors, don’t chop, instead tear the leaves and add within the last few minutes of cooking time. Some other species of basil are Thai basil, Lemon basil, Cinnamon basil, Clove basil, and also the very well know Holy Basil (Tulasi) which is sacred to Hinduism. Basil are fast growers and love warm temperature. Basil varies from dark green to purple color. Plant basil in your herb garden or indoors in containers placed in sunny window. It flourishes in well-drained soil. Pinch back regularly to get bushy plant.
Rosemary: Rosemary is an evergreen, perennial herb with a strong woody yet lemon pine fragrance. The unique smell of rosemary will remain on your hands when you pull the needles from the stems. Fresh or dried rosemary is used as a flavoring in variety of meat and vegetable dishes. In addition it can also be added in moderation to pasta sauce along other herbs, and can be sprinkled over focaccia bread. Rosemary is also believed to boost memory, help ease muscle pain and used in other herbal remedies. The strong scent of rosemary will keep the insects away. This plant is native to Mediterranean region, so it likes hot and dry weather and will grow in any type of soil. A well-drained soil is must to grow rosemary. Growing it indoors can be difficult as it needs plenty of heat.
Oregano: Oregano is a perennial herb and a flowering plant of the mint family. It is native to Mediterranean and middle Eurasia. It is also referred as wild marjoram, close relative of sweet marjoram. Oregano is warm and aromatic yet very pungent in taste used in many Italian dishes. This herb loves full sun and hot temperatures for strong flavor. Do not over water your plant as oregano needs less water than other herbs. It can be easily grown from seeds or cutting from a well-grown plant. This herb grows beautifully in containers too where it will spill over an edge of the pot. This herb is most widely used in all types of Italian tomato sauces, meat, fish, eggs, and veggies.