Home herb garden ideas
18 ways to grow, indoors and outdoors |
(Image credit: Peter D Anderson / Alamy Stock Photo)
Whether you're looking for herb garden ideas for your kitchen windowsill or want to create a fragrant herb border in your garden, there are so many wonderful ways to get started.
From refreshing mint to earthy thyme, there are myriad herbs to choose from, making them an essential addition to your vegetable garden ideas.
Not only do aromatic herbs provide a feast for the senses in the garden, but they have the power to transform meals, adding depth and flavor to endless dishes and cocktails.
‘The flavors from freshly picked home-grown herbs are far superior to shop-bought dried alternatives, especially if organically grown,’ says Period Living's gardening expert Leigh Clapp.
To get the best out of your herb garden, make sure you know when to plant herbs for all of your chosen varieties.
The best herb garden ideas
Herb gardens are ideal for beginner growers, as many varieties are hardy and easy to grow amongst your other kitchen garden ideas.
'Hardy herbs grow under a wide variety of conditions and levels of care. They work great in the corners of raised beds, ends of rows or in pots; and thrive in full sun, partial shade or irregular watering,' says Matthew Geldin, head farmer at Farmscape .
'My favorite hardy herbs are Berggarten sage, French thyme, Italian oregano and BBQ rosemary.'
Discover the best herb garden ideas to try in your own home and garden.
1. Plant a rosemary hedge
(Image credit: Photos Horticultural / Alamy)
Planting a rosemary hedge is a fantastic way to border flower beds and patios, as it will fill the air with its stimulating aroma and provide an endless supply of sprigs to add to dishes. As an evergreen shrub, it will also add structure to the garden year-round.
'Rosemary can grow to 4-6 foot, making it ideal for hedging,' says Lindsay Hyland, founder of Urban Organic Yield .
'Is attractive narrow lance-like blueish green leaves have small purple-colored flowers that really pop during the summertime.
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Learning how to grow rosemary is key to its success. As a Mediterranean plant, it is best grown in poor, well-drained soil in drier climates. It thrives in similar conditions to lavender, which also makes a fabulous hedging plant.
Rosemary is best kept as a low, informal hedge, and should be clipped after flowering to keep its shape.
2. Surround a bench with fragrant herbs
(Image credit: Annaick Guitteny)
Immersing yourself in the sights and scents of a herb garden is a large part of the appeal of planting one.
Instead of your herbs being a passing attraction, make them an integral part of your garden design by surrounding a secluded bench with borders packed with different vanities.
As well as filling the air with their heavenly fragrance, fennel and rosemary add height and interest in this scheme.
Take the idea one step further by building a herb planter seat, which will allow you to tend to your plants at a comfortable height.
3. Make your own herb plant markers
(Image credit: David Brittain)
Making your own plant labels is a wonderful way to personalize your garden, and they look particularly effective in potted herbs.
Here, vintage metal spoons have been labeled with each herb name, adding a charming culinary feel.
To recreate this idea, print out the herb names onto paper, sized to fit the bowl of the spoon, leaving a small gap around each word.
To get the names onto the spoon, you need to use image transfer medium – available from Amazon . Following the manufacturer’s instructions, apply three thin coats on top of each name to create a clear plastic-like film.
When dry, remove the original backing paper from the names by soaking in water and rubbing off the back. Allow to dry.
Position and glue on to the spoons using the transfer medium, with the names facing the right way up. Once placed, correctly seal with a further coat of transfer medium or, if to be used outside, a clear lacquer.
Allow to thoroughly dry overnight, before positioning in its designated pot.
4. Create a tabletop herb centerpiece
(Image credit: Alun Callender)
A tabletop planter is the most versatile of all herb planter ideas. It's perfect for outdoor entertaining, allowing guests to choose which herbs they wish to accompany their food.
For a one-off centerpiece, you can recreate this idea by filling a plant pot with cuttings from a wide variety of herbs, including sage, purple basil, rosemary and bay.
However, for a longer lasting display, plant up two or three low-maintenance and easy-to-grow herbs.
'Herbs are some of my favorite plants to grow in pots as you can move them around as needed and place them in easy-to-access areas, like on a patio or tabletop,' says Sandra Nanka, owner of Mudbrick Herb Cottage .
Mint is a particularly good choice for entertaining, as it can be added to drinks. 'Mint is notorious for running rampant in the garden and will quickly take over a garden bed if given half the chance, so it's the perfect plant to pot up,' adds Nanka.
'Most herbs are generally quite compact plants and will thrive in small spaces. Make sure your pots have adequate drainage holes at the bottom.'
Potted herbs will need a little extra care than those grown in the ground, requiring occasional feeding an annual repotting.
5. Plant herbs for bees
(Image credit: Val Corbett)
When planning your herb garden, spare a thought for bees and other pollinators who love these aromatic plants even more than we do.
Fill your borders with flowering herbs, such as lavender, borage, rosemary, thyme and mint, which will offer a feast for the senses.
This is also a great idea if you are considering trying beekeeping for beginners, as you will have a ready-made environment in which they can thrive.
The good news is that while precious pollinators love herbs, many pests do not. A number of herbs are mosquito repellent plants, and will help to keep unwanted critters at bay.
6. Add a herb garden to a hanging basket
(Image credit: Holmes Garden Photos / Alamy Stock Photo)
Don't overlook the vertical plane when planning your herb garden – hanging baskets can make an enticing, fragrant addition to the garden.
'Introducing crops at eye level and above breaks up the lines and makes the space feel much more immersive and welcoming than if everything were placed on the ground,' says Alex Mitchell, author of Crops in Tight Spots .
'Hanging baskets can be hooked over walls and fences or attached to them with screws.'
Make sure you know how to plant in a hanging basket to get the best result, including a mix of more compact and trailing herbs.
7. Plant a herb jar garden
(Image credit: Future Content Centre)
This jam jar herb garden is so simple yet highly effective and practical – keeping the plants at ideal snipping height, close to the kitchen.
To recreate the idea, you can attach hose clamps to a wooden board.
Using a pencil, mark three points along the piece of wood – making sure they are evenly spaced out.
Screw the hose clamps into the board, leaving the opening wide enough to slip the jars into place. Plant the jars with herbs, then hang in your chosen spot.
If you've caught the crafting bug, then there are plenty of other mason jar craft ideas you can try.
8. Companion plant herbs with your other crops
(Image credit: Leigh Clapp)
Companion planting has been practiced for thousands of years, and is a way of growing certain 'partner' plants side by side for beneficial effects.
Many herbs – such as thyme, lavender, rosemary, oregano and mint – are natural pest repellents, and can help to deter insects that would otherwise seek to feast on your vegetable garden.
They are also valuable for attracting pollinators to your plot. ‘I have success when herbs are planted to attract a wide range of pollinators, which improves the yield, rather than as specific companion plants,’ says Jekka McVicar VMH, of Jekka’s Herb Farm .
‘As herbs heal us they can also heal other plants; for example, chamomile next to an ailing shrub is a natural anti-fungal.'
9. Build raised beds filled with herbs
(Image credit: Future/Leigh Clapp)
Get on board with the ‘grow your own’ revolution by incorporating raised garden bed ideas into your garden.
Very easy to install, they are simply a square or rectangle built of wood, metal or brick, which is then filled with soil.
Raised beds are also a great choice if you aren't able to garden at ground level as you can purchase tall designs that let you garden while standing.
More versatile than planting straight into the ground, raised beds also give you greater control over soil type, condition and nutrients, meaning you can produce a bumper crop of your favorite fruit, vegetables and herbs.
'Many of our favorites like rosemary, thyme and sage come from the baking hills of the Mediterranean and do best in poor soil. Others, like parsley, coriander, basil and dill are annuals that grow fast and easily,' advises celebrity gardener Monty Don in his blog .
10. Plant flowers and herbs in one border
(Image credit: Future/Leigh Clapp)
You don’t have to have a dedicated herb border or kitchen garden to create your own herb garden. There are plenty of herb garden ideas that don't need a dedicated garden space.
Growing herbs in a flower and shrub border is a great way to add interest to your garden, providing the space with their delightful perfumes as well as being culinarily productive.
Some varieties also offer benefits to the other plants such as warding off pests or improving productivity.
11. Add a herb garden planter on the patio
(Image credit: Future/Leigh Clapp)
If you’re short on garden space, perhaps only with a small courtyard or even just a doorstep, you can create a complete herb garden in a single planter.
Terracotta herb planters have various holes that allow you to plant different herbs in separate sections of the same pot.
Terracotta is a great choice for this type of pot as it is porous, meaning it lets air and water circulate, preventing root rot and soil disease, and keeping your herbs healthy.
Happily there are many container gardening ideas that will enable you to create a lush oasis in the smallest of spaces.
When it comes to potting up your herbs, Jekka McVicar of Jekka's advises potting up a plant one pot-size at a time.
'Going from a 1ltr pot to a 10ltr pot in one go will stress the plant and can quite often kill it,' she says.
12. Display herbs vertically to add interest
(Image credit: Getty Images)
If you want to maximize the available space in your garden, then consider planting your herbs vertically.
There are several different herb garden ideas that can help you achieve this. Upcycling an old wooden ladder is a beautifully rustic way to add height to your garden, creating a striking yet compact focal point that draws the eye and adds interest.
13. Create an indoor herb garden
(Image credit: Ikea )
Vertical gardening is not just for outdoors. Growing herbs indoors is a great option, whether on a sunny windowsill or hanging display.
Hanging planters from the ceiling is not only a practical way to grow herbs in your kitchen but also adds a botanical flair to your kitchen's design.
Alternatively, hanging pots on utensil holders or placing them on bookshelves also lets you grow your favorite herbs.
14. Create clever herb garden ideas for small spaces
(Image credit: Getty Images)
How do you start a herb garden for beginners, especially in a small space? Containers are a great way to do so – they are easy to manage and grouped or wall-hung, they look fabulous, too.
'Many herbs grow well in containers, especially ones that spread, such as mint, tarragon and lemon balm,’ says Leigh Clapp. ‘Small, portable pots allow you to move herbs around to suit the season, cover with a cloche, pop in a cold frame or bring indoors in winter.’
'Many herbs are native to the Mediterranean and thrive in full sun and well-drained soil. Grow a few containers of favorite herbs on the patio, deck or balcony for convenient access for you, and even guests, to harvest and add fresh ingredients to your meals,' advises gardening expert and author Melinda Myers .
15. Store herbs in vintage vases
(Image credit: Getty Images)
‘Keeping herbs close to hand is advisable, as you are much more likely to make use of them while cooking than if they are growing down the bottom of the garden,’ suggests Leigh Clapp.
Either grow them near the back door, or regularly cut sprigs and place in glasses of water – like you would cut flowers – to ensure you always have your favorites on hand and ready to use.
16. Grow herbs in windowboxes – indoors or out
(Image credit: Getty Images)
A windowbox is an easy way to grow herbs both indoors and outdoors. Positioned on the kitchen windowsill, it is one of the most convenient ways to grow your favorite herbs – you can go from plant to plate in a matter of a few seconds.
An outside windowbox is ideal if you only have a small (or non-existent) garden. It will add a quaint cottage touch to your home's exterior, and you can even intersperse your herbs with flowers to add interest to the display.
17. Use upcycled, reclaimed and vintage finds for your herb garden
(Image credit: Getty Images)
If you’re looking for something a little less formal, your local salvage yard or vintage store offers infinite possibilities for herb garden ideas – from old baths and sinks to chimney pots and troughs.
While no longer fit for their original purpose, these vintage gems look stunning when planted up with herbs.
‘Get creative with recycled and upcycled containers – from wooden barrels to metal buckets; just remember to include drainage holes,’ says Leigh Clapp.
18. Embrace technology for your indoor herb garden
(Image credit: Modern Sprout)
Even if you don't have a green thumb, it doesn't mean you can't grow your own herbs. Modern inventions have completely removed the need for the plastic pot leaking soil on the kitchen windowsill.
Grow-systems featuring integrated lights mean you can grow bountiful herbs in even the darkest galley kitchens.
While these systems have looked a little space-age in the past, design updates have yielded beautiful designs like the above brass-effect Smart Growhouse from Modern Sprout .
Not only does it look chic on your kitchen countertop, but its eco-friendly LED light will ensure that you have the heartiest crop for all your cooking needs.
If you're looking for something simpler – and can't stand the thought of soil in your kitchen – then hydroponics are the way forward.
While it might sound technical, growing herbs hydroponically is actually one of the most straightforward herb garden ideas.
Rather than growing your herbs in soil, the plants are grown in baskets suspended above jars of water into which their roots grow. So no need to constantly remember to water your herbs.
Which herbs can be planted together?
The easiest way to know which herbs can be planted together is to work out which ones will enjoy the same conditions. So, herbs of Mediterranean origin (think oregano, rosemary, basil and sage) will like hot, dry conditions in summer; herbs that thrive in cooler climes will enjoy shade and more water.
One thing to note: some herbs, such as mint and lemon balm, should ideally be grown in pots as they are invasive and can overwhelm other herbs.
How do you start a herb garden for beginners?
If you are a beginner to herb gardening, the best way to begin is by picking perennial, tough herbs like mint, rosemary, sage and thyme, which will not take much looking after and will yield a delicious crop of herbs year after year.
Another way to tackle herb gardening as a beginner is to choose herbs that will grow happily in the climate in your area. If you have fairly mild or even warm winters, then your herbs will likely continue to grow throughout the majority of the year.
'Herbs are easy to grow and you’ll be able to harvest them fresh for up to nine months of the year,' says Leigh Clapp.
On the other hand, if you live in a cooler area, especially one that experiences sharp frosts, your herbs will be dormant throughout the winter months.
However, growing herbs indoors or in a greenhouse will extend the growing period and mean you can have herbs all year round.
Where should I plant my herb garden?
You should plant your herb garden in the sunniest spot in your garden. Lots of herbs, like rosemary, basil and oregano, herald from Mediterranean climates, so thrive in warm, dry conditions.
However, some herbs like thyme, sage and borage are more well suited to cooler, damper climates, so will need some shade.
Consider the needs of the herbs when you are looking at herb garden ideas to make sure you have the right pairings, positioned in the right place in your garden.
Should you water herbs everyday?
You should not water herbs everyday. You should instead treat each plant individually. Touch the first inch of soil and feel whether it feels dry – if so it will need watering, if not then test again in a few days time.
As a general rule of thumb, your herbs will need watering once a week. However this depends on where they are planted and the weather – a potted herb grown on a windowsill will dry out much more quickly than a herb planted in a border during a rainy week.
'My top tip is to water in the morning, but never at night,' advises Jekka McVicar. 'This way you will not send the plant to bed wet when the night temperature drops, so causing the plant to sulk.
'If you notice the leaves are turning yellow or wilting it is most probably because you have overwatered.
if this is the case do not water for a day and see if the plant perks up.'
Is it better to grow herbs in pots or the ground?
Whether it is better to grow herbs in pots or in the ground depends on where you live and the amount of space you have.
'All the Mediterranean herbs will grow very well in a container if they have a very gritty compost mix. However, do not fall into the trap of forgetting to water them regularly or letting them get pot-bound,' says Monty Don in his blog.
However, growing herbs in the ground is lower maintenance as they will not need watering as often and will not need repotting.
Is it cheaper to grow your own herbs?
It is definitely cheaper to grow your own herbs. 'Growing by seed is the cheapest option and the most rewarding way of raising your own crops,' advises garden expert Leigh Clapp. 'Choose crops that are expensive to buy compared to growing them yourself – for example herbs, such as mint, sage, thyme, parsley and rosemary.
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'If you buy herbs they always come in dainty little pots with even daintier little plants growing in them,' says Monty Don. 'For the cost of a packet of seed you can raise hundreds of marvellous herbs.'
Herbs grown yourself with be stronger, more vigorous and more flavorful than those bought in the supermarket, which often only last a few weeks at most. A packet of seeds can produce enough herbs to last you for nearly three-quarters of the year.
Having graduated with a first class degree in English Literature four years ago, Holly started her career as a features writer and sub-editor at Period Living magazine, Homes & Gardens' sister title. Working on Period Living brought with it insight into the complexities of owning and caring for period homes, from interior decorating through to choosing the right windows and the challenges of extending. This has led to a passion for traditional interiors, particularly the country-look. Writing for the Homes & Gardens website as a content editor, alongside regular features for Period Living and Country Homes & Interiors magazines, has enabled her to broaden her writing to incorporate her interests in gardening, wildlife and nature.
10 Easy Kitchen Herb Garden Ideas to Grow Culinary herbs
Looking for a few new ideas for growing fresh herbs this year? Need a little inspiration to get you started? You have come to the right place.
Here are 10 fun ways you can incorporate kitchen herbs into any landscape or home.
A great herb garden idea for small yards is to build an herb spiral. An herb spiral is a structure that can be built to contain all of your herbs in a relatively compact growing space.
The beauty of the spiral is you can plant herbs that prefer different growing conditions in the same space.
Mediterranean herbs that love the sun and drier conditions are placed near the top. While herbs requiring more moisture or shade are positioned at the bottom and eastern sides.
The photo to the right is of a relatively small spiral. Of course, you can also make it as big as you like, many grand homes include an herb spiral as part of their landscape design.
No Garden Area at all? Try a Container Herb Garden.
Another herb garden idea is to create a potted herb garden. If you think this idea is for you, don’t miss our article on growing herbs in pots that provide the growing tips to keep your herb pots healthy.
This is an extremely flexible way to grow your favorite culinary herbs and keep them close to the kitchen door.
Plant herbs and flowers in separate pots for a flexible designThere are a few different ways to set up a container herb garden. The most flexible design is to plant each different herb in a separate pot. This method has two benefits:
- You can ensure that each herb has plenty of room to grow.
- This will also allow you to move the pots to different locations as needed.
For example, when an herb is flowering you may want to move it to a showcase location, perhaps near a walkway where you can appreciate the blooms & fragrance. Or if you have a single plant that is not getting enough sun, you can move it to a brighter spot.
During each herb’s peak harvest season, you may want to move the pot closer to the house to make sure you don’t forget to pick your herbs while they are at their freshest.
Another way to design your container herb garden is to combine the herbs pots with a few flowers. This increases the visual appeal and allows you to bring more color to your herb garden. This is also a great way to fill the pots when your herbs are still young.
Some great flowers to include in your herb pots include violas, pansies, or marigolds. Sweet peas and nasturtiums are also two great choices that will drape over the side of the herb pots creating a beautiful display.
Create a mobile herb garden with this rolling patio planterYou can create a pretty combined planting in a large planter on your deck or patio. The rolling planter pictured here is a cool idea since it can be moved to allow your plants to get more sun or if you’re just sweeping up the porch.
This large planter is made from Butcher block cedar and measures four-feet long which is big enough to plant several types of veggies, herbs, and flowers.
Growing herbs in pots can be a fun way to bring some color or texture into your landscape by using different types of pots and planters even if you do have plenty of room in your garden.
A perfect idea for beginners is to create an indoor kitchen herb garden and grow several of your favorite herbs on the window sill.
Photo by nh0k blu3/Courtesy of FlickrYou can set up a windowsill herb garden in an afternoon and start cooking right away.
Even in the colder months, you can normally find some fresh potted herbs for sale in grocery stores or specialty markets. Basil, parsley, cilantro, and thyme are some of the more common herbs sold in markets.
Eco-Friendly and Efficient Solutions: Recycled Grow Bottles
Why not create a mini herb garden using these Recycled Grow Bottles? This inventive design uses recycled wine bottles to create a small hydroponic grow system right in your kitchen.
They supply the inserts, herb seeds, and instructions and you supply the wine bottles.
Place the bottles on the counter next to a window so your herbs receive good light.
This is a nice way to be kind to the earth while you grow your own herbs. Plus since the herbs are grown using hydroponics, there is no messy soil to dirty up your kitchen.
The Latest Technology for Growing Indoors: The Smart Herb Garden
If you don’t have enough light in your kitchen, try one of these Smart Herb Gardens by Click and Grow.
This is a hands-off system that takes care of your plants for you.
You can use the Basil cartridges that come with the system or refill it with your own favorite herb plants.
Smart Mini Herb Garden Kits (available on Amazon.com)These herb garden kits have a self-controlled system that gives your plant all the water, air, and nutrients it needs to thrive. All you have to do is plug it into an outlet and fill the water tank about once a month.
A great system for the busy cook, beginners, or anyone that enjoys fresh herbs year-round.
The Herb Garden Kit and DIY Windowsill
The last on our indoor list is an herb garden kit.
Perfect for DIYers, this is a kit that comes with 3 rustic ceramic planters, growing medium, plant markers, and herb seeds (Basil, Chives, and Sage).
All three varieties grow well indoors and add a delightful fragrance to the kitchen garden.
This is another great hostess gift or easy way to get started growing culinary herbs.
The window sill suction cup shelf is an inventive way to mount the herb planters, especially if your window sills are not wide enough for an indoor garden. They offer a low profile and can be placed in just the right sunny spot.
Herb plants thrive when grown outdoors in the fresh air and sunshine.You can reserve a corner of your garden exclusively for herbs or you can intersperse them within your flower gardens. Raised garden beds make it even easier to create set up a growing space for herbs.
Herbs are beneficial to grow in the flower garden.
They can discourage pests and attract beneficial insects such as ladybugs and praying mantis to your garden.
Did you know oregano is an excellent herb for deterring garden pests? And that basil can help deter flies that may be drawn to holly plants?
Culinary herbs make wonderful companion plants to many vegetables improving their flavor and warding off unwanted pests.
- Basil is perfect for growing next to your tomatoes and peppers.
- Dill is a good companion for lettuce, onions, or cucumbers.
- Mint should be planted under melons to increase their flavor.
- Chives will repel aphids from your tomatoes and carrots and rosemary will help keep the beetles away from your beans.
Often the combinations that taste good together are also helpful to grow together. The gardeners at Yates have created this handy companion planting chart for vegetables and herbs. This is a great chart to see which herbs are most beneficial in the vegetable garden.
Another easy herb garden idea is a windowsill planter that hangs on the outside of your windows. Since the planter is set up to hang right outside the window, the herbs get plenty of sunshine.
Another benefit to growing your herbs this way is you can just open the window to clip a few herbs for your recipes. You don’t even have to go outside which is helpful especially if you like to cook at night or before the sun comes up. 🙂
Setting up a window sill planter is a great weekend project that can be accomplished with just a few tools and some hardware. They also provide a nice design element to the exterior of your home.
You would be surprised how a few little touches like this can really improve your curb appeal. Self-watering windowsill planters can make maintenance even easier.
A fun way to grow herbs at home is to create a hydroponic herb garden. Hydroponic herb gardens are the best way to grow a large number of herbs indoors quickly.
The concept of hydroponics in its simplest terms is growing plants without soil.
Instead of soil, the plants are grown in a unique combination of water and nutrients. Some systems also use a sterile growing medium such as coconut fiber, gravel, or even sand.
There are many different types of hydroponic systems that can be used to grow herbs ranging from small countertop designs to larger outdoor setups.
The photo to the right is an excellent example of a vertical hydroponic herb garden.
This is perfect for an outdoor garden where space is at a premium.
A similar version is made by the appropriately named brand Mr. Stacky.
You can grow herbs using the traditional growing medium of soil or hydroponics using this planter.
Photo by Cloudforest/Courtesy of FlickrThere are many different ways to set up a hydroponic herb garden system.
If you are handy and like DIY projects, you can build your own hydroponic system with materials from the local hardware store. Or if you prefer a ready-made solution, you can purchase a tabletop system, like the AeroGarden, and grow fresh herbs in your kitchen.
Many homes today do not have wide enough window sills to support several herb pots. Inventive garden companies have designed a solution for this problem – vertical and hanging herb garden planters.
The rustic wall herb garden planter (on Etsy)You can set an herb garden on any wall that receives a good bit of sun. The planter shown in the picture is a set of 3 terra cotta pots framed by a rustic chicken wire pot holder. The wood comes in a few different stains so you can match it to your decor.
This planter is available on Etsy. You can find it here ==>> Set of 3 Rustic Hanging Wall Planters. It would look great in a country-style kitchen!
The design is flexible enough to use indoors or outdoors. Hang just one planter or combine several to create a custom wall design.
Create a kitchen herb garden planter with just a few of your favorite herbs. You can plant three or four varieties together in a large planter. This way you will only have a single location to maintain.
Select a few herbs which grow well together. Here are 3 good combinations for beginners that will grow well together in the same planter.
- Mediterranean Herb Planter: Sweet Basil, Rosemary & Thyme
- Salad Herb Planter: Chives, Arugula & Dill
- Mid-Eastern Herb Planter: Cilantro, Parsley & Thyme
The cedar planter shown above has 8 individual pockets which makes it easy to create individual growing sections for each type of herb. This works very well with the pint-sized herb plants sold in most garden centers
You can also purchase an herb garden kit that comes with everything you need to create your own herb garden.
Check out our article on gardening gift ideas to find some additional recommendations that are well suited for the herb gardener.
Why not start with fresh-cut herbs from the grocery store?
You can create a mini kitchen herb garden by storing herbs like thyme, rosemary, or sage in small bottles of water.
Keeping your herbs this way can actually make them last for several weeks or more. Here’s how to create a beginner herb garden with supplies from your local grocer.
- Select the freshest herbs you can find.
- Remove them from their packaging & discard any bruised stems.
- Fill a small bottle or glass with water.
- Trim the leaves from the bottom of the cut herbs so no leaves will be sitting in water.
- Place the herbs in a small bottle or glass of water.
- Set the glass or bottles on the window sill exposed to indirect light.
This is a truly beautiful way to store herbs where you can appreciate them every day. They will also keep you inspired to cook fresh healthy meals or provide a gentle reminder to add a pretty garnish of herbs to your dish.
In Summary
Whichever method you choose, creating a kitchen herb garden is a great way to bring your cooking to a whole new level. Need more kitchen herb garden ideas? Head on over to the small herb garden design page to get some additional inspiration.
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Shopping Tips
• Growing herbs at home is easier than you think. Most edible crops are unpretentious and easy to care for.
Even a person who has never had indoor plants at home will cope with them.
• Cut salad herbs lose up to 50% of their vitamins after just a few hours. Therefore, greens from the home garden, collected directly to the table, are more useful than purchased ones.
• Live plants in the house are beautiful, tasty and healthy. Green pets purify the air in the room, create a healthy microclimate and, by their very appearance, cheer up, giving positive emotions and a feeling of comfort.
• Home lettuce herbs can be grown without soil, using hydroponics. The system automatically supplies the roots of plants with the necessary minerals, and the water consumption becomes 70-90% less than with conventional gardening.
• You can grow vegetables, herbs, strawberries and other edible greens all year round in your home herbal farm. Special lamps accelerate the growth of plants, increasing their quality and productivity.
Pflanzleiter greenhouse shelf for growing herbs at home.
www.fairwerk.de
ELECTRONIC GREENHOUSES & AGRICULTURAL APPLIANCES
LG Electronics Built-in Greenhouse Cabinet for Home Gardening is a godsend for busy organic green lovers. A smart device will take care of the harvest, adjust the mode of watering, lighting and plant nutrition. Tall chamber with glass door accommodates any type of seed section, watering, lighting and temperature control system. The greenhouse module can be built in stand-alone or placed next to a wine cabinet, refrigerator or freezer. A mobile application helps to track the dynamics of plant growth. www.lg.com
AeroGarden's compact electronic Harvest device produces maximum vitamins in the smallest footprint. The device grows up to six plants at the same time using the hydroponic method. Salad herbs and vegetables grow and bear fruit without soil, receiving nutrition from water with a nutritional composition. Automatic programs monitor the parameters, reminding you when to add water or top dressing.
Auto lighting on/off for 15 hours creates the best conditions for healthy growth. The device comes with seeds of several crops and liquid nutrients of plant origin. www.aerogarden.com
Vegetables, herbs and flowers grow up to 5 times faster in the AeroGarden electronic planter than in soil. And in the kitchen no earth, no mess! The right lighting is produced by a thin dome with energy-saving 20-watt LED lights. www.aerogarden.com
Even a small kitchen can accommodate a stylish automatic greenhouse without violating the unity of interior design. The compact agro-chamber Urban Cultivator Residental has the dimensions of a mini-refrigerator built under the countertop. The appliance with glass door can be fitted into a linear combination of wall cabinets or a kitchen island. www.urbancultivator.net
Urban Cultivator Residental electronic greenhouse - the perfect home gardener, www.urbancultivator.net
IKEA and British designer Tom Dixon are developing an affordable home gardening system.
Compact sections, combined in a modular way, will be equipped with an automatic irrigation system and phytolamps with a light spectrum that stimulates plant growth. A home agro-lab for growing herbs, vegetables and other edible crops should appear in IKEA stores in 2021. www.ikea.com
“Together with IKEA, we are developing technological and affordable solutions for people who grow plants at home for food and medicinal purposes,” says Tom Dixon. “Food is a basic part of our lives and IKEA is ready to help city dwellers lead a healthier and more sustainable lifestyle.”
Built-in planters and pots
Recessed drawers for kitchen utensils help maximize the use of work surface space. EasyRuck compact modules from Domusomnia are built into the surface of a kitchen island, dining table, shelf, window seat, and more. Sections for various purposes are available - for drying dishes, storing knives and jars of spices, stands for gadgets, etc. Among other things, the line includes special boxes for growing organic herbs, they can be alternated with other modules.
Convenient and beautiful! www.domusomnia.com
EasyRuck storage units are built into the kitchen worktop. You can choose from compartments for various purposes and configurations, including boxes for growing lettuce herbs, www.domusomnia.com
You can effectively place the beds in the loft-style kitchen by placing several open shelves under them or a separate rack. The creators of L’Ottocento Roveretto cuisine have taken care of fans of their own grown salads. The kitchen furniture collection includes narrow shelving with steel trays for edible plants. The rack can be supplemented with phytolamps that stimulate the growth of greenery. www.lottocento.it
The size of the narrow shelving is the same as the steel plant tray. Thanks to this, the whole combination looks neat and thoughtful. All elements of L'Ottocento kitchens are made according to the individual dimensions of each customer. www.lottocento.it
Even in an ultra-modern kitchen of the most rigorous forms, you can create space for a mini-garden without violating the purity of style. The black boiserie wall panels of the Next 125 NX 870 kitchen are equipped with hanging pots for growing greens illuminated with phytolamps. The lighting is automatically controlled by a timer that keeps the light on for 14 hours and then turns it off for 10 hours. www.next125.com
Next 125 NX 870 Kitchen Hanging Plant Boxes have built-in grow lights to help herbs grow and stay fresh longer. www.next125.com
Designer Home Garden Accessories
Solid color planters with a simple design give lush vegetation a neat and organized look, helping your garden look trendy and modern. Geometric living greenery trays look great in the kitchen, living room, bathroom, balcony and wherever your heart desires. The Ferm Living Plant Box line of planter organizers includes many models of different sizes and configurations, folding according to the principle of the designer. Everyone can assemble their own combination of console, shelf, small shelf, etc., for wall, floor and other placements.
www.fermliving.com
The ceramic Herb Organizer with self-watering system from Eva Solo holds three pots of different plants. At the bottom there is a 500 ml water tank, and the water flows to the plant roots with the help of a capillary mat. The system provides uniform watering of plants for several days without additional topping up of water. The cache-pot is easy to rearrange to a more lit place, taking the convenient handles on the sides. www.designboom.ru
Eva Solo planter organizer with self-watering system keeps lettuce green and juicy longer, www.designboom.ru
Metal rack for kitchen, greenhouse, balcony, etc., Fantin. Metal, powder coated in several vibrant colors. www.fantin.com.
Fermob's Basket Flowerpot can accommodate a small vegetable garden with herbs and vegetables. The model is made of metal, the tray and legs are removable. At the bottom along the edges of the bowl there are holes with plugs for draining excess moisture.
A very durable color coating with a high degree of protection makes it possible to use the planter console in the garden, outdoors, balcony and terrace. The color of the coating can be chosen from a variety of branded shades of the brand. www.fermobrussia.ru
You can put several flower pots in the Basket Flowerpot or pour soil directly into the tray and plant the plants directly into the ground. In this case, it is recommended to lay a drainage layer of expanded clay, geotextile fabric or drainage capsules on the bottom. Drain holes at the bottom will help prevent stagnant water. www.fermobrussia.ru
Smart Garden 27 mini garden complex for growing organic plants for food. eu.clickandgrow.com
Practical and stylish, this tool box is a must have for the home gardener. With multiple compartments and a convenient handle, the Vitra Tray helps you keep your gardening gadgets close at hand as you move from one home oasis to the next. www.vitra.com
Founded over 400 years ago by King Charles IX of Sweden as a copper foundry, Skultuna 1607 is still a supplier to the Royal Court.
Skultuna recently added a line of home gardening items to jewelry accessories and home decor. To finish flower pots, watering cans and other accessories, the company used its own proprietary material - brass polished to a mirror finish. With such flower pots, your home garden will look truly royal.
How to grow
Growing salad greens and fragrant herbs at home is often easier than some ornamental flowers. To do this, it is not at all necessary to have a large amount of space and have special skills, just follow a simple instruction:
- you need to plant herbs in pots with good drainage;
- then you need to place the plants in a place where they will receive the maximum amount of sunlight, for example, on a windowsill, on a tabletop closer to a window or on a balcony;
- On average, it is enough to water the greens once a week, and in hot periods - a little more often, about once every four to five days or twice a week.
How to arrange greens in the kitchen
Greens can be grown not only on the windowsill. Modern kitchen designers have figured out how to efficiently use space with the help of recessed sections for kitchen utensils. This system includes special modules for growing aromatic herbs.
In a large kitchen, you can set aside a separate rack for pots of greens and equip the shelves with phytolamps to speed up the growth of plants. In addition, planters with herbs can be hung on a special rod on the apron.
Top-mounted aromatic herb growers are usually located closer to the window. Thanks to this, the greenery receives more light and sunlight. Amorim'solutionsHanging herb planters can be mounted directly to the wall so as not to overload the work surface or window sills. LECHUZAWhat herbs to grow
Basil .
You can start a home mini-garden, for example, with basil, one of the most fragrant herbs. It is better to put a pot with it on the windowsill on the south side, as this plant loves a lot of sun and heat. In winter, it requires a little more attention and care than in summer, so it is worth providing additional artificial lighting and top dressing for it. Basil is recommended to be planted in a separate sufficiently large container.
Parsley . It comes in two main varieties - ordinary and curly, the latter is distinguished by unusual openwork leaves. They are easy to grow at any time of the year, but it is important that the plants receive plenty of light. In addition, they can grow slowly even near a window that faces east or west.
Parsley (in the center) gets along well in the same pot with other herbs, so in a small area it will be possible to make a varied green composition.
