If you’re someone who loves to cook, chances are you understand the usefulness and importance of having fresh herbs on hand. If you start growing herbs inside of your apartment, you’ll find plenty of advantages come your way in the kitchen. Not only are herbs a quick and easy way to add flavor to your meals and drinks, but they also possess a wide variety of health benefits that can assist in improving your overall health. Herbs are loaded with antioxidants that are useful in fighting inflammation and supporting your cardiovascular health. Below, we’ve listed some herbs that you can grow year-round inside of your apartment. All you need is a pot, some soil and some sunshine.
Easy herbs to grow
Basil
Commonly used for Italian cuisine, basil is a great addition to items such as pesto, oil, soups and pizzas. Part of the mint family, basil is known to include anti-aging properties, as well as being useful in reducing inflammation and swelling.
Rosemary
With a woody and citrus-like smell, rosemary is used as a cooking herb by many people. In particular, rosemary can be added to salads and dips and is a great addition to any oil. It’s also been widely used for meats and has been proven to improve digestion.
Oregano
Used heavily in Greek and Italian cooking, oregano is a flavorful herb that can be used either fresh, or cooked into meals. You can pair oregano with meats and fish, and it’s often been used when creating marinades and sauces. Rich in antioxidants, oregano is an easy and delicious herb to add to your diet!
Cilantro
A great way to spice up your soups and stews, cilantro is the perfect addition to nearly anything you make in the kitchen. Add it to your homemade salad dressings, or include it finely chopped into your salads for a refreshing and unique flavor. Like most other herbs, it’s also the perfect complement for enhancing your oils and marinades. Consuming cilantro will provide you with health benefits such as promoting healthy skin and hair, and protecting you from conditions such as obesity or heart disease.
In order to grow these herbs, keep a few things in mind.
Sunshine
Like any other plant, herbs need sun to grow. Make sure once you’ve potted your plants, that you are placing them in sunny areas, such as windowsills or areas that get lots of indirect sunlight throughout the day. In order for there to be consistent growth, make sure that your herbs are receiving at least 4-6 hours of light each day.
Drainage
Make sure you’re using containers with plenty of drainage! This will help ensure a healthy root system and a strong supply of herbs for your cooking purposes. It’s important to water your herbs thoroughly, but not so much that water is sitting at the bottom of the pots. Be sure to use a container that has holes in the bottom to keep the soil well aerated and prevent water from building up and rotting the roots.
We promise, creating an herb garden in your apartment is super easy. With some potting soil and a few herbs of your choosing, you’ll be able to easily add fresh ingredients to your meals as part of your regular cooking routine. In no time at all, you’ll have flavorful dishes that are sure to excite your taste buds and liven up your cooking.
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View All Posts by Krystyna Dudka