There’s nothing more satisfying than infusing your food with fresh, homegrown herbs, and growing your own is actually far easier than you think. With a little care, time, and patience, you’ll soon be rewarded with fresh herbs that will take your cooking to the next level. Here are 11 herbs you should grow in your kitchen.
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1. Basil
Synonymous with Italian cooking, basil is a wonderful herb to keep on your windowsill if you enjoy cooking. The soil must be well-drained, but it’s very easy to grow in a container. Plus, the more you pick the leaves, the more leaves the plant will produce. Bonus! Use it in sauces, salads, pasta, or to make pesto.
2. Bay Leaves
A potted bay tree is a great addition to your garden or patio. This drought-tolerant plant loves warm weather and the leaves can be dried to use in your cooking. It’s particularly good in curries, stews, and bobotie.
3. Chives
Chives, with their subtle onion flavour, are closely related to leeks and garlic. Easy to grow, they can be used to infuse oils, garnish omelettes and salads, or as a tasty accompaniment to salmon dishes.
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4. Coriander
Well-known for its popularity in Asian and Indian dishes, coriander is a herb that will always divide the room. Whether you love it or hate it, it’s easy to grow and the entire plant is edible, making it a great addition to your herb garden. Plant in a deep container with sufficient drainage.
5. Dill
Excellent with fish, dill has a tangy taste best enjoyed when served fresh. Both the leaves and seeds can be used in cooking, and it works well in soups, pickles, and sauces.
6. Mint
Mint is extremely easy to grow, but keep it to a container so it doesn’t take over your garden. This refreshing herb not only works well with lamb dishes but is also useful if you like making your own cocktails for dinner parties.
ALSO SEE: Marinated Spatchcock Chicken With Lemon And Garden Herbs Recipe
7. Oregano
Like basil, oregano is an excellent flavour for Italian dishes. It’s also easy to grow. Use the dried version for a stronger taste.
8. Parsley
Parsley is a low maintenance herb that grows easily in containers with moist soil and plenty of sunlight. Italian or flat-leaf parsley has a stronger flavour, and when chopped, it’s a great garnish for stews and pasta.
9. Rosemary
Rosemary doesn’t like to be over-watered, so keep it in a container with good drainage and full sun, if possible. Its distinct taste and smell work especially well with lamb, but admittedly, it pairs well with any red meat.
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10. Sage
Sage will appreciate a sunny windowsill as it’s a drought-tolerant herb. It deserves a spot in your kitchen as it is excellent with browned butter, gnocchi, chicken, and butternut.
11. Thyme
Similar to rosemary in that it appreciates warm weather and full sun, thyme grows very quickly. A tiny seedling will fill up a large container in no time, making it a really easy herb to grow at home. It’s delicious with chicken, or in soups, stews, and sauces.
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Even if you plant a small number of pots of herbs, placed on a sunny kitchen windowsill or a patio, you will save money and transform the dishes you serve from your kitchen.
By Food and Decor Editor, Claire Badenhorst
