When it comes to gardening, few endeavors offer as much satisfaction and flavor as cultivating a herb garden. In my journey to better health, I have learned about the numerous health benefits of herbs and that they are a great way to add some punch to your diet. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting your green thumb journey like myself, the world of herbs offers a plethora of scents, tastes, and health benefits. As a beginner, I wanted to know not only what the easiest herbs to grow were, but also the best herbs to plant, along with how to get started growing an indoor herb garden. 

What are the best herbs to plant for your health?

Let’s delve into the most popular herbs that are perfect for planting in your garden and enriching your life and have many culinary uses. 

Basil: The King of Herbs

Basil, with its sweet aroma and fresh leaves, tops the list of must-have herbs. Used in various cuisines worldwide, from Italian to Thai, basil’s distinct taste can add depth to pasta, salads, and sauces. One can cultivate different varieties such as Genovese or Thai basil for a delightful experience.

Rosemary: Fragrant and Hardy

A rosemary plant, known for its invigorating fragrance, is a great herb that thrives in various climates. Its needle-like leaves and woodsy scent make it a delightful addition to roasted meats, vegetables, and even bread. This herb not only tantalizes the taste buds but also complements the garden with its charming appearance. I love adding rosemary with a homemade butter sauce when marinating and grilling steaks!

Mint: Refreshing and Abundant

Mint, with its invigorating scent, is a must-have herb for any garden. It’s the ideal choice for teas, cocktails, and refreshing summer dishes. With various types such as spearmint and peppermint available, growing mint ensures a continuous supply of this aromatic herb for your culinary creations.

Parsley: Versatile and Nutrient-Rich

Parsley, with its delicate leaves, is a nutritional powerhouse and a versatile addition to any garden. Use it as a garnish, add it to salads, or incorporate it into flavorful dishes. Both flat-leaf (Italian) and curly-leaf parsley offer distinct flavors and aesthetics.

Thyme: A Culinary Essential

Thyme, with its earthy aroma, is a staple in Mediterranean cuisine. This herb, available in various varieties, brings a warm and aromatic touch to roasted vegetables, meats, and stews. It’s known for its culinary versatility and enchanting fragrance.

Chives: A Mild and Elegant Herb

Chives, with their delicate onion flavor, add a subtle yet distinct taste to various dishes. Their slender leaves are perfect for garnishing and enhancing the flavors of salads, soups, and omelets.

Oregano: Robust and Flavorful

Oregano (Greek oregano) has a slightly pungent taste and is a flavorful Mediterranean herb, perfect for Italian cooking and Mediterranean dishes. Its robust flavor makes it a fantastic addition to pizzas, sauces, pasta dishes and grilled meats.

Embracing the cultivation of herbs in your garden not only offers a spectrum of tastes and scents but also provides an opportunity for sustainable, fresher living. Growing these best herbs at home allows you to enjoy the unmatched freshness and flavor of home-grown produce while contributing to a healthier lifestyle.

My Experience Growing an Herb Garden Kit

Being it was the first year for me trying to grow herbs, I wanted to try a kit that had everything I needed and was simple to start. I came across this herb garden kit from True Leaf Market and decided to try it out.

True-Leaf Culinary Herb Garden Kit

The kit I decided to try comes with:

• Soil pucks and grow cells-the premium kit comes with 36 compressed soil pucks and three grow trays with 12 cells in each
• Seed packets: I chose the premium kit which comes with 18 different seed varieties
• Three watering trays (premium)
• Three humidity dome covers
• Pack of labels to mark your seeds once planted

After pouring water in the tray, the little soil pucks began to expand very quickly. I had to manually press them down into the cells, but I had some good moist soil to start with. The only thing I questioned was there was a slight chemical odor to them which was a little off-putting. There are drainage holes in the bottom of each cell which is nice to allow water to come into contact with the soil as well as give room for the roots to grow.

As directed, I put 2-3 seeds in each cell. I planted fresh basil, garlic chives, cilantro, arugula, and oregano to start.  My first surprise was how small the oregano seeds are! I wondered how big oregano plants would grow to be based on how small their sprouts were.

I marked on my labels, put the dome on and went on my way. Within 5 days, I already saw some sprouts. The arugula was the first. No wonder they call it “Rocket” arugula, it shoots right up quick! 

It helps to have a large sunny windowsill; since I don’t, I will rely on my south-facing window for now, as I can set some small pots on the edge.  This sunny spot I figured would be a good spot to start. However, I do have a grow light set up in the basement that I will likely put them under here soon.

Related:

Getting Started With Microgreens

I am just getting started in the process, but overall I am excited to see the progress. Having my own herb garden with fresh herbs, especially during the cold winter months gives me some excitement for the next growing season in early Spring. Stay tuned as I will follow up with progress here soon!