All dishes are incomplete without the right herbs and spices to really bring it to life. That’s why it’s beneficial to have your own herb garden nicely positioned outside of your kitchen door, allowing you to quickly grab some fresh parsley or mint without having to drive to your local supermarket. Not only is it more efficient, but it can also save you a lot of money with growing your own herbs being much cheaper than purchasing packages at the store.
Knowing exactly how to grow your own herbs is a big step, as it’s not as simple as just putting your seeds in a pot and letting them grow. In this guide, we will talk you through the easiest culinary herbs to grow right outside your kitchen door. Continue reading to learn more.
Why Grow Herbs by the Door
Having instant access to all of your herbs is ideal for all your meal making prep, as just a quick snip and you’re ready to go. If you grow all of these in pots, it’ll make it even easier to manage soil draining and keep aggressive spreaders contained. This will give you better quality herbs that will add the perfect finishing touches to all your dishes. Even if you do still require a Stihl Tiller to care for your garden and grow your herbs, this can be positioned as close to your home as possible for ease of access.
Leaves that are grown in the sun often offer better flavours than those kept in refrigerated conditions in-store, so you’ll have wonderfully tasting meals stretching all the way from breakfast to dinner.
Easiest Culinary Herbs to Grow
Chives
One of the toughest garden plants, chives can thrive under most conditions and are very easy to grow from home. These little delights taste like mild onions, offering you a lovely taste that isn’t too overpowering. If you’re going to plant them in your garden, give them as much sunlight as possible for optimal growth, although they can also grow in light shade.
Rich soil that can be drained well is also great, so moisture can be properly managed and kept moist when needed. When harvesting, cut the leaves from the outside and leave the centre to grow.
Mint
Mint grows very fast and spreads through underground runners called rhizomes. Planting it in its own pot stops it from invading the rest of your garden, so your other plants remain safe from its consuming nature. Some gardeners do note that mint roots can still escape through drainage holes or crawl over the rim if left unchecked for too long, so you’ll need to stay on top of it.
Incorporating mint into your dishes is a great idea, as it can work with anything. Whether you’re having savoury meat dishes, fresh salads, pasta, sauces or sweet treats, mint is always a needed herb.
Rosemary
Rosemary is a hardy evergreen shrub that thrives in full sun and handles dry soil with ease. It features fragrant, needle-like leaves and small blue flowers. This makes it a popular choice for culinary and ornamental gardens, as it’ll both look good and be very useful for all kitchen needs. Place in a spot with direct sun for at least six hours a day if you want them to grow optimally and let the soil dry out completely between waterings.
Add fresh or dried leaves to roasted meats, potatoes and bread if you want to give it that extra flavour. Crushing the leaves will also release a strong, pine-like scent, which is perfect for your kitchen.
Thyme
Thyme is a low-growing perennial herb that is one of the best to grow in a plant pot right outside your kitchen door. It loves fast-draining soil and handles cold weather well, so you don’t have to worry about growing it during any particular time of year. It grows best in full sun though, so keep that in mind if you want it grown quickly.
It needs very little water once it takes root, so it requires less maintenance than other herb plants. Although just check on it now and again to make sure it all looks good.
Parsley
Parsley grows best in moist, well-draining soil and adds a fresh flavour to soups, salads and sauce. This plant prefers four to six hours of sun or bright partial shade, as this will ensure that it’s getting all the sun nutrients it needs to optimal growth. Keep the soil moist so it does not dry out, as dry conditions will worsen its growth.
Snip outer stems as needed once the plant has three leaf segments and leave the rest to re-grow again. A great way to use parsley is by chopping into green salads or grain bowls for a pop of color and clean taste.