Oh, you know what? My cooking skills have made me quite popular among my friends, colleagues, and relatives.
They love coming over to my place to taste the delicious food I whip up.
And you know what secret I always share with them? It’s my small kitchen herb garden that deserves all the credit!
Having a kitchen herb garden in your own home is amazing. It adds this incredible fresh aroma to your dishes and takes the flavor to a whole new level. Plus, the medicinal herbs in your garden can even act as your personal home therapist.
How cool is that? And let me tell you, using herbs from your kitchen garden in homemade beauty products gives you this radiant, envy-inducing skin!
Now, I want to share my own experiences with you on how I built my own lovely kitchen herb garden.
I know you may have some questions about it, so I hope my story can inspire you to create one in your own home.
Does An Kitchen Herb Garden Really Work(or Even Worth it)?
The short answer is Yes, Of course! Now I will explain why!
Having a kitchen herb garden in your own home offers a multitude of benefits.
In ancient times, when packaged food and commercial spices were not readily available, organic herbs were the go-to solution for households, providing cooking ingredients, first-aid remedies, beauty treatments, and more.
Even today, seasoning your dishes with freshly harvested herbs from your kitchen garden adds a magical touch, making you the master chef among your loved ones.
Additionally, the unrestricted use of artificial fertilizers and growth-inducing chemicals in modern times often diminishes the taste and freshness of herbs.
The excessive reliance on inorganic compounds for rapid plant growth has also led to various health issues, compounding the problem further.
Considering these facts, creating a kitchen herb garden is a wonderful and healthy step for you and your family.
Such a garden requires minimal attention while providing numerous benefits.
Trust me, having your own herb garden totally worth it!
Choosing The Right Herbs For Your Herb Garden
Herbs are amazing plants with leaves that have a wonderful aroma.
Not only do these aromatic leaves make your food taste better, but some of them also have medicinal properties.
Traditional medical practitioners have been using these herbs for ages in their treatments.
Now, when it comes to creating your own kitchen herb garden, the first thing to think about is what to grow.
Did you know that there are actually 50,000 to 80,000 different species of herbs in nature?
It’s mind-boggling!
Of course, we only know a small fraction of them, and when it comes to their uses, our knowledge becomes even more limited.
But don’t worry! I’ve got you covered. I have created multiple lists of herbs and their uses for different purposes.
List Of Herbs: Used For Both Kitchen And Medicinal Purposes
I’ve put together a list of some common herbs that are not only versatile but also have medicinal value. These herbs can be easily grown in your very own kitchen garden.
Let’s take a look at them!
| Name of the herbs | Kitchen purpose | Medicinal value |
| Basil | Morning tea with honey and basil leaves is a refreshing drink. | Rich in antioxidants, prevent cold cough, stomach diseases, promotes heart functioning, and cures any kind of inflammation. |
| Neem | Consumption of Neem regular basis helps to kill intestinal worms and parasites. It improves metabolic rates and can detoxify your body. | Contains antibacterial and immuno-modulatory properties. Neem oil works as an organic pesticide also. |
| Aloe vera | can be used in drinks, soups, and salads. | Contains antioxidant properties, and helps to trace skin problems like acne, sunburn, stretch mark, etc. Alleviate nausea, promotes hair growth, and improve the immunity system. |
| Ashwagandha | As a part of traditional medical science, it is consumed with ghee, honey, and water. To avoid a bitter taste, it can be taken with juice, sweet dessert, etc. | Helpful to reduce sugar levels, cure infertility problems, lower cholesterol, and increase strength and muscle mass. |
| Lemon Balm | Used as a substitute for lemon zest. | Helps to reduce stress, anxiety and promotes sleep, and improves appetite. |
| Ceylon Cinnamon | Adds aroma to cooking. | Full of antioxidants. Lowers the risk of heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. |
| Coriander | Adds aroma to cooking. | Promote digestion, good for the skin. |
| Mint | Can be used in juice, and tea as a refreshing component. | Improves digestion, and prevents nausea and vomiting. |
| Parsley | Widely used for garnishing your food and beverages. | Contains antibacterial properties. Treats night blindness and promotes bone health. |
| Oregano | Popularly used as pizza seasoning. | Helps in digestion, fights against bacteria and virus |
| Thyme | Adds flavor to the food. | Fights against bacterial and fungal infection. |
| Dill | Mostly used for garnishing. | Treats stomach ailments, and hemorrhoids. |
| Stevia | Used as a natural sweetener. | Control weights and regulate blood pressure. |
| Bay Leaves | Adds aroma to food. | Contains anti-inflammatory properties. |
List Of Herbs: Used Primarily For Kitchen Purposes Or Food Preparation
What Herbs should you Grow That Are used mainly in the Kitchen? In this section, I will answer this question.
There are many herbs to choose from, but not all are suitable for growing at home.
Instead, let’s focus on the ones we use most frequently in our daily lives. By growing these popular kitchen herbs in your own gardens, you can enjoy their freshness and convenience.
Here are some common herbs that are used mainly for food preparation and are perfect for your kitchen garden.
| Name of the kitchen-used herbs | Requirement of weather | Requirement of space | Requirement of care |
| Basil | Sensitive to frost and Humid weather | Plant 12-16 inches apart | Water-loving plant |
| Lemon Balm | Likes cold weather | Plant in a pot 8 inches deep and 15-18 inches wide | Soil should be moist and have good drainage. |
| Coriander | Likes cold weather | Pots should be 25 cm deep | Loves water but the excess amount should be drained. |
| Mint | Full to partial sunlight | Plant 18-24 inches apart | Light soil with good drainage |
| Parsley | Sunny area, 6-8 hours of direct sunlight. | Plant 6-8 inches apart | Water-loving plant. |
| Oregano | Mediterranean plant. Needs sunlight | Plant 8-10 inches apart | Lots of water with good drainage. |
| Thyme | Mild climatic condition | Plant 12-24 inches apart | Well-drained soil |
| Dill | Cold loving plant | Plant 12-24 inches apart | Moist but well-drained soil |
| Stevia | Semi-humid, subtropical climate | Plant 18 inches apart or in a 12-inch deep container | Lots of water. But it requires good drainage. |
| Bay Leaves | Full sun-shine and needs to be protected from cold wind. | Plant in a 12-inch deep container. | Moist soil with good drainage |
Factors To Consider Before Choosing The Right Herbs For Your Kitchen Garden
When selecting herbs for your home garden, there are a few important criteria to consider.
Let’s break them down:
Weather:
The climate of your area plays a significant role in determining which herbs are suitable for your kitchen garden.
Some herbs thrive in hot climates, while others prefer colder or wetter conditions.
It’s also essential to know the harvesting period for each herb before planting them in your kitchen garden. Consider your region’s climate when choosing which herbs to grow.
Space Availability:
Having the right amount of space is crucial.
Although herbs don’t take up much room, most of them require regular sunlight for a few hours each day.
As you plan your kitchen herb garden, designate a sunny spot in your home where you can create your herb garden.
Care:
Luckily, the most commonly used herbs don’t require much maintenance. However, it’s important to handle the young plants with care as herbs are usually hand-harvested.
Choosing the right pots with proper drainage and self-watering systems can enhance the aroma and freshness of your kitchen herb garden.
Culinary Or Medicinal Value:
Determine the purpose for which you want to grow herbs.
If you intend to use them for culinary purposes, consider herbs that are commonly used in cooking and have flavors that appeal to you.
If you are interested in herbs for medicinal purposes, research their therapeutic properties and select herbs that have the desired health benefits.
Growth Habit:
Consider the growth habit of herbs to ensure they fit well within your garden design and planting arrangements.
Some herbs, such as rosemary or lavender, can grow into shrubs or larger plants, while others like cilantro or dill are annuals and have a shorter growth cycle.
Decide whether you prefer perennial herbs that come back year after year or annuals that need to be replanted each season.
Companion Planting:
Certain herbs have beneficial effects when planted together with other plants.
They can repel pests, attract pollinators, or enhance the growth of neighboring plants. Research companion planting techniques and choose herbs that can complement other plants in your garden to create a harmonious and thriving ecosystem.
Personal Preference:
Ultimately, choose herbs that you enjoy and would like to have in your garden.
Consider your personal taste preferences, the aromas you find appealing, and the herbs that you frequently use in your cooking or wellness routines.
Having herbs you are excited about will make gardening a more enjoyable experience.
By considering these factors, you can select the perfect herbs to grow in your kitchen garden, ensuring a fresh and delightful addition to your culinary adventures.
How To Take Care Of Your Kitchen Herb Garden?
Creating a kitchen herb garden in your own home is a rewarding endeavor that requires a small initial time investment and minimal cost.
Maintaining your own kitchen herb garden is not difficult at all. But you need to understand a few things about taking care of herb plants especially when you are a beginner. Follow these simple steps to get started:
Choose The Right Herbs:
Begin by selecting herbs that are commonly used in cooking and home remedies.
Opting for well-known and easily available herbs ensures they are accustomed to the climatic conditions of your area, requiring less maintenance and attention.
Ensure Sunlight Availability:
Consider the availability of proper sunlight in the chosen spot for your kitchen herb garden.
Keep in mind that different herbs have varying sunlight requirements.
In hot regions, excessive direct sunlight may hinder herb growth, so find a balance that suits their needs.
Provide Sufficient Water:
Adequate watering with proper drainage is crucial for the healthy growth of your herbs.
Before establishing your kitchen herb garden, ensure a reliable water supply and a drainage system that prevents standing water. Remember, herbs dislike excessive water, so maintaining a regular watering schedule and allowing proper drainage are key to their well-being.
Select The Right Pots:
Herbs generally require minimal care when planted in suitable pots. Explore the diverse options available in the market, considering factors such as the herb types you’ve chosen and the available space in your kitchen.
Opting for aesthetically pleasing pots adds a touch of elegance to your herb garden, enhancing the overall ambiance of your home.
Be Cautious With Seeds And Baby Plants:
Proper seed collection and sapling treatment are vital for a fragrant kitchen herb garden.
You can collect dried seeds from your existing garden or purchase them from a local nursery. If possible, contact farmers to acquire organic seeds.
Before using treated seeds, ensure they are thoroughly washed. When planting, make sure to wash your hands properly and handle baby herbs with tender care, as herbs are typically hand-harvested.
By following these steps, you’ll be well on your way to cultivating a delightful kitchen herb garden, filled with aromatic herbs that enhance your culinary creations and bring joy to your home.
Adding Compost Or Other Organic Matter:
Before planting herbs, it’s beneficial to prepare your soil by incorporating organic matter and compost.
These additions enhance soil quality by improving water drainage, moisture retention, aeration, and nourishing soil microorganisms.
Check out the following link to learn more about the importance of compost and organic matter.
Improve The Soil With Fertilizer:
To provide essential nutrients to your herbs, you can amend the soil with fertilizers.
Inorganic fertilizers are readily available in packaged forms from the market.
However, if you prefer an organic herb garden, you can opt for organic fertilizers.
You also have the option to create your own organic fertilizer at home.
Check out the following link to explore further information about inorganic and organic fertilizers.
Testing The Soil Ph(Acidity Level):
Soil pH is crucial as it affects nutrient availability for your herbs.
A pH level of 7.0 is neutral, below 7.0 indicates acidity, and above 7.0 signifies alkalinity.
Herbs generally thrive in a pH range of 6 to 7.5.
If your soil pH deviates from this range, soil modification and amendments may be necessary.
Check out the following link for detailed insights into soil pH levels.
Pruning & Trimming:
Promote healthy growth and protect your herbs from potential damage by regularly pruning and trimming overgrown or damaged sections.
This practice helps mitigate issues caused by fertilizer application, excessive sunlight, strong winds, and pest infestations.
Pest Control:
Effective pest control is essential to safeguard your herbs.
Proper monitoring is crucial to identify and address pest attacks promptly.
Insecticides and organic pesticides can be used to control pests.
Check out the following link to gain more knowledge about organic and inorganic pesticides.
How To Fix Plant Growth-Related Issues? – Troubleshooting Tips.
Herbs That Are Not Thriving:
Ensure your herbs are receiving the recommended amount (full sun or partial)of sunlight.
Overwatering or underwatering can both negatively impact herb growth.
Poor soil conditions can hinder herb growth. Improve the draining system of the soil by adding organic matter.
Inspect your herbs for any signs of pests or diseases, such as yellowing leaves, spots, or wilting. Take appropriate measures to control pests or treat any diseases accordingly.
Herbs have specific temperature and humidity preferences. Ensure they are grown in a suitable environment and protected from extreme conditions.
Herbs That Are Not Producing Leaves:
Provide your herbs with adequate sunlight or consider using artificial grow lights.
Check if your herbs are receiving the necessary nutrients.
Regular pruning promotes new leaf growth. Remove any dead or damaged leaves to encourage fresh growth.
Overgrown roots can restrict leaf production.
If your herbs are rootbound, consider repotting them in a larger container.
Herbs That Are Not Flowering:
Some herbs require a certain maturity level before they start flowering. Research the specific flowering timeline for each herb and ensure they have reached the appropriate stage.
Inadequate sunlight can inhibit flowering. Make sure your herbs are receiving sufficient direct sunlight.
Some herbs require specific temperature ranges for flowering. Ensure you are providing a suitable environment for them.
Excessive nitrogen in the soil can promote leaf growth at the expense of flowering.
Improper pruning can remove potential flowering stems.
Don’t forget to monitor your herbs regularly, provide appropriate care, and make adjustments based on their specific needs.
Advantages: The Long List of Benefits Of Home-Grown Herbs
Add Fresh Aroma To Your Cooking:
Garnishing your hot sandwich with freshly picked coriander leaves or seasoning your pizza with homegrown oregano adds a new dimension to your culinary expertise.
First-Aid Applications:
If you accidentally get burned while cooking and can’t immediately visit a doctor, don’t panic. Simply collect some mint leaves from your kitchen herb garden, press them, and cover the affected area. The cool menthol touch of mint will provide immediate relief.
Beauty Treatments:
Acne and scar marks can be troublesome, but planting aloe vera in your kitchen herb garden can help.
Apply fresh aloe vera gel from the plant onto blemishes every night before sleeping, and you’ll notice a significant improvement by the next morning.
Natural Air Freshener:
Dry some lemongrass leaves and store them in a tightly sealed jar with alcohol for a few weeks. Strain the liquid and discard the solid part. Now you have a homemade lemongrass room freshener that not only adds a refreshing scent but also helps repel mosquitoes and other insects.
Insect Repellent:
Your kitchen herb garden can be protected from pest attacks by using organic pesticides produced right in your garden.
Neem, known for its antibacterial and antifungal properties, serves as an excellent natural deterrent due to its strong odor and inherent bitterness.
By cultivating a kitchen herb garden, you can enhance your cooking, improve your well-being, and enjoy the benefits of natural remedies and fragrances right at home.
Cost Savings:
Growing herbs at home can save you money in the long run.
Store-bought herbs can be expensive, especially if you frequently use them in your cooking.
By growing your own, you eliminate the need to purchase them regularly, reducing your grocery expenses.
Convenience:
Having a herb garden at home provides convenience and accessibility.
You can easily step outside and harvest the herbs you need for your recipes, eliminating the need for last-minute trips to the store.
It adds a level of convenience to your cooking and encourages creativity in the kitchen.
Organic And Pesticide-Free:
When you grow your own herbs, you have control over the growing methods and can opt for organic practices.
You can avoid using pesticides or synthetic fertilizers, ensuring that your herbs are free from harmful chemicals and promoting a healthier lifestyle.
Aesthetics And Garden Design:
Herb gardens can add beauty and visual appeal to your home.
Herbs come in various colors, textures, and forms, making them a valuable addition to your garden landscape. Incorporating herbs into your garden design can create a visually pleasing and functional space.
Educational Opportunity:
Growing herbs at home provides an excellent learning opportunity, especially for children.
It allows them to understand plant growth, practice basic gardening skills, and learn about the importance of sustainability and self-sufficiency.
It can foster a deeper connection with nature and promote a sense of responsibility.
Stress relief and well-being: Gardening, including growing herbs, has been shown to have positive effects on mental health and well-being.
Spending time in the garden, tending to plants, and connecting with nature can reduce stress, promote relaxation, and enhance overall well-being.
Conclusion and Take Away!
Kitchen herb gardens are a great way to add fresh flavor to your cooking. With proper knowledge, you can use their medicinal properties too. With a little care, you can enjoy those fresh herbs from your own garden all year long. If you have some space in your backyard, then plan today to build your own Kitchen Herb garden. If you need garden design help then check out my article on Potager Garden.
I hope I’ve addressed all your concerns about the kitchen herb garden. If you’re curious about other cool farming methods or the best veggies and herbs for your home garden, check out my other articles in the related post section below or the recent post section at the top-right.
Oh, and if you’re loving this article, don’t forget to share it with your buddies and consider joining my Email list at the bottom-right of the page. That way, you’ll be in the loop for more awesome articles like this. Stay tuned!
References:
- Source 1: Beauty Treatment – Food and Agriculture Organization
- Source 2: Medicinal Plant – World Bank
- Source 3: [https://www.agmrc.org/]
- Source 4: American Herbal Products Association
- Source 5: International Union for Conservation of Nature and the World Wildlife Fund
Misty S is the founder and lead writer at GrowOrganicGreens.com, a comprehensive gardening resource dedicated to helping people cultivate beautiful and sustainable gardens. She has a Master’s degree in Economics and specialized studies in agricultural economics, horticulture, and soil science. Drawing from her extensive knowledge and experience, Misty shares practical gardening tips on soil preparation, organic manure composting, fertilizers, plant care, and indoor gardening, making her advice accessible and helpful to gardeners of all levels.
Despite having an high-demanding 9-5 job, Misty dedicates her personal time to researching and exploring various gardening topics. Her keen interest in gardening has grown into a passion, driving her to help new gardeners and anyone interested in starting their gardening journey.
Follow Misty’s work and the latest gardening insights and updates on Pinterest. You can reach out to Misty at mistysblogging@gmail.com.