Garden experts have compiled a list of the best herbs to cultivate on your window sill, offering a range from basil to mint. Growing herbs indoors not only enhances your cooking experience but also introduces a delightful touch of greenery to your kitchen.
Taking on the rewarding and serene task of growing herbs provides an avenue to avoid pesticides and fertilisers while also engaging in a fulfilling pastime that proves useful in the kitchen. Embracing fresh ingredients allows for a deeper connection with nature, promotes sustainable living, and offers health benefits.
The trend of herb cultivation has surged this summer, with more Brits dedicating time to wellness activities and exploring mindful ways to spend time at home, such as cultivating herbs. TikTok even hosts approximately 29.6 million videos related to growing herbs indoors.
For those looking to embark on this journey but feeling unsure about where to begin, experts have highlighted the best herbs to consider cultivating. Collaborating with plant and gardening authority Peter Ivanov, Wren Kitchens has outlined the top herbs suitable for nurturing in your kitchen.
Rosemary is an excellent choice for kickstarting your indoor herb garden, as it is low-maintenance and thrives in Mediterranean conditions. Regular pruning is necessary to keep rosemary healthy, and misting its leaves once or twice a week with water in a spray bottle aids in blooming. Known for its robust aroma, rosemary naturally freshens the kitchen air and imparts bold flavours to dishes.
Thyme, popular in Mediterranean, French, and Middle Eastern cuisine, is a fragrant herb that flourishes in small clay pots with good drainage. Sporting small green leaves and delicate purple flowers, thyme adds visual appeal to kitchen spaces and boasts versatile flavours suitable for various dishes.
Basil, a favourite among first-time gardeners, thrives in sunny and warm conditions. This herb is a perfect addition to salads and Italian recipes like pesto and pasta. With proper care and consistent watering, basil grows quickly and serves as an ideal companion plant for tomatoes and peppers, enhancing salad and pasta dishes.
Mint boasts a plethora of uses due to its various varieties that can be incorporated into both sweet and savoury dishes. To ensure optimal growth, mint should be grown in light shade with moist but not waterlogged soil, thriving best in bright, indirect light. Mint elevates teas, cocktails, and desserts and can be utilised in flower arrangements, as peppermint oil, or as a baking flavouring agent.