Fresh herbs can do a lot with very little. A handful of basil can brighten up pasta, fresh mint can add something extra to a favorite drink, and a little rosemary can completely change roasted vegetables or potatoes. Even better, you don’t always have to make a trip to the grocery store when you want them.
Growing herbs at home can be a simple way to bring a little greenery into your space while keeping fresh flavors close by for everyday cooking. You don’t need a large garden to get started, either. A sunny windowsill, a few pots, and the right herbs can be enough.
At Farmhouse at Lantern Commons, here are a few easy ways to grow, keep, and enjoy fresh herbs at home.
Choose Easy Herbs to Grow Indoors
Starting an herb garden doesn’t require a green thumb or a lot of space. Many herbs can grow well in pots near a sunny window or in another bright spot, making them a simple addition to our apartments in Westfield, Indiana. If you’re looking for easy herbs to grow, consider these favorites:
- Basil: Loves sunshine and regular watering. Its sweet, peppery leaves are perfect for Italian dishes.
- Mint: Grows quickly and vigorously, so keeping it in its own pot can help contain its growth. Try it in teas, refreshing drinks, or salads.
- Parsley: Both curly and flat-leaf varieties can work well at home. Use it as a garnish or add it to sauces and dressings.
- Chives: These oniony strands are relatively easy to maintain. Snip them directly into eggs, soups, or salads.
- Rosemary: This woody herb prefers plenty of light and drier conditions. Its aromatic leaves pair well with roasted vegetables and meats.
- Thyme: Like rosemary, thyme enjoys plenty of light and well-drained soil. It’s a versatile addition to savory dishes.
Find the Right Spot
Most herbs appreciate plenty of natural light, so look around your home for a bright spot that gets several hours of sun throughout the day.
A kitchen windowsill can be convenient because your herbs stay close while you cook, but it isn’t your only option. A sunny area elsewhere in the apartment can work just as well.
For residents of our apartments for rent in Westfield, IN, a small collection of herbs can also add a natural touch to the home without requiring much space.
Just remember that different herbs can have different needs. Before grouping everything together, check the light and watering recommendations for each plant so you can give them a better chance to thrive.
Smart Potting and Watering Techniques
Healthy roots can help your herbs continue producing flavorful leaves. Keep a few basics in mind as your plants grow:
- Prioritize Drainage: Choose containers with drainage holes so excess water has somewhere to escape.
- Check Before Watering: Instead of following the exact same watering schedule for every herb, check the soil and the needs of each variety first.
- Prune Regularly: Harvesting and trimming your herbs regularly can encourage fuller growth and help keep many varieties productive.
How to Properly Store Harvested Herbs
Once you harvest your herbs, a few simple storage habits can help keep them fresh until you’re ready to use them.
- Tender Herbs: Parsley and cilantro can be stored with their stems in a small amount of water, similar to a bouquet, and refrigerated. Basil generally prefers room-temperature storage with its stems in water.
- Hardy Herbs: Rosemary and thyme can be loosely wrapped in a slightly damp paper towel and placed in a container or reusable bag in the refrigerator.
Pairing your fresh garden ingredients with the right culinary tools can make prep work even easier. For more inspiration, check out our guide on Everyday Kitchen Gadgets Worth Adding to Your Home.
Take Your Green Thumb Beyond Your Apartment
Your herb-growing plans don’t have to stop with a few pots indoors. Residents at Farmhouse at Lantern Commons can also enjoy the community garden, giving you another way to spend time growing and caring for plants close to home.
It can be a nice change of pace from an indoor apartment herb garden, especially if tending to plants becomes a hobby you look forward to. Spend some time outside, learn what grows well throughout the seasons, or simply enjoy having another place to put your green thumb to use.
Whether you keep a few herbs near the kitchen or head outside to the community garden, start small and see what you enjoy growing most.
Simple Ways to Incorporate Herbs Into Daily Meals
Having fresh herbs nearby gives you plenty of opportunities to experiment with everyday meals:
- Herbed Compound Butter: Mix chopped rosemary, thyme, and garlic into softened butter, then chill it for an easy addition to vegetables, bread, or your favorite savory dishes.
- Fresh Dressings and Sauces: Blend basil, parsley, cilantro, or other favorites into homemade dressings, pesto, or sauces for an extra layer of flavor.
- Herb Ice Cubes: Chop leftover herbs, place them in ice cube trays with water or broth, and freeze them for an easy addition to future soups and sauces.
Bring Something Fresh to Your Home
Starting an herb garden is a small project, but it can add something enjoyable to your everyday routine. You get a little greenery to care for, fresh ingredients within reach, and plenty of opportunities to experiment with new flavors.
At Farmhouse at Lantern Commons, you’ll find a place to make everyday routines your own, from trying a new recipe to spending a little time tending to your favorite plants.
Explore our Westfield apartments and find a home with space for the little things that make everyday living more enjoyable.
