Jordan Freytag + photo

Jordan Freytag

Aug 25
2 min read
bubble 0

“What’s the big deal with fresh herbs?” Some folks say. “I can get a plethora of the same herbs (and more) at my local grocery or specialty foods store.” Yes, this is true. There are more dried-herb options at stores, and it seems to be much easier for the consumer. But have you considered just how long those herbs have been dried when their being manufactured—not to mention how long they’ve been sitting on the shelf in your local store. Not only do they lose their pungent flavor and aroma in the drying process, they lose their nutritional value as well. This becomes even more apparent when we consider the hot containers they sit in and the jostling they experience when being shipped. Enjoying fresh herbs year-round is a lot easier than one might think and a lot tastier. Here are some basics so you can get started.

Light

As long as you have a window that lets in sunlight or a grow light, you’re ready to start your herb garden no matter what time of year it is! If you are using natural light, avoid a window that faces north, as not enough sun will reach your plants.

Water

Herbs thrive when given good drainage, so provide a saucer or a drain pan depending on your container. And if you live in dry climate, avoid clay pots because they tend to dry-out the soil more rapidly than other containers (try these planters instead). Keep the soil moist. It should feel kind of spongy but not soggy.

Heat

Herbs are like people as far as their temperature preference. They prefer an average temperature of 70 degrees. So, be sure to move the growing container away from the window on a particularly cold night and during the autumn and winter months.

Seeds

Some herbs can be trickier than others so we’ve come up with a list of what we think are the five best herbs to begin with:

Cilantro – Slow Bolt

Basil – Italian Large Leaf

Parsley – Dark Green Italian Flat-leaf

Oregano - Italian

Sage – Broad Leaved

Our Recommended Picks

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

0 Comments

No Comments yet! Be the first to start a conversation

  1. May Planting Guide By Zonetwo women potting flowers on a wood table

    May Planting Guide By Zone

    Written By Lara Wadsworth May is a fantastic time to get your hands dirty and start planting, no matter where you live! With warmer, but still mild temperatures, and longer days, gardens everywhere are bursting with potential. But exactly what is best ...


    Ashleigh Smith + photo

    Ashleigh Smith

    2025-04-29
    13 min read
    bubble 0
  2. Living on the Edge: 10+ Edible Plants for Landscape Borderslettuce in a landscape border

    Living on the Edge: 10+ Edible Plants for Landscape Borders

    Written By Lara Wadsworth Why settle for pretty when your garden and landscape borders can be tasty too? If you’ve ever met me, you know that I love beautiful plants that are also utilitanian. Plants that feed the soil, feed me, or promote pollinators ...


    Ashleigh Smith + photo

    Ashleigh Smith

    2025-04-23
    7 min read
    bubble 0
  3. Growing Microgreens at Home: A Beginner's ExperienceMicrogreens A Beginner's Experience with green microgreens

    Growing Microgreens at Home: A Beginner's Experience

    Written By Lara Wadsworth Microgreens seem to be used at every gourmet restaurant, are being talked about in every health magazine, and are having more and more scientific research released about the purported health benefits of these little plants. Wh...


    Ashleigh Smith + photo

    Ashleigh Smith

    2025-04-15
    10 min read
    bubble 0
  4. How to Harden Off Seedlings in 5 Easy StepsA woman carrying a tray of seedlings outdoors

    How to Harden Off Seedlings in 5 Easy Steps

    Written By Lara Wadsworth Hardening off is the process of gradually exposing your seedlings to new outdoor conditions to help them adjust without experiencing transplant shock. This is when a seedling becomes delayed, stunted, or even dies after being ...


    Ashleigh Smith + photo

    Ashleigh Smith

    2025-04-15
    6 min read
    bubble 5