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Your email address will not be published.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. Grass to Garden: Chemical-Free Lawn Conversion Using Solarizationsolarization of lawn grass into a garden plot

    Grass to Garden: Chemical-Free Lawn Conversion Using Solarization

    Written By Lara Wadsworth If you've ever looked at a patch of grass or weeds in your yard and envisioned a flourishing garden in its place, you're not alone. Converting lawn space into productive garden beds is a rewarding endeavor, but manually removi...


    Ashleigh Smith + photo

    Ashleigh Smith

    2025-07-23
    6 min read
    bubble 0
  2. How to Improve Soil Fertility Naturally: Tips for a Thriving Gardenshovel in soil with gardeners boots in background

    How to Improve Soil Fertility Naturally: Tips for a Thriving Garden

    Written By Lara Wadsworth Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just getting started, one thing's for sure: the secret to a thriving garden lies beneath your feet. Garden soil fertility is a major contributor to plant health and the overall productivit...


    Ashleigh Smith + photo

    Ashleigh Smith

    2025-07-16
    7 min read
    bubble 0
  3. Garden Guardians: The Top Beneficial Insects for Natural Pest ControlPraying mantis

    Garden Guardians: The Top Beneficial Insects for Natural Pest Control

    Written By Lara Wadsworth The garden is a complex ecosystem that relies on a mix of organisms to create a flourishing growing environment. While pests can lead to destructive damage, beneficial insects act as a balance by consuming them before they com...


    Ashleigh Smith + photo

    Ashleigh Smith

    2025-07-15
    5 min read
    bubble 7
  4. Soil Amendments for Increasing Water Retentionraindrops on leaves

    Soil Amendments for Increasing Water Retention

    Written By Lara Wadsworth You’re likely here because you suspect that your garden or potting soil is not holding onto water long enough for the plants to use it. Water retention is crucial for plant health and can be the difference between a thriving v...


    Ashleigh Smith + photo

    Ashleigh Smith

    2025-07-09
    6 min read
    bubble 0