Just because it’s cold outside doesn’t mean your herb-growing dreams have to freeze. If you’re tired of buying overpriced, wilted herbs from the grocery store, it’s time to bring the garden inside. With a little sunlight and some basic care, you can grow fresh herbs right in your kitchen all year long.
Chives
Chives are the low-maintenance friends of the herb world, thriving in both pots and gardens with minimal fuss. They’re a zippy addition to salads, soups, and potatoes, and let’s not forget those adorable purple flowers that are edible too.
Lemongrass
Lemongrass brings a hint of the tropics to your backyard with its lemony scent and flavor. It loves the sun and is surprisingly easy to grow in pots or the ground, making it a dual-threat in the kitchen for teas, soups, and curries. Growing lemongrass means you’re just a snip away from an epic Thai meal.
Thyme
Thyme is a tiny titan of the herb world, offering its lemony-earthy notes to countless dishes while asking for little in return. It’s drought-resistant, loves full sun, and is happy in the ground or a pot.
Mint
Mint is the herb that keeps on giving, spreading joy (and itself) far and wide with little encouragement. Perfect for mojitos, teas, and freshening up dishes, mint is a vigorous grower that prefers a bit of shade. Just remember to contain its enthusiasm in pots otherwise it will takeover any space practically overnight.
Oregano
Oregano is a staple in any sunny garden, thriving with just a touch of care and bringing that classic Mediterranean flair to pizzas, pastas, and more. It’s drought-tolerant and loves a good sunbath. It’s a low-maintenance hero in the herb world. Homegrown oregano means you can take on any Italian or Greek meal and have it taste restaurant quality.
Sage
Sage demands a spot in your garden for its velvety leaves and savory, earthy flavor that pairs wonderfully with poultry, pork, and stuffings. A lover of sunny spots and well-drained soil, sage is a perennial that keeps on giving.
Lemon Balm
Lemon balm is your go-to for a touch of citrus without the fruit. It’s easy to grow, asking for nothing more than some sunlight and a bit of space. This herb is a stress-reliever in the garden and the cup, perfect for teas and desserts.
Parsley
Parsley isn’t just a pretty garnish; it’s a vibrant, vitamin-packed herb that grows with grace in cool and warm weather alike. It brightens up dishes with its fresh, clean taste and is forgiving to grow, asking for nothing more than some sunlight and moisture.
Dill
Dill, with its feathery fronds and distinct flavor, is a must for pickling enthusiasts and salmon lovers. It’s a cinch to grow, requiring just some sunlight and a bit of space to flourish. Dill can make any meal feel like a gourmet affair.
Basil
Basil is the summer sweetheart, but it can be grown and used all year round in pot too. It’s easy to grow and even easier to use, making everything from pesto to salads taste spectacular. Just keep it warm and watered, and basil will reward you bountifully. There are many varieties, choose the one that best matches the cuisine you cook most.
Rosemary
Rosemary is as hardy as it is aromatic, making it a perfect pick for beginners. It loves the sun and can handle a bit of neglect, preferring to stay on the dry side. Snip sprigs to add to your meats, soups, and even cocktails.
6 Vegetables Perfect For Raised Bed Gardens And 3 To Avoid
Jumping into raised bed gardening opens up a whole new world of growing potential, from boosting your soil’s nutrient profile to getting more green in less ground. The beauty of raised beds isn’t just in their efficient drainage or how they keep your soil from getting squashed underfoot; it’s also about making every square inch count. With space at a premium for most of us, picking the right veggies for these elevated patches is key.
This list will guide you through choosing the best plants for your raised beds, ensuring your garden thrives. While not every veggie is cut out for life above ground level, there are some that truly shine in compact spaces.
Read it Here: 6 Vegetables Perfect For Raised Bed Gardens And 3 To Avoid
13 Foods You Didn’t Know Are Genetically Modified
Genetically modified foods are more common than you might think, often hidden in plain sight on our plates. While some people are wary of GMOs, others appreciate the benefits they bring to farming and food production. Here’s a list of everyday foods that have been genetically tweaked, along with a brief explanation of why they were modified.
Read it Here: 13 Foods You Didn’t Know Are Genetically Modified
Select images provided by Depositphotos.
Gina Matsoukas is an AP syndicated writer. She is the founder, photographer and recipe developer of Running to the Kitchen — a food website focused on providing healthy, wholesome recipes using fresh and seasonal ingredients. Her work has been featured in numerous media outlets both digital and print, including MSN, Huffington post, Buzzfeed, Women’s Health and Food Network.
