Introduction
Bored of the same old flavor in your meals? Start growing hanging herbs in kitchen for experimenting with a variety of flavors without having to visit the grocery store every now and then. Although the process of growing herbs indoors requires a lot of patience, the end results are worth the hard work. If your kitchen receives plenty of natural sunlight then you can try out the different kitchen herbs mentioned below.
Cilantro
Commonly associated with Mexican cuisine, Cilantro can add a unique flavor to your culinary works. Choose a part for hanging herbs in the kitchen that receives bright sunlight and plant the seeds ¼ inch deep. Trim the steps to prevent flowers from growing so that the leaves can flourish. The Cilantro plant is infamous for bolting easily. Thus, it’s advisable to keep planting the seeds on an occasional span for a steady supply of these exotic kitchen herbs.
Sage
The fuzzy leaves of Sage can add to the aesthetic appeal of your indoor garden. These hanging herbs in the kitchen can bring an exotic flavor to your meats, pasta, and bread. Sage seeds have a germination span of two weeks. It yields best results in dry conditions and well-drained soil. Prune the plants every one or two weeks as the plant tends to spread out very fast. Keep your hanging kitchen planter near a south-facing window for that gorgeous silver foliage.
Basil
Basil is the magic ingredient that can add some drama to your Thai, Mediterranean, Italian, and South Asian cuisines. Simply plant it in a ¼ inch deep soil and keep it well drained for the plant to thrive properly. Space out the seeds six inches away from each other and position the planter in a way that receives bright sunlight. For fuller growth frequently pinch the top of the plant.
Dill
The fragrant and feathery dill tastes delicious when added to fresh dips, salads, and warm soups. You can grow these hanging herbs in the kitchen by planting them ¼ inch deep. Make sure your kitchen planter gets a lot of bright sunlight for the plant to thrive fully. The plant produces flowers which should be pinched so that the leaves can attain greater volume.
Thyme
If you aren’t a patient person, then thyme might not be the right hanging herbs in the kitchen for you to grow. The germination process requires between two to three weeks. During this time the plant should be kept indoors where it receives bright light. Although Thyme doesn’t have much pruning requirement, you should cut back its stems every week to keep the plant’s shape under control.
Bay Leaves
If you aren’t blessed with a green thumb then it’s better to pick a small Bay leaf plant rather than growing it from the seed. You can plant the sapling in a planter with well-drained soil. Make sure the soil dries out before you can water it again. Prune the plant lightly during spring months as this helps maintain its decorative shape. You can further dry out the leaves for use later on. Storing the dried leaves in airtight jars can prolong their longevity.
Rosemary
If you reside at a place with year-long cool weather, then you can grow these hanging herbs in the kitchen that carry a woody aroma. Rosemary thrives best in a brightly lit space and well-drained soil. It needs to be pruned lightly every week to prevent the stems from becoming too woody. The leaves can either be used fresh or dried up while you try out various recipes.
Chives
Chives are easy-to-grow hanging herbs in the kitchen that impart a mild onion-like flavor to your cooked dishes. While Chives yield the best result in bright sunlight, they can also tolerate moderate shade. It needs well-drained soil where the seeds must be planted ¼ inch deep. Although Chives grow grass-like leaves that can attain a height of one foot. All you need is a kitchen scissor for snipping and adding them to your dishes. The plant grows purple flowers during spring months that must be pruned to retain its vigor.
Parsley
It takes between two to three weeks for the parsley seeds to sprout. You should plant them ¼ inch deep and place these hanging herbs in the kitchen at a bright spot. Next, the seedlings have to be transplanted to a well-drained soil.
Chervil
As a favorite of French cuisine, Chervil has rightfully earned itself the name of French parsley. Chervil grows best in partial sunlight provided you can maintain a consistent temperature between 65 to 75 degrees. You need to occasionally pinch the herb so that it yields fuller results.
Oregano
If you order pizza at a local joint then they will provide you with an oregano seasoning. But did you know that you can grow these hanging herbs in the kitchen provided you can offer them bright sunlight?For best results stick to gravelly soil and plant the seeds six inches apart and ¼ inches deep. Wait for the soil to dry out before watering it again. As the plant grows pinch twigs or leaves as this promotes further growth.
Conclusion
Growing hanging herbs in the kitchen can be a great way to add an extra zing to all your culinary escapades without breaking the bank. Be prepared to conduct a bit of trial and error until you find the best combination of water, sunlight, and soil. While growing multiple herbs in the same container, research the soil preferences. Overwatering can increase the chances of disease. You can choose hanging ceramic pots in a variety of textures to enhance the vibrancy quotient of your kitchen and add your signature style.
