If you enjoy gardening but don’t have an area you can use to grow summer vegetables or don’t have the ability to spend long, active hours out in the sun, don’t fret, because you don’t have to give up your beloved hobby! By shifting your chosen crop to herbs, you can comfortably move from the backyard to a porch or window herb garden.
Herbs are remarkably easy to grow, no matter if you live in a house with a huge backyard or an apartment with only a small patio. Herbs also do just as well in pots as they do in garden beds.
There are plenty of herbs that thrive in the sun, and you can use your herbs to enhance your favorite recipes.
The Best Herbs for Your Porch or Window Garden:
- Basil is one of the most popular herbs because it’s easy to grow. Extremely fragrant, basil can be added to a wide variety of recipes to boost the flavor. The summertime staple’s warm yet spicy notes work well in your favorite sweet or savory dishes including pesto, salads, fruit compotes, or even pizzas. Once your herb garden matures, be sure to pick leaves regularly so that your plants continue to grow all summer long.
- Cilantro has a citrusy flavor and is also very fragrant. It’s frequently used in many Mexican dishes, including guacamole, salsa, tacos and huevos rancheros. It can also be used to top soup, sandwiches, chili, rice and roasted vegetables, and in stir-fry dishes. You can start to harvest cilantro once the plant is six to eight inches tall.
- Mint has fragrant leaves that add a burst of fruity flavor to recipes. It grows well in either shade or sun, which makes it ideal for a summertime herb garden. Younger mint leaves have more flavor than older ones, so harvest your mint as soon as possible for use in fruit salads and iced tea, or make fresh and cool infused water by plucking off a few leaves to keep in a pitcher of water in the refrigerator.
- Rosemary shrubs grow pretty blue flowers to add a pop of color to your miniature garden. Like mint, the best-tasting rosemary comes from new growth, so snip its stems as soon as you need them. Use it to add aromatic flavor to marinades while grilling or to give a pop of flavor to roasted potatoes.
Creating Your Summer Herb Garden
There are many ways to start a miniature garden. You can buy a kit that has all the parts and pieces you need already. Or you can go to your local garden store and get the supplies that you like best individually. The pre-made kits are best for new gardeners, taking the guess work out of creating a successful setup. But creating your own garden can be more satisfying for experienced growers who have likely developed their own preferences for layout and design.
Whether you’re planting indoors or outside on your porch, make sure you have large clay or plastic pots on hand, plus good potting soil that drains well, and organic vegetable or herb fertilizer or compost to give your herbs the nutrients they need to stay healthy. Prepare the soil by turning it with a garden fork. This will let the water drain more easily and make room for the plants’ roots. Don’t forget to add compost or fertilizer to create optimal growing conditions.
If you’re not sure you have a spot that gets enough sunlight for your plants to thrive, don’t worry. LED grow lights are affordable and can ensure your herbs have the light they need.
Maintaining Your Garden
Once you’ve got everything planted, be sure to monitor your plants regularly. Watering schedules may vary depending on the plant type and environment. Indoor plants require watering when the top inch of soil feels dry. Use a small watering can to soak the soil; it should be damp but without any standing water.
Usually, indoor plants benefit from fertilization every 4-6 weeks during the growing season. Always follow the directions on the fertilizer packaging for the best results. If you have more questions about how to keep your herbs growing strong, consider joining a gardening club if you live in a senior living community or ask the staff or your favorite garden store for tips!
