how to grow oregano at home?

7 Best herbs to grow at home. I love parsley, cilantro, and mint in my salad. As I am a keen clean eater, an enormous bowl of salad is a daily must-have. I used to scream in agony when the herbs would become limpy and ultimately die down to a brittle mass very soon.

One day, as I threw off the last batch of my beloved herbs, I pledged to myself that I will start a herb garden indoors. After all, we need only a few sprigs for the magical touch to the food. So, why waste a huge amount of them?

Then started my quest for the easiest herbs to grow at home that can stay all year round.

I always had this hidden fear in me that growing herbs at home is not my thing. I am not born with green thumbs and the other common notions regarding herb gardens indoors.

It amazed me that as a total beginner; it was really easy to grow the best herbs at home. They are just like my babies, which I cherish to see grow.

Here I am, standing proudly with my herb garden. Now, I can easily break off a few sprigs of my favorite herbs from the comfort of my home. At the same time, I no longer have any heaviness in my heart that I have wasted any food. Hop on and let’s grow herbs at home with me.

1. Making a mint

best herbs to grow at home

Mint has a distinctive invigorating taste with a menthol-like aftertaste. I LOVE to dump a few sprigs of mint in a cup of boiling water. Let it steep for a few minutes and sip it off.

Even the thought of mint refreshes the breath and soul.

Difficulty to grow mint at home: Easy.

Types of mint to grow indoors

They have more than 7,000 variants with distinctive characteristics and flavors.

People prefer the following to grow indoors.

Spearmint
Peppermint
Chocolate mint
Apple mint
Pineapple mint

Minty Fun Facts

Mint got its name from a nymph in Greek mythology named Menthe or Minthe, who was Pluto’s girlfriend. Pluto’s jealous wife Persephone transformed Minthe into a ground-clinging plant that could be easily stomped upon.
Ancient Greeks and Romans used mint for scenting their dead bodies.
Whereas, the ancient Egyptians used mint for treating flatulence and to speed up digestion.

How to grow mint at home for beginners?

Are you growing in mint condition?

Mint is one of the easiest herbs to grow indoors. The important thing to keep in mind is that it can get a bit rampant. So, it is better to grow it in a confined space.

You have to keep the soil a little soggy. Water it only when you find the foliage wilted and dry.

Minty Benefits

Antibacterial.
Antifungal.
Anti-inflammatory.
Soothes off the bloating and digestive issues.
Helps in getting rid of pimples and the inflammation caused by them.
Say goodbye to bad breath by chewing a few leaves. (Halitosis).
Waives off breastfeeding pain.
A sip of mint tea/mojito to a glass skin.

2. Oregano

how to grow oregano at home by beginners

I cannot imagine my pizza or pasta without Oregano. It makes a dish from ordinary to Royal. By growing herbs indoors, you can change your boring-looking grilled or roasted vegetables to exquisite ones by sprinkling oregano on them.

Oregano is a culinary herb that is strongly aromatic, with a slightly bitter taste.

Difficulty to grow oregano: Easy

Types of oregano to grow indoors

Common Oregano
Golden Oregano
Greek Oregano
Syrian Oregano

Oregano Fun Facts

It is believed that Oregano was created by the Goddess Aphrodite. According to her, it was a symbol of joy. Oregano means the joy of the mountains.
It was used by Assyrians as early as 3000 BC.
The Greeks and Romans used Oregano for medicinal and health purposes.
Oregano is packed with antioxidants. It has 4 times the antioxidants of blueberries, 12 times the antioxidants of oranges, and 42 times the antioxidants of apples.

How to grow Oregano at home for beginners?

If you are looking for easy herbs to grow, then Oregano must surely be on the garden herbs list.

It can be grown indoors all year round. Place the pot at a window-sill that gets adequate Sun or under standard or compact fluorescent lights. Mix potting soil with finely ground granite or coarse sand as Oregano thrives in light, airy, and fast-draining soil.

Growing Oregano at home is a bit tricky, as very dry and very moist soil does not provide favorable conditions for them to grow.

During winters, place the pot on a moist pebble-filled tray.

Benefits of Oregano

Antibacterial.
Antiallergic.
Helps fight bacterial and viral infections.
Highly antioxidants may help treat cancer.
Decreases inflammation and rheumatoid arthritis.
Treats respiration-related ailments like coughs, bronchitis, and asthma.
Helps to alleviate dysmenorrhea, the painful menstrual cramps.
Good for urinary tract infections and disorders.

3. Cilantro

how to grow cilantro at home for beginners

Cilantro is the Spanish word for coriander-the seeds of cilantro.

Undoubtedly, this super herb is among the best herbs to grow at home. Mexicans and Indians are equally crazy about it. Most of the Indian curries and world-renowned Biryani are topped up with it. On the other hand, Mexican food like enchiladas, fajitas, and Mexican rice, is equally graced by it.

Increase your vitamin and antioxidant intake by garnishing your soups, salads, curries, guacamole, fish, and stir-fries with raw cilantro from your herbal garden.

Difficulty to grow cilantro: Easy

Cilantro Fun Facts

Cilantro came to the European world from the Middle East. The Spanish traders brought it to Mexico in the 1500s.
It can easily be called a superfood or a super herb. A small amount suffices the daily value of vitamins A and K. It is equally rich in Vitamin C, manganese, and potassium.
Even though cilantro has a huge fan following, still there are many people who find its taste to be soapy and dislike it. It’s all genetic. It is because of the heightened olfactory sensitivity of soapy flavored aldehydes in the cilantro leaves. The human body is amazing!

How to grow cilantro at home for beginners?

Being one of the best herbs to grow at home, cilantro has never failed us.

You will be needing an area that receives full sun or supplemental lighting for 6 hours each day and moist potting soil. If you live in a warmer climate, then afternoon shade is equally necessary. Always mix the native soil with rich organic matter or aged compost.

Growing herbs at home are not challenging if it is cilantro that you are going to grow.

Cilantro is kind of innocent, just place the stems in a glass of water and the roots will grow. Plant them in a pot, once the roots are long enough. It grows fully and is ready to harvest in 4-6 weeks. If you prune the cilantro leaves properly, they will grow back till many harvests.

Benefits of Cilantro

Add cilantro to the garden herbs list if you want to reap the following well-researched health benefits:

Cilantro improves your heart health.
Manages diabetes.
Makes you lean.
Tames down the seizure severity.
Gives you healthy skin and hair.
Improves mood.
Boosts energy.
Oils in cilantro are antimicrobial.
Antioxidant.
Detoxifies the body against heavy metals like lead and mercury.

4. Parsley

how to grow parsley at home for beginners

Parsley and cilantro are look-alikes. But the similarity ends just there. They have distinct differences in terms of their taste and other characteristics. Cilantro has a lemony strong flavor. Whereas, parsley has a citrusy earthy flavor and a fresh, grassy smell.

Check mark your home garden herbs list with parsley as a must if you like Turkish Adana kebabs, chimichurri sauce, tabbouleh, minestrone soup, stuffed pepper, or Mediterranean couscous bowl.

Difficulty to grow parsley:Easy

Types of best parsley to grow indoors

1. Flat-leaf parsley or Italian parsley

Easy to chop.
More flavorful.

2. Curly-leaf parsley or Common parsley

Eye-catchy, so it amps up the final presentation of the dish.
Little to no flavor.
Highly aromatic.

Parsley Fun Facts

Parsley originates from the Mediterranean region and dates back 2,000 years.
The name parsley has Greek roots. It comes from the Greek word petroselinon which means rock celery. As it thrives on rocks and walls.
Ten sprigs of parsley are enough for recommended daily vitamin K intake.
Anything in excess can be dangerous, and so are high doses of parsley. It can cause strong allergic reactions in some people.
The Romans used flat and curled parsley for its medicinal benefits.

How to grow parsley at home for beginners?

Looking for the best herbs to grow at home? Parsley has come to your rescue.

Parsley can grow in any container at home as long as the pot’s depth is at least 12 inches. Space your seeds about 6-8 inches apart if you want your parsley plant to be bushier.

It grows well in a partially shaded place and moist but well-drained soil.

A parsley plant can last for two years as it is biennial.

Benefits of Parsley

Powerful natural diuretic.
Lowers bloating and blood pressure.
Anti-inflammatory.
Loaded with bone-friendly vitamin K.
An adequate amount of antioxidants, like vitamins C and A, is also present.
Being a diuretic, it keeps the kidneys healthy and lowers the risk of kidney stones.
Parsley tea helps to reduce excess water weight and bloating.
Just like mint, chewing a few parsley leaves can fight off bad breath.

5. Thyme

Time to grow thyme

Thyme is a perennial herb which means it stays all year long. Growing herbs indoors is a piece of cake when it comes to thyme.

Difficulty to grow thyme: Easy but a bit tricky!

Types of thyme to grow indoors

Lime thyme
Lemon thyme
Orange thyme
Wooly thyme
Foxley thyme
Silver edge thyme
French thyme
Transparent yellow thyme

Thyme Fun Facts

Thyme is named so after the Greek word ‘Thymos’ which means ‘to fumigate.’ Thyme was burned as incense in ancient Greek temples.
According to another theory, the name originates after another Greek word ‘Thymon’ that means courage, as it gives strength to the body.
Back in the times of the Black Death, people used to protect themselves through thyme.
It was also used for embalming.
In high concentrations, it may become a lung or skin irritant.

How to grow thyme at home for beginners?

Thyme is easily one of the best herbs to grow indoors.

While compiling your garden herbs list, do remember to place thyme.

It thrives well in a sunny spot.

When to water thyme?

A tricky question indeed!

Keep it neither too moist nor too dry. Either way, it may die off. Only water the soil when it gets a bit dry (but not completely dry) Thyme needs watering every 10-15 days. Otherwise, it gets irked by ‘wet feet’!:)

In early spring, fertilize the soil with organic matter. Being a hardy herb, it stays quite well in winter.

While harvesting, cut only the greenest, softest thyme stems, away from the woody part of the stem. It will amaze you how fuller and stronger it grows back.

Benefits of thyme

Antibacterial.
Antifungal.
Antioxidant.
Antiseptic.
Insecticidal.
Boosts immunity, as it is rich in vitamin C.
Moderately diuretic.
Treats insomnia with the help of an anxiolytic active ingredient. Take thyme tea as a nightcap and Zzzzz off.
Helps in blood clotting and bone development due to the presence of manganese.
Relieves cough.
Reduces dementia and patchy hair loss (alopecia).

6. Basil

Basil is also referred to as the ‘Queen of herbs’ due to its many spiritual and medicinal benefits.

Hindus call it Tulsi the (incomparable one) after the Goddess Tulsi. They worship it and it is planted not only in their shrines but also in their homes.

Is Basil one of the easy herbs to grow at home or not? Let’s check it out.

Difficulty to grow Basil at home: Easy, but kind of tricky.

Types of Basil to grow indoors

Sweet Basil
Thai Basil
Lemon Basil
Purple Basil

Basil Fun Facts

Basil is named after the Greek word basileus which means ‘King’. Its name also routes back to basilisk- a legendary dragon who could slay a person with only a glance. Only if ‘looks’ could kills!;)
For Hindus, who call it Tulsi or ‘Holy Basil’ is a sacred herb, which they use in their burial ceremonies.
During the Victorian era, sweet basil was sent as a token of good wishes.
In Italy, a man was destined to marry a woman if he accepted basil from her.

How to grow Basil at home for beginners?

It is a hardy herb that makes it one of the best herbs to grow at home . You can easily tuck it into your herbal garden.

All you need is a well-lit area and moist soil and basil will thrive.

How often to water your Basil plant?

It all depends upon the size of the pot and where it has been planted.

Water the smaller pots on a daily basis, whereas the larger pots on a weekly basis.

If you have a basil plant in your herb garden, then it needs to be watered less than the one in pots.

Like Thyme, it also does not like water-logging. Use your strong, decisive power in terms of over-watering the basil plant otherwise, the stems will rot, stunting the growth.

Benefits of basil

Antidepressant.
Anti-inflammatory.
Rich in antioxidants.
Good for tummy troubles like loss of appetite, bloating, and stomach spasms.
Helps to lower the risk of age-related dementia.
Increases your cognitive behavior.
Used for kidney conditions, worm infections, and fluid retention.
Highly nutritious, as it is packed with vitamins A, C, and K, manganese, copper, magnesium, calcium, omega-3 fatty acids, folate, and iron.
Antibacterial so helps in giving you clear skin and removing warts.
Treats respiratory ailments like colds, coughs, allergic bronchitis, eosinophilic lung disease, and asthma.

7. Dill

how to grow dill at home for beginners

The Garden herbs list is incomplete without Dill. It can be eaten cooked or raw. It is mostly used while making pickles, salads, creamy sauces, roasted potatoes, salmon, chicken, and dishes with spinach.

Difficulty to grow Dill: Easy, but beginners may find it difficult to grow Dill at home.

The reason is later in the article.

Types of Dill to grow indoors

Bouquet
Fernleaf
Elephant
Herkules
Mammoth Long Island
Hera
Compatto
Dukat
Superdukat
Delikat
Vierling

Dill Fun Facts

Rock a my baby…!

The name dill originates from an old English word dilla, which means to lull, due to its ability to soothe many ailments including stomach pain and colic in babies.
In ancient times, it was a must item in the wedding bouquet to ward off evil, especially witches.
The dill flower symbolizes good luck, happiness, and prosperity.
It was used by Egyptians some 5000 years ago as a medicinal herb.
Around 3000 BC, the Babylonians grew dill in their gardens.
Greeks knew its health benefits equally.

How to grow Dill at home for beginners?

Dill is fairly one of the best herbs to grow at home but, many beginners agree to disagree. The reason is the wrong choice of time to plant it. It cannot handle high temperatures, so plant it during cold weather. Either in later summer or in early spring.

You have to water the dill properly. Evenly moist the soil while the seeds are still germinating.

Dill is an annual. So, it will grow, flower, set seed, and die all in a single year. Plant it in soil with organic matter.

Keep sowing dill seeds every few weeks to keep the supply lasting.

Take at least 12 inches deep and wide pot to plant a dill as it forms a tong taproot. Make sure that there are several drainage holes in the bottom to ensure good drainage.

Benefits of Dill

Dill is one of the best herbs to grow at home due to its numerous health benefits.

Antibacterial
Rich in antioxidants.
Stimulates lactation in mothers, for the same purpose it is given to cows.
Chew Dill to get rid of bad breath just like mint and parsley. Herbal gardens do come in handy for halitosis.
Very low in calories.
Packed with vitamins A and C, and Manganese.
Good for bone health.
Treats Insomnia.
Regulates diabetes.

Take away

So, these are the 7 best herbs to grow at home and indoors in your herbal garden. Flex your green thumb and get to work. All you need is the right-sized pots, the perfect planting spot, the proper soil, suitable amount of light needed for that particular herb and growing herbs indoors will be a piece of cake. Using the homegrown herbs, you can make your soups, salads, chicken, meat, pasta, and bread tastier and smell divine without worrying about any amount of herb getting wasted.

7 Best herbs to grow at home- Herb garden a dream come true!