7 Herbs That Grow Well in Containers
Looking for fragrant herbs to grow at home and spice up your cooking? Need to save space? Find a list here of 7 herbs that you can grow in small containers at home on your window sill.
Apple mint is a member of the mint family that is typically grown for cooking or used as ground cover (protecting soil from erosion). In the kitchen, this herb can be used as a key ingredient in apple mint jelly, mint tea, salads, or as a garnish. This plant also makes an attractive and fragrant addition to a kitchen garden.
Chives (Allium schoenoprasum) is a herbaceous plant native to Europe, Asia, and North America. Slightly spicy to the taste, Chives are commonly used to flavor foods throughout the globe (especially in Europe). In gardens, the growing plants can act as pest repellents.
Rosemary is a herb with pale flowers and evergreen leaves. It gives off a distinctive scent and is used in cooking as well as in the making of scented perfumes, soaps, and candles. Rosemary is native to the Mediterranean region where evidence of its use by humans dates back at least 7000 years.
Basil is a species of mint plant native to Asia and Africa. It is a popular houseplant, and thrives when it receives plenty of regular sun and water. This plant is also easy to transfer from one soil environment to another. The edible Basil leaves can be eaten fresh or dried with pizza, salads, soups, teas, and many other dishes.
While best known for culinary purposes, Garden thyme has historically seen use in embalming rituals and as incense. In the kitchen, it most often ends up as a flavoring herb or brewed in tea. Garden thyme was gifted to warriors in the Middle Ages because it was supposed to spur courage and energy.
Oregano (Origanum vulgare) is a herbaceous perennial plant closely related to marjoram. Ancient Greeks and Romans considered it a symbol of happiness. It is one of the most popular spice herbs, used in various cuisines all over the world. Oregano oil can be derived from the plant as well. Unfortunately, legal action has been required to stop suppliers of the oil from falsely claiming unproven health benefits.
Parsley (Petroselinum crispum) is one of the world’s most popular herbs and is used extensively in the cuisines of the USA, Europe, and The Middle East. It is a nutritious ingredient that adds flavor to the famous parsley sauce and texture and aroma to soups and stews. It is also used raw as a garnish. In the garden, Parsley attracts swallowtail butterflies and bees to its flowers, and birds feed on its seeds.