Herb Gardening in Your Apartment
If you’re looking for a way to feel more at home in your new apartment, we have a solution for you. It’s economical, challenging (but not too difficult) and it allows you to explore your creative side. Herb gardening, either from a window box planter, on your kitchen counter or in an outdoor space is a great way to personalize your home with the look and smell of these useful plants. Some of the staff at Apartments.com find that herb gardening can save money, since buying new herbs from the store can really add up. Plus you’ll be getting fresher versions that can even encourage you to stay in and prepare your own meals more often. So grab a shovel and start planting today!Here’s how to get started:
Herbs for planting are purchased in small plastic containers. A nice collection that can be grown in the same container includes basil, oregano, thyme, rosemary and chives. You can drop this combination into a stew, soup or salsa for an amazing flavor burst. Starter kits are also available at most garden centers.
Choosing your container is no time to be boring! They come in a wide variety of sizes and shapes. Be resourceful and use an old mug or teapot. Be unconventional—herb gardens have even been grown in old hiking boots and shoes. Just be sure you can punch drainage holes into the base.Choose a potting soil mix (don’t use garden soil!) to ensure the healthiness of your plants. Your local garden center should have pre-mixed bags.
Most herbs require at least four hours of sunlight every day, so find a place in your apartment where your plants can flourish. If your apartment is especially dark, use a fluorescent light.
You can choose as many types of herbs as you like; just be sure that you have adequate planting room. You’ll be planting the seeds 2-3 inches apart. The best way to choose which herbs to plant is by seeing what dishes they compliment. Use this list to determine which herbs work best with your tastes:
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Basil
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Mediterranean dishes, chicken, tomato sauces, pesto
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Chives
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onion flavor, potatoes, fish, chowder
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Coriander or Cilantro
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Asian and Mexican dishes, pesto, burgers
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Oregano
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poultry, pork, veal, roasts
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Parsley
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potatoes, soups, pastas
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Rosemary
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breads, meat, potatoes, salads, soups, eggs
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Sage
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stuffing, vegetable dishes, fatty meats
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Tarragon
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vegetables, poultry, fish, sauces
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Thyme
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French dishes, poultry, lamb, seafood, vegetables
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