Is it difficult to grow cooking herbs at home?

Question

I use basil, parsely, mint, thyme, and cilantro often. Anybody have any "growing" experience? What kind of temp, how much water, sunlight, etc.? Or better yet, honestly is it worth the effort? :)

Answer 1

I ALWAYS have a few pots of basil and cilantro on the go, even in winter! I just use small pots (about 5-7 inches diameter at the top), fill with regular multi purpose compost and sow a few seeds in each one. Water well and leave in a warm room. Basil is VERY fast to germinate (about 2-3 days), and cilantro takes about 5-7 days. Once seeds have germinated remove extra seedlings so that each pot only contains 2 seedlings. Put them in a warm, light place (outside in summer, a sunny windowsill in winter), keep the soil just moist and you should be harvesting your herbs in 2-3 months. If you sow seeds every 6 weeks through the year you will never run out and they taste A LOT better than shop bought herbs. Both basil and cilantro are annuals so the plants won't last more than a year (hence the need to sow regularly). If you want to grow basil try to get hold of seeds of Genovese basil (also known as perfume basil) which has the strongest aroma and flavour.

I also like to try more unusual herbs and have found that rocket, sorrel and purslane all make excellent little pot plants which give me salad ingredients almost all year round. Try experimenting with growing different herbs: I don't know of any that are difficult to grow and your efforts will be well repaid. Herb seeds are cheap, compost is cheap and if you haven't any pots lying around you can always use empty margarine or yoghurt pots with some holes pierced into the bottom. Enjoy!

Answer 2

I can kill any plant -- except herbs. They're easy.

The basil is the most sensitive of the ones you mentioned. Temps below 40 will damage the leaves, so cover it during cold weather or keep it potted indoors (with lots of sun).

Mint is easy as well, but it grows aggressively and is best kept in a pot and not in the garden where it can crowd out other plants.

I've never planted thyme or cilantro, but they will both require sun at least 8 hours a day and moist (but not soggy) soil.

Other good herbs:

Sage: Same rules apply. Lots of sun and moist soil. Has edible blue flowers!

Parsley: Same rules apply. Use as a garnish or chop it up with other leafy herbs.

Rosemary: Very, very useful and easy to grow. Pinch the stems to control the direction of the growth. Hardy in most areas and grows readily.

Chamomile: Makes a great tea! Pinch off the flowers after transplanting so it can focus on root growth. Also improves the taste of onions and garlic when planted together.

Dill: Grows readily, but is a little spindly. Useful in vegetable dishes, fish entrees, cheese sauces and pickling.

Oregano: Grows healthily even in the worst soil. Don't use it fresh. Dry it in a little baggie and sprinkle on pizza or in other Italian specialties.

Most of these plants are available as transplants right now in any garden center, but don't pay more than $1.50 or so for each plant because they can be found for less.

Most herbs are self-seeding annuals, which means they drop seeds and regenerate themselves. Some are perennials and will need to be replaced after a few years.

Also, if you plant outdoors, try to harvest your herbs in the morning when the dew is still on the leaves. Harvesting at night can encourage weak plants and diseases.

Rinse your herbs under water and add them just before your dish is completed so the heat doesn't ruin the flavor (sage is the exception to this rule and should be added before cooking).

Good luck! I think you'll find that having access to fresh herbs makes you want to cook for yourself and your friends more often.

Answer 3

Absolutely worth the effort. For best results plant them in the ground rather than pots (with one exception), in full sun.

Basil, parsley, and cilantro are annuals, save seeds for next year.

Thyme is a perennial, many flavors. I have Lemon thyme (roots in water!) and Common thyme. Beautiful evergreen.

Suggest mint be potted as it is entirely invasive.

Contact my avatar if you'd like cuttings/seeds.