TOP 5 PLANTS TO HAVE IN YOUR KITCHEN
Springtime is the perfect opportunity to bring greenery indoors, especially in your kitchen. But which herbs thrive indoors? And is it really possible to start a successful “kitchen garden” as a rookie gardener? We're here to fill you in! Keep reading below to learn about five of the best plants to have in your kitchen.
1. Basil
Growing herbs is a great way to kickstart a green-eating initiative! Basil is particularly easy to grow and offers inspiration to cook fresh and healthy meals. Snip it when you’re ready to use, or make easy basil pesto and freeze it for later.
Basil is not a perennial, so you'll have to replant seeds every few weeks to ensure you always have fresh leaves available. The basil will be useful until the plant grows woody, at which point you'll have to wait for new seedlings to grow.
2. Rosemary
Rosemary is the perfect addition to any savory dish, and it has a longer lifespan than basil. The added beauty of rosemary is that it often adds a pleasant herby aroma to the room!
Rosemary likes lots of sun, so place it on a windowsill. It should be planted in a pot that allows for good drainage, and make sure to clip it often to avoid spindly overgrowth.
3. Chives
Chives have an onion-like flavor and can be used in a variety of recipes, most notably on top of baked potatoes. Chives are low-maintenance and easy to grow, whether you're an expert or novice.
Chives thrive in direct sun, but will also do well in a less-sunny spotl. You grow them all year long, as they're perennials and have a long growing season.
4. Lavender
Growing culinary lavender indoors can be tricky, but the reward is great if you can make it work. Lavender’s floral flavor makes a perfect addition to sweets, especially in scones and muffins.
Lavender flourishes under full sun, so it's best to grow it near a south-facing window and in a pot that drains well. Enjoy their beautiful light purple blooms all spring and summer.
5. Mint
Mint is the perfect plant for those with a “black thumb”. It excellently flavors both sweet and savory dishes, and it's super simple to grow—so simple, in fact, that it's been known to take over kitchen planters that other herbs may share.
You'll have more luck containing it when grown in individual pots. However, as it's prone to flourish, it's one of the most beautiful herbs to grow in your kitchen.
Unlike the others in this list, mint prefers partial shade over full sun. A location by an east-facing window is ideal. It also prefers a more moist soil than other herbs.
DECIDING ON THE BEST PLANTS TO HAVE IN YOUR KITCHEN
It's never too late to start developing a green thumb—and the kitchen is a good place to do it! Start with no-fail plants and you’ll soon be on your way to growing a flourishing kitchen garden.
Looking for more tips on how to spruce up your kitchen for the spring, and all year long? Read our blog on how to keep your stainless steel appliances looking brand new.
