Benefits Of Herbs
Herbs are not just green plants with a pleasant aroma. They come with many health benefits and can make a basic meal feeling like a gourmet. Growing herbs at home can be a rewarding and cost-effective hobby as well.
Nowadays most people live in cities and don’t have a lot of garden space to take on massive gardening projects, and even when they do - it’s not for everyone. Starting gardening can feel quite overwhelming at first, there is so much to learn.
Which is why herbs are such a great starting point.
Since I started growing my own herbs 3 years ago, I have never looked back. I can’t even imagine buying basil from a supermarket again.
It is SO easy and SO gratifying to create your own little herbal oasis that just keeps on giving. And yes, it tends to lead on to bigger gardening projects later on as you get used to growing things.
In this post we will go through tips and tricks I’ve learned along the way so you can fast track your herb growing expertise. Warning - once you take that first step and plant your first seed, It's likely you won't be able to resist the urge to keep going.
Let’s start off learning some benefits firstly before we get to the juicy stuff.
In this post we'll cover:
Health Advantages
Herbs have been used throughout history for their medicinal properties, providing a natural and holistic approach to health. They all come with different properties, for example, lavender promote relaxation and can help you relax and improve your overall sleep quality. Mint is great to have after a big meal as it helps with digestion and can also calm an upset stomach. Basil however, can help reduce high blood pressure.
Most herbs have some form of health benefit, and can be bought as teas, tinctures, or capsules. So next time you buy a herbal tea, look up the benefits of that specific herb. Using herbs for medicinal purposes is something that has been done for centuries, and has recently become popular again.
Many people prefer to use herbs, rather than a pill from the pharmacy, as a way to naturally treat common ailments such as cold and flu, headaches, digestive issues, and stress. Herbs and herbal remedies are also used to treat skin conditions like acne or eczema.
Herbs are also packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Regularly including these herbs in your diet can help boost your immune system, improve digestion, and even lower your risk of chronic diseases.
Culinary Uses
Herbs play a critical role in culinary arts, adding flavour, colour, and aroma to a wide variety of dishes.
Take basil, for instance: a key ingredient in Italian cuisine, it elevates the taste of a simple tomato sauce or a Margherita pizza with its sweet, peppery flavour. Rosemary is another herb with broad culinary uses, lending a pine-like fragrance and a savoury note to roasted meats and vegetables.
Additionally, coriander, which has a citrusy, somewhat nutty flavour, is often used in Indian and Mexican recipes, while the lively, lemony tang of lemongrass is a staple in Thai cooking. These are just a few examples illustrating the transformative power of herbs in cooking.
Herbs are the secret ingredients of many master chefs. Growing your own herbs gives you a fresh, readily available source of flavour. A sprig of rosemary or a handful of cilantro can transform a simple dish into a gourmet masterpiece!
Economical and Eco-friendly
Buying certain herbs from the store is pretty expensive, especially if you're looking for organic varieties.
By growing your own, you not only save money but also contribute to reducing plastic waste from packaging. The exact annual savings from growing your own herbs can vary greatly depending on individual usage and local supermarket prices.
However, if you consider an average cost of $3 for a small bunch of fresh herbs at a supermarket, and assume you purchase one bunch per week, that equates to an annual expense of $156. By growing your own herbs, after the initial investment of roughly $20 for seeds and basic tools, you're looking at potential savings of well over $100 per year.
Therapeutic Gardening
Cultivating your own herb garden provides a therapeutic refuge from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The act of nurturing these plants from seedlings into full-fledged plants can instil a sense of accomplishment and purpose.
The repetitive motions involved in gardening tasks, such as planting, watering, and pruning, have a meditative quality that can reduce stress and promote mindfulness. The aromatic scents of herbs, such as lavender, rosemary, and mint, are known to have calming effects and can enhance mood.
Furthermore, a homegrown herb garden engages the senses, inviting you to touch, smell, and ultimately taste the fruits of your labour, thus increasing your connection with nature and promoting overall well-being.
Get started and reduce your stress levels while gaining a sense of accomplishment by seeing your plants thrive.
So How To Start A Herb Garden?
Starting a herb garden at home is a rewarding project that's easier than you might think! With a little preparation, you'll be able to enjoy fresh, home-grown herbs in your meals, all while adding a touch of greenery to your living space.
Choosing Your Herbs
The first step is to decide which herbs you'd like to grow. Consider the herbs you use most in your cooking. Basil, parsley, rosemary, and thyme are all good choices for a beginner's herb garden.
We recommend starting with herbs that are perennial plants, which means that they live for a long time and are pretty much permanent if you take good care of them. That means you won’t need to worry about replanting new seeds every season, the herbs will just always be there, ready for you to harvest.
You can start these from seeds, but I recommend getting small plants from the nursery or even Bunnings as it’s much easier (less chance of failure) and you’ll get the results much quicker too. Some of the Perennials I would recommend are:
Mint - By far one of the easiest herbs to grow. It has many health benefits and it makes delicious tea. Mint can also be used fresh in salads and cooking. It has a tendency to spread aggressively though. I suggest you keep it in a bigger pot so it’s contained there and doesn’t take over your garden. Read more about Mint here
Thyme - Thyme is by far my favourite herbs to season my food with. The smell and the aroma are just mind blowing. There are many different types of thyme, and in most cases, they remain a small sized bush, well suited for a bigger pot. Some of my favourite types of thyme are Lemon Thyme and Pizza Thyme
Rosemary - One of the garden classics, rosemary is an amazing ingredient to add to your roast lamb - or any kind of roast. Rosemary tends to grow into a bigger bush though and would love to be in the ground so it can spread its roots. It also does just fine in a larger pot.
Basil - One of the most commonly used kitchen herbs. Basil is a must in a herb garden. Basil is generally easy to grow and is a great choice for beginners as it thrives well. Make sure it’s in well drained soil and is given plenty of sunlight (at least six hours per day). With adequate care, your basil plant should be ready to use in your kitchen within a few weeks. Great for drying and preserving for later use, or using fresh on a Bruschetta.
Oregano - Oregano goes hand in hand with Basil, and together they make a perfect herb mix. High in antioxidants and possessing potential anti-bacterial properties, oregano is not just a flavorful addition to dishes but also contributes towards health benefits. It can be used fresh or dried in various culinary dishes, and is an essential ingredient in pizza seasoning.
Sage - Want to make it a bit witchy? Sage is a perfect herb for that. As a well known medicinal herb, sage is known to be used for sore mouth, memory loss, diabetes and high cholesterol levels. It is specifically well known for promoting oral and gum health. It also makes wonderful tea and you can also make beautiful smudge sticks from sage. If you are interested in growing more medicinal herbs, check out this article.
Chamomile - A bit of an exception in the perennial group, as Chamomile is not actually a perennial. However, it does have quite a long lifespan and it is relatively easy to re-sow, or even self-sow. I often see new Chamomile plants popping up all by themselves in my garden. Chamomile is such a wonderful herb it is worthwhile planting it. It is so beautiful with its white little flowers, it smells amazing, and the benefits of fresh Chamomile tea are wonderful. It is anti-inflammatory and soothing - a great tea to have before bed.
Selecting A Spot For The Herb Garden
Whether indoors or outdoors, herbs need plenty of sunlight, so choose a spot that gets at least six hours of direct sunlight each day.
For an indoor herb garden, a south or southwest-facing window is ideal. However, if such a spot is not available, supplement natural light with grow lights. Ensure the area has a stable temperature and is away from drafts, which can cause temperature fluctuations that many herbs don't appreciate. Above all, the location should be convenient for you, encouraging regular care and use of your aromatic herbs.
If you're planning an outdoor garden, find a location that receives at least six hours of sunlight daily, as most herbs thrive in full sun. Make sure the area has well-draining soil to prevent water-logging.
As a bonus, the closer they are to the door (and to the kitchen) the easier it is to get some fresh herbs for cooking 🙂
Even outdoors, herbs can thrive in larger pots, that way it’s easy to place them on your patio, close to the entrance.
Preparing Your Herb Pots
Choosing the right pots is a crucial step - In essence, choosing the correct pots is a balance of practicality, aesthetics, and the specific needs of your chosen herbs.
Starting with material, ceramic pots are ideal for maintaining temperature and moisture balance, especially for indoor plants. For outdoor herbs, plastic or terracotta pots can be a good choice due to their durability and resistance to weather changes.
Size is also important — larger pots encourage root growth and require less frequent watering. Always ensure your pots have drainage holes to prevent water-logging.
If your herb garden is indoors, we recommend setting it up for bottom watering, as it helps to keep ideal moisture levels and helps to prevent fungus gnats.
Planting Your Herbs
Planting herbs from seedlings or young plants is the quicker and easier option. Choose healthy plants from a local nursery. Prepare the garden soil by adding compost or organic matter. For potted herbs, a high-quality potting mix is recommended.
Dig a hole twice as wide and just as deep as the pot the herb came in. Remove the herb from its container, gently teasing out the roots if they're bunched up. Place the plant in the hole, making sure it's level with the surface. Refill the hole, firming the soil gently around the plant. Water thoroughly and continue to provide care the same as for established herbs.
When planting from seed, you'll want to start indoors about six to eight weeks before the last expected frost. In warmer zones, you can start them any time of the year.
Fill a seed tray or seedling pots with a quality seed-starting mix. Plant the seeds according to the package instructions, typically at a depth of three times the size of the seed.
Keep the soil moist, but not soggy (a spray bottle works great for that), and provide a source of light.
Once your seedlings have grown a few true leaves, they can be transplanted outdoors following the spacing guidelines on the packets.
Watering and Caring for Your Herbs
Water your herbs when the top inch of the soil feels dry, and don’t over-water. Most herbs are low-maintenance, but they will benefit from occasional feeding with an organic fertiliser.
If your herb garden is indoors and you’ve set it up for bottom watering, it’s probably a good place to water them once a fortnight, however this may vary depending on your home’s temperature and humidity levels.
If planting herbs outdoors, depending on your climate, you may not need to water them much at all as the rainfall might be enough.
DIY Herb Drying: A Beginner's Guide
In Australia we are lucky to be able to have fresh herbs growing all year round.
But they do need trimming back once in a while, which gives a perfect opportunity to make the most of your herbs and dry the cutoffs to use them in cooking.
You will really feel the value of this project once your spice rack starts to fill with home grown herbs instead of store-bought seasoning packets. Dried herbs can be used for mainly two things - seasoning food or making tea. Herbs like Sage, Mint and Chamomile are amazing as teas, while Thyme, Basil and Oregano are great for seasoning dishes.
It is also really interesting to learn about the herbs and their properties as you collect them. Bit by bit, cute little jars of herbs are filling up with goodness, and it WILL feel rewarding.
So How To Dry Herbs Yourself?
Drying herbs is actually very simple. In Australia they grow all year round. The growth is a bit slower in the winter, so the main harvesting time should be throughout summer.
**The following process applies to all of them, except chamomile. For Chamomile, just pick the flowers and dry them on a plate.
Harvesting the Herbs
Harvesting herbs for drying is a straightforward process, allowing you to enjoy the benefits of homegrown, dried herbs all year round. The best time to harvest herbs is in the morning, just after the dew has evaporated, but before the sun becomes too hot. At this time, the herbs' essential oils are at their peak, which means you'll get the most flavour and health benefits from them.
To harvest, simply snip off the branches you want to dry, leaving about two-thirds of the plant intact to ensure it continues to grow. Choose only the healthiest branches, avoiding any that show signs of disease or pest damage. Once you've harvested the branches, shake them gently to remove any insects.
Drying the Herbs
Next, remove any excess foliage from the lower part of the stem, as this can cause the herbs to rot during drying. Then, tie the stems together in small bundles and hang them upside down in a warm, dry, well-ventilated area out of direct sunlight. Depending on the herb and the conditions, they should be completely dry in about two weeks.
Remember to label your herbs before you hang them up to dry. Once they've dried, it can be difficult to tell them apart. Store the dried herbs in airtight containers, in a cool, dark place to preserve their flavour and nutritional value.
Storing The Dried Herbs
When your herbs are dry and crumbly, strip the leaves from the stems and store them in airtight containers.
It’s handy to do that over a large bowl to minimise the mess.
You can choose to crumble the leaves up like you would for Basil, Oregano and other cooking herbs, but Mint for example, can be kept as whole leaves as it’s handy to throw two leaves in a mug for a mint tea (without small bits of leaf floating around).
This is also where you can get creative with cute jars and labels and really give your spice rack a makeover.
Ideally, the herbs should be stored in a cool, dark place to maintain flavour and potency.
I keep the “ready to use” herbs in transparent glass jars in the kitchen, because it looks pretty, but I do store larger amounts (the backup supply) in a dark storage room, for when I need to top up the spice rack.
Conclusion
So this is how you do it!
Growing and drying herbs at home is an easy, cost-effective way to preserve your summer bounty. I hope this post inspired you to try it out!
This DIY method ensures that you have a flavorful array of herbs at your fingertips, ready to add zest to your meals all year round.
And as a bonus, this is such a great and rewarding gateway into gardening and feeling closer to nature.
Happy herb growing!