Grow a DIY herb garden to bring the world’s flavors home
Here’s what you need to know to get started, plus a few tips on how to use your herbs to bring home flavors from around the globe.
Cooking more at home? Growing your own DIY herbs garden is a great way to get fresh ingredients for your recipes—plus, it’s fun! Here’s what you need to know to get started, plus a few DIY garden ideas on how to use your herbs to bring home flavors from around the globe.
Let the sun shine
Herbs of all kinds love the sun, so place your herb garden in a south-facing window of your home (if you live in the Northern Hemisphere!) or plant them in a bright spot outside.
Water every 2–3 days
Most herbs do best when watered every few days, allowing the soil to dry out between watering.
Use them!
Pruning and trimming herbs helps them grow, so don’t hesitate to get cooking. Here are some ideas from around the globe to get you started:
Basil
Combine your basil leaves with Parmesan cheese, garlic, pine nuts, and olive oil to make a fresh pesto—or serve basil atop sliced tomatoes with mozzarella cheese for a Caprese salad.
Mint
Adding mint leaves to tea is traditional in Moroccan cuisine. Or, you can mix up a classic Cuban mojito for cocktail night. Salud!
Chives
Chives are a famously versatile herb, and can be cooked into dishes or used as a garnish on finished recipes. Try them on top of a French omelet or a savory crêpe for a perfect petit déjeuner (that’s how you say “breakfast” en Français).
Rosemary
Rosemary holds up well in long-cooking dishes, and makes a great flavoring for roasted veggies. Use it in a traditional Irish Guinness stew to bring a taste of the pub home!
Dill
Pickles might come to mind when you think of dill—the seeds of the plant are an important part of dill pickle brine. If you’re not into a canning challenge, try making gurkensalat, a German recipe that combines cucumber and dill in a refreshing salad.
