Harvesting what you had sown once is one of the most satisfying feelings one can have. And especially when that's packed up with so many good, practical reasons, then who skips? It's the prime factor behind that hype about kitchen gardening these days. Beyond providing fresh, organic herbs that boost your overall health, cultivating herbs around your kitchen elevates its aesthetic appeal and fills your home with refreshing scents. Think as if you're stepping into your Kitchen garden and suddenly you feel calmer and happier seeing those tiny greens. Wouldn't that feel amazing?
Dreaming of a kitchen garden but can't afford a dedicated schedule? No time?No problem! Here, we have listed some of the best kitchen garden herbs that are not only indispensable to every household but are super easy to cultivate. Let's dive right in without wasting a single minute.
1. Tulsi
Tulsi is among the top options for anyone seeking the best kitchen garden herbs to grow. While it's not a staple herb for daily dishes, it's still a must-have for every Indian Kitchen owing to its mind-blowing health benefits like boosting immunity, reducing stress, and alleviating colds, coughs, and sore throats. It is truly a medicinal powerhouse.
Key tip: Tulsi loves sunlight, place it in the sunniest spot you've got.
2. Coriander
Can you imagine a north Indian curry without some fresh coriander? It's a must for garnishing pretty much every savoury dish, whipping up yummy chutneys, and adding a visual appeal and a fresh zing to your favourite salads. Also, it's so good for your tummy, aiding digestion. So, if you're planning to get the best kitchen herb garden, Coriander is not a miss.
Key tip: To get those lush leaves, plant it where it gets morning sun but some afternoon shade. Regular watering is essential!
3. Mint
Summer comes with an ultimate urge to drink something cool and refreshing, and that's where mint comes in. It's a key ingredient for invigorating drinks like lemonade and mojitos, cooling raitas and chutneys. While being great for headaches, it can even keep those
pesky mosquitoes away. Would you still skip adding mint to your kitchen window herb garden?
Key tip: Make sure you always give mint its pot so it doesn't take over your other plants.
4. Curry leaves
If you're obsessed with South Indian food and looking for some amazing kitchen garden herbs, you can't afford to miss the Curry leaves plant. Known for its unique, aromatic flavour, it's essential for tempering dals, sambhars, rasams, and stir-fries. The best part? It not only makes your food taste so good but also can work magic to get healthier hair.
Key tip: Needs lots of sunlight and deep pots. Also, be ready to give them more room as they get bigger, like small trees.
5. Fenugreek
Fenugreek is among the highly recommended kitchen garden herbs to go for. You can use fresh fenugreek leaves to make parathas, curries and other veggie dishes. Plus, its seeds can help you combat indigestion and can even keep your blood sugar levels in check.
Key tip: Sow a small batch every few weeks to get a continuous supply of fresh leaves.
6. Ginger
Ginger is another must-have herb for any kitchen herb grower, especially if you're in love with Adrak wali chai ( ginger tea ). From adding a spicy punch to all your curries and dals to being your go-to stuff for colds and coughs, it offers plenty of incredible benefits. You can even try ginger tea to relieve menstrual cramps!
Key tip: Anyone can easily grow it from a piece of fresh ginger from the market (make sure it has little "eyes" or buds. Remember to plant it
in a wide, not-too-deep pot.
7. Turmeric
The golden queen of Indian cuisine! Fresh turmeric ( although dried powder is more popular) adds vibrant colour and a unique, earthy flavour to curries, stews, and smoothies. It boasts a super powerful compound, curcumin that possesses amazing anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties — the key reason why turmeric is used as the primary ingredient in many ayurvedic remedies. You might have heard about golden milk ( turmeric milk)— an age-old Indian remedy that is believed to boost immunity and also help combat muscle pain. For anyone looking for the best kitchen herb plants, turmeric is an unmissable option.
Key Tip: You can grow turmeric in the same way as ginger. Ensure the plant gets plenty of warmth and moisture during its growing season.
8. Ajwain (Carom leaves)
One of the most commonly found ingredients in the Indian kitchen, Ajwain seeds are used to add a distinct flavour to various curries plus they work great to aid indigestion and bloating. Since these stomach issues have become common in every household, Ajwain (Carom leaves) is among the most beneficial kitchen garden herbs to add for its digestive properties.
Key tip: The ajwain plant can be easily grown from a small cutting and requires a good amount of sunlight to thrive.
9. Lemongrass
Adds a bright, citrusy punch to teas, soups (hello, Tom Yum!) and curries. Lemongrass is another most sought-after kitchen garden herb. Think of grabbing some fresh lemon grass from your kitchen garden and making a refreshing tea —it not only supports digestion but also promotes relaxation and can reduce anxiety too.
Key tip: Get a stalk from the grocery store, pop it in some water until roots appear, then simply plant it. Good sun and consistent moisture are all that it needs.
10. Chives
If you're seeking the best herb for your indoor kitchen herb garden, chives are an excellent choice. It's exceptionally versatile, whether you use it for garnishing over soups and salads or mix it into cream cheese for bagels, it's all up to you.
Key tip: Requires well-draining soil and direct or indirect sunlight. You ought to harvest regularly to encourage new growth.