1/2 kilogram boneless and skinless chicken breast, cut into bite sized pieces
2 1/2 cups chicken broth
1 1/4 cups linguine pasta
1 cup tomato sauce
1/4 cup hot pepper sauce
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup heavy cream
1 tablespoon cornstarch dissolved in 1 tablespoon water
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Place chicken in a crock pot. In a bowl, whisk together chicken broth, tomato sauce, hot sauce, brown sugar, red pepper flakes and dissolved cornstarch. Pour mixture over chicken. Cover and cook for 3 to 4 hours on high. When done, stir in pasta and heavy cream. Cook for 45 minutes more or until pasta is tender. Stir before serving.
Pasta is a favorite dish worldwide, so if you¢â‚¬â„¢re a cooking beginner, knowing how to cook pasta is a must. There are endless options when it comes to cooking pasta dishes. You can choose from a variety of noodles, sauces, meats, veggies and even herbs and spices to make your own. But if you¢â‚¬â„¢re just a beginner, you can try these crock pot pasta recipes to help you get started with your cooking journey ¢â‚¬â€œ everyone will surely approve!
What you need:
4 cups beef broth
3 cups water
3 cups spaghetti sauce
2 1/2 cups fresh or frozen meatballs
1 cup angel hair pasta, broken into 1-inch pieces
1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon dried basil
Mix together beef broth, water, spaghetti sauce, frozen meatballs, parmesan cheese and basil in a slow cooker. Stir, cover and cook for 6 to 8 hours on low. When ready, stir in angel hair pasta and cook for 20 minutes on high.
Here are my top three herb garden plants. That is, if you’re primarily gardening for culinary herbs. With this list in hand on your first trip to the nursery, you’re bound to have success in finding what not only works in your yard but choices that will mesh well with your taste buds.
Basil is the best herb for pesto, hands down. Its leaves have a warm and spicy flavor. You need to only add a small amount of this delightful herb in such dishes as soups, salads and sauces. Basil is also particular suited, by the way, to season anything dish with tomato flavoring. Don’t hesitate to use basil to enhance the flavor of your meat, poultry or fish. You can even add it to your morning breakfast omelet.
You’ll want to start your basil plants early in the spring, preferably in a greenhouse or a sun-drenched windowsill. Early in the summer transplant this herb to your garden. Or, if you have the courage, sow basil seeds directly into her garden early in the spring. Or you may want to try your hand at both methods, just in case those seeds don’t catch.
Who doesn’t love some fresh chives on a hot, newly baked potato? If you’re as mad about this herb as me, then you’ve already noticed that chives have a mildly onion taste. This makes them an excellent addition to salads, any egg and cheese dish, cream cheese, sandwich spreads and sauces. And, oh, by the way, don’t restrict chives to just the baked potato. Taste how in adds a little zing to your mashed potatoes as well.
If you plan on growing chives from starter plants, then you’ll want to get these into your garden in the early spring. And you’ll want to give these plants plenty of room. My recommendation is to plant them a good 9 to 12 inches from each other.
If you plan to plant the chives seeds, then plant them in the fall or the spring, digging down a good half inch and setting the seeds in rows that are spaced about 12 inches apart.
3. Coriander
Now here’s a versatile herb. Its versatility is so great that different parts of this plant are known as different herbs. Grinding the dried seeds to use them in your meats, like veal, ham or pork? You’re using coriander. Using the leaves to add to some Indian or Asian dishes? You’re actually using cilantro.
And of course you can use the roots of coriander as well. If you can’t use them right away, don’t worry you can freeze these. They can be used to flavor soups. Or chop the roots and serve with avocados. You’ll find this deliciously delightful!
Even a novice herbalist should have no problem growing coriander from seeds (I know I did it my first time around and there was no novice who was more naive and at a loss than I!).
Sow these seeds in the early spring. Dig a hole about ‚¼ inch in depth. Plant them in rows that are just about a foot apart. Once the seedlings appear, you’ll want to thin them down some, making sure they’re at least 6 inches from the other.
Tiny as they are, herbs are enjoyable and easy to grow. Using them in your cooking allows you the possibility to change the flavors in your dishes in different ways. The freshest of them are great in soups, stews, vegetables, pasta, salads and breads.
Different kinds of herbs create different tastes in foods. If you are new to using herbs, work on them slowly, adding just a little at a time will help you adjust as you go along until you have it just right. As you get used to cooking with herbs, you will learn the best ones that can be associated with particular foods. Storing herbs is also not difficult. Even fresh ones will keep in the refrigerator for several days. But once herbs are frozen, remember that they would be best when only used in cooking and not as garnishes.
For instance, basil is paired with tomatoes, oregano with sauces, rosemary with roasts, and chives with butter or cream cheese. Although these herbs are not limited to these items, you will see them paired most often these ways. If you think oregano can be ideal for a particular food you have in mind, use your imagination and go for it. You never know your experiment will discover you a new-fangled recipe perfectly flavored with the herb.
You will also see that even the simplest meal may seem like a gourmet delight, no wonder why gourmets are masters in associating herbs with food. You can even make herb vinegar for your salad dressing and herb oils that you can use for recipes that call for oil. You can create your own robust-tasting marinades and herb-inspired spreads and rubs. You can make herb butter by mixing butter with minced fresh herb. You will find it fun using your own herb mixes every time you prepare a recipe that calls for vinegar, oil or butter. Really fun, isn’t it?
In my little garden, I love growing basil, parsley, oregano, lemon balm, mint and a few others. Mint can over run your garden so growing them in individual cans to prevent the herb from “creeping” all through your garden is worthwhile. My wife makes an instant natural face mask using basil, lemon and avocados. She would pulverize a handful of basil by blending it on high, then throw in half of an avocado and a teaspoon of lemon juice. I tried the trick and there was nothing like an all-natural face mask fresh from my garden!
These are just a few ways you can use fresh herbs from your garden. There are still a lot of fun techniques of using herbs that you can learn for your own culinary style and recipes. But first, start planting your herbs.
Have you tried storing basil for the winter in a milk carton? This is just one of three good methods to store basil that are revealed below.
With the threat of frost, all garden basil must be harvested and then hopefully stored to be enjoyed during the cold months to come. Since basil has a high water content is cannot be dried like many other herbs as it will turn black and lose flavor. It will also turn black if chopped or bruised and exposed to air. Fortunately freezing basil works great.
Before describing the freezing methods, let’s digress briefly. If you are growing basil yourself, then hopefully you have been harvesting and pruning all season. Pruning makes the plants fuller and keeps them from going to seed which diminishes the leaf flavors. You can store basil keeping it fresh for up to two weeks by placing the branches in a vase and keeping them on the counter out of the sun.
So let’s get back to how to freeze basil. The first step for all three methods is to clean & dry the basil. First remove all leaves from the stems. If you are going to try out the second freezing method, then you will probably want to leave some of the buds intact. The stems should be discarded. Rinse the leaves thoroughly taking care not to bruise them. Finally you want to remove excess water from the leaves by using a salad spinner or laying them out on towels to dry.
The first and most common way to freeze basil is basically the start of a pesto sauce. You chop or puree the basil leaves with olive oil and a bit of salt in a food processor. Coating the basil pieces with oil protects them from air so they can maintain their color & flavor. Pour the puree into small air tight containers and add some extra olive oil on top. After defrosting the puree, re-process adding your favorite pesto ingredients.
The second method takes a little more time, but is still an easy way to freeze basil. This method keeps whole individual leaves or plant buds intact to use as garnish. Put prepared leaves & buds on trays in the freezer for about one to two hours. Once they are frozen, put them into air tight containers. Do not over crowd them; otherwise they will lose their shape. After defrosting for use, you can julienne the leaves or use them whole as garnish on pasta dishes or soups.
Now how about that milk carton? This third method is the easiest. Simply pack the leaves into a cleaned out milk carton with the top cut down. Seal the top closed. Use quart sized cartons & then put the sealed carton inside a Ziploc baggy to make it air tight. When you want to use the basil for cooking, cut off a slice of the carton & re-store the remainder as it was. The frozen leaves are great to use in sauces.
Hopefully you will try one (or all) of these easy ways to freeze basil. By taking time to store basil in the fall, you can enjoy the fresh basil flavors throughout the year. Happy cooking!
If you’re like most gardeners, you probably consider August to be the tail end of the growing season. The truth of the matter is that it’s a great time to start your fall garden.
A fall garden can produce excellent vegetables and extend your crops long after your spring planted garden is finished. The vegetables you harvest from the fall garden are often sweeter and milder than those grown over the summer.
What type of vegetable plants you plant in your fall garden will depend on the space you have, as well as the types of vegetables you like. Be sure that you plant vegetables with the shortest growing season, this will increase the chances they will be full grown and harvested before the hard frost sets in. Starting your seeds indoors the first week of July will also give you a good head start.
Most seed packages will be labeled “early season”, or you can find the seeds that are labeled with the fewest days to harvest.‚Â Since seeds are not usually kept in stock towards the end of summer, you will probably need to purchase seeds for your fall garden in the spring. You can also find them easily online.
Even vegetables that like the heat of summer, like tomatoes, sweet potatoes, and peppers, will produce nicely until harder frosts hit, which can be fairly late in the year in certain areas.
There are certain vegetable plants that normally stop producing towards the end of summer. These include snap-beans, summer squash, and cucumbers. Even these, if planted in the middle of summer, can produce nicely until the first frosts arrive. Many hardy vegetables will grow with temperatures as low as 20 degrees.
If you have root plants such as beets, carrots or radishes, that have the tops killed by a freeze, you can save them by applying a heavy layer of mulch.
For fall gardening you need to know approximately when the first hard frost normally hits your particular area. The Farmer’s Almanac is a great resource for this type of information. It will give you specific dates and is fairly accurate most of the time. You also need to know approximately how long your plants will take to mature. As I said, this is available by reading the individual seed packets.
To prepare the soil for your fall garden, the first thing you will need to do is clear out leftover summer crops and weeds. If you leave the leftover vines and plant debris from your summer crops, bacteria and diseases can develop from these leftover remnants. If your spring plants were not fertilized heavily, you may want to spread a few inches of compost over the garden next.
Once that is done you will need to till the soil and wet it down. Now simply wait 24 hours and your ready to plant.
All too often gardeners will shy away from planting a fall garden, to avoid dealing with frosts. I can tell you from experience that sturdy and healthy vegetables can stand up to a few frosty nights, while producing wonderfully tasting produce.
Fall gardening is not for everyone, but why not give it a try? It can provide you with the opportunity to enjoy garden fresh vegetables for a little while longer each year.
We all have a garden planter or two dotted around our gardens, perhaps filled with a specimen plant or a seasonal display. But there is a lot to be said for using containers as the design basis for creating a garden. Containers are probably one of the most versatile forms of gardening, allowing you not only to choose type of container but also the plant and its location. There are many advantages to container gardening. You can move your containers to different locations within your garden, thereby creating an instantly different effect. You can change planting displays as often as you like, perhaps making the most of the choice of different seasonal plants. You can also grow plants which like different soil types to your own by simply filling them with the right type of compost.
There are an ever increasing number of different types of container you can buy, with materials and designs to suit every climate and different tastes. Pots and tubs are probably the most popular type of planter available. They are for the most part versatile and easily moved to different positions in the garden. Pots and tubs come in an enormous variety of sizes and designs, both traditional and modern. Materials vary from moss covered terracotta and artificially aged stone planters, to reused car tires and fiber glass. There are no rules when it comes to choosing a type of container and there is no reason why you can’t combine traditional with modern. Just be aware that your designs and materials complement each other in some way.
Pots and tubs are equally as versatile when it comes to planting. You can grow almost anything you like in a container. Formally clipped box and other evergreens look stunning as focal points, as do specimen standard plants such as bay trees. Group a number of planters of different sizes together with a plant type such as herbs. A particularly stunning planter can be filled with seasonal annuals for an all year round display.
Window boxes are another great way to grow plants and enhance the appearance of your house and garden. Window boxes are particularly useful if you have a tiny garden or even if you have no garden at all! You can buy ready- made window boxes, have them made bespoke to your requirements or simply make your own. Window boxes don’t have to be made of wood. I have seen some beautifully aged metal ones as well as reconstituted stone ground-level boxes. Grow seasonal displays or plant up a box outside your kitchen window with herbs or easy to grow edibles like lettuce.
Hanging baskets are probably the most versatile of all containers. They can be hung on walls, fences and even in trees. Not only can your display be changed from season to season, but you can also grow edible plants such as tumbling tomatoes and strawberries and even a selection of herbs, hung near your kitchen door. Hanging baskets also come in a variety of shapes and sizes. More traditionally made from wicker, but I have seen some great modern alternatives made from brightly colored plastics.
Troughs and sinks can be used to create mini container gardens in one place. Although strictly speaking you can grow anything you like in a trough shaped planter, the lack of depth makes them more suited to growing alpines and herbs. Stone troughs probably look the best in any garden but why not also think about getting hold of an old Belfast sink which looks particularly effective when planted with herbs under a kitchen window.
Another type of container not readily thought about is the raised bed. Raised beds are a great way of growing both vegetables and garden plants. They are easy to maintain and therefore popular with gardeners with impaired mobility. They are also an easy way of adding structure to an otherwise flat garden space, lifting plants higher up and creating the illusion of different levels to a garden.
Some Container Planting Rules
If you are going to maintain a healthy container garden, there are a few rules you will need to follow whatever type of planter. Drainage is all important for container grown plants. Make sure your container has adequate drainage holes and always add some broken pot or crocks to the bottom of the planter to aid drainage. If your container is to be placed on a hard surface, sit it on some feet to raise it above ground level slightly. Use the right type of compost. Try not to overcrowd your container, most plants will need plenty of room to spread their roots and grow into healthy specimens. Conversely, don’t let your plants become pot-bound. Although there are a few plants which do well in these conditions, as a rule, either divide you plant or re-pot it into a larger container.
In extremely cold weather both your containers and their plants will need some protection. For those that are not frost hardy it is probably best to over winter them into a cold greenhouse. Others can be wrapped in straw or fleece to protect them from frost.
Perhaps the most important consideration of all for container grown plants is water. During dry weather in the summer months you will have to make sure your pots are well watered. Materials like terracotta dry out quickly as the clay absorbs water, so you will often find yourself having to water at least twice a day. Early morning and evening is best. During the winter water container plants sparingly. Waterlogged containers easily freeze killing the roots of the plants in them.
I am a firm believer that a garden reflects some of the personality of the gardener who tends it. Garden planters are a great way of putting your stamp on a garden, particularly if you are a little bit quirky! I have seen old wooden boats used as planters, odd worn out walking boots, pan tiles, antique wash tubs, old car tires and even a disused toilet!
Reusing Plastic Containers and Planters
Anyone who has a garden or ever got a potted plant has had to deal with those seemingly useless plastic pots. Most people throw them out. I save them until they crumble-re-using over and over again. They can be the “greenest” item in your garden that save you the most green.
I have a very small gardening space including containers but big or small practical ways maybe “green” now but will always make sense far after being GREEN loses fashion.
So what to do with all those unsightly plastic pots? Whether you have an established garden or just starting out; when you buy plants you will have to deal with re-using or disposing of them.
Plastic pots have an endless amount of uses in the garden. So before you just think re-cycle re-think they can save you money before tossing them out:
Seeds eventually become seedlings needing a larger pot; having pots on hand is both convenient and cost-saving.
Small pots make excellent large pot fillers. Place a small pot upside down in a larger one then fill with soil and plant. Container is lighter with less soil used.
Instead of throwing out the cell flats, crumble up and use as a large container filler too. [Or wash and use as packing material.]
Place invasive plants inside of the pot then plant in the ground for keeping them in-check.
Have too many plants? Bought too many? Divide both annuals and perennials using pots to share plants. Don’t have to worry about loaning out your expensive ones.
Don’t have drainage holes in that pretty container? Put plant in a plastic pot then place inside the prettier one. [Don’t forget to pour out any excess water.]
Wish you could afford more expensive containers? Take plastic pots, spray paint assorted colors then add decorative ribbons, beads or sphagnum moss to make appealing.
Don’t like to water? Plastic holds moisture longer so use instead of terra cotta [I still recommend terra cotta for herbs in almost all instances.] Works for indoor/outdoor plants.
Just planted a new plant? Use plastic container as a cloche or shield to protect until established.
Threat of frost? Use containers to cover tender plants. Use 2 pots together to block out holes and create a better insulator.
Weeding. Keep containers around as receptacles when pulling them out.
Use to make compost or save potting soil.
Use small pots as scoops for mulch, fertilizer, etc.
Use to prop up other containers to create different plant levels.
Use to hold garden tools.
Plant below ground level then put smaller pots filled with annuals for easy change-ups.
Storing bulbs or use for overwintering plants.
As you can see the possibilities are endless. These are the pots that cost nothing but continue to save you money over and over again. $$$$$. How Green is that?
5 Gallon Buckets in the Garden
Continuing the discussion of how important the often underestimated 5 gallon buckets at home, we are now revealing how we can make the best use of these pails in the garden.
As pots
Although the appearance of the 5 gallon pails may not look as charming as the real gardening pots, they are highly functional and cheaper. Good quality 5 gallon buckets cost between $ 3 and $ 6; which is nothing compared to gardening pots’ price. With some little preparation, the pails can be turned into flower pots instantly.
All you have to do is to drill the bottom of the 5 gallon buckets with ‚½ or ‚¼-inch holes to allow water drainage. 10 to 15 holes are enough for 5 gallon pails. Next is to fill in the buckets with good quality potting soil and fertilizer. It is now ready to be planted.
If you care about upgrading the look of the modest 5 gallon pails, you may want to put more time before filling in with soil. Get some paint with the color you like, paint the pails, give some accents with different colors of paint, and dry it completely. Remember to paint only on the outer side for vegetables and herbs gardening. You don’t want the vegetables you grow to take the chemical substance of the paint since you will be eating them later.
Another advantage of having 5 gallon buckets garden is that it is extremely practical. You can move the pots wherever and whenever you want. If the growing season is over, you can pile them up and store the soil for the next gardening season, or you can just move them indoor if the plant thrives to survive there. The 5 gallon buckets also make it more difficult for animals like rabbits to destroy your plants.
Now you have not only a cheap way to grow your herbs and plants, but also creative and practical ways too.
As compost containers
Compost plays an important role in the life of a plant. Good homemade compost even plays more important role in the environment. Oddly enough, your plastic 5 gallon pails can help make this happen. As the container of compost making.
First of all, you should drill ‚¼-inch holes around the sides of the bucket. This will allow air circulation and water drainage. Line the bottom of the pail with dry leaves and soil. After that, dump your table scraps like vegetables, napkins, eggshells, coffee grounds or tea bags inside the bucket. Avoid milk and meaty stuff since this could attract vermin. Cover again with dry plant debris and soil. Do one dry layer after the wet one continuously and wait until the 5 gallon pail is filled up. Have a lid to close the pail and let the microorganisms work the compost. Check it out from time to time whether it is too dry or too wet. If it is too dry, add some water and move it to a shadier place. If it is too wet, place it under the sun to dry a little bit. This process takes from several weeks to months to complete.
The better pails to use for homemade composting are the ones in dark colors. Black will be the best. It will absorb more heat for the microorganisms to live under the shade.
If you use 5 gallon buckets in your garden for those purposes mentioned above, you will definitely promote an environment friendly gardening and at the same time save money for a better use at home.
First, what makes up brewed coffee, besides caffeine? Nutrition experts agree that coffee grounds contain magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, copper, manganese and trace amounts of calcium. Nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium are the ingredients necessary for garden soil. They coincide with the figures you see on most garden fertilizer bags. So coffee does have what plants need to grow.
There seems to be some debate about whether or not coffee produces nitrogen. Most agree that coffee grounds contain 1.5 to 2.2% nitrogen. However, some feel that the nitrogen is not available to the soil or the plants until the grounds themselves begin to decompose.
Others say you must compost the coffee grounds with other plants to release the nitrogen in the decomposition process. They recommend adding nitrogen to the soil if using only the grounds. The rotting grounds attract nitrogen-consuming microbes, thus, the need to add nitrogen if using only coffee grounds as a fertilizer.
So to be on the safe side where fertilizing is concerned, you may be better off tossing your coffee grounds along with other compost into the garden in the fall and winter to allow them time to be of best use for spring planting.
When I emptied coffee grounds on top of the soil last fall and spring, I did not include it in a compost. I did use 8 to 10 cubic feet of a peat and compost mixture in the spring that I emptied all over my garden, which is 13 by 33 feet. I turned the soil about 6-8 inches deep before planting. I’ve never had tomatoes produce so much in my four years of gardening.
How does the acid in coffee affect things? The coffee you drink is acidic, but the grounds afterward are closer to neutral on the pH scale. Some argue that they retain their acid level until combined with compost and its microbes, which neutralize it. Either way acid is great if your soil is low in it (alkaline). In the West, where I live, soils are alkaline and getting closer to neutral or increasing the acid content is a good thing for my strawberries, blueberries, raspberries and radishes. Keep in mind that you have to use quite a bit of grounds to make any real difference in the pH scale.
Coffee grounds have other benefits aside from being a fertilizer. They boost the heat in soil better than most composting materials, including manure. These high temperatures kill seeds from weeds or vegetables that may have made their way into the compost pile. If you are thinking about raised beds, consider lining the bottom edges with coffee grounds to prevent weeds from sneaking in.
Other benefits to using coffee grounds in the garden include its ability to attract earthworms, thereby improving soil structure. It even keeps cats from pooping in your garden. (Our neighborhood stray poops along the outside of the garden instead!) If tomato blight is a concern, there are some who think the copper in coffee grounds keeps this at bay.
Coffee grounds are also good at keeping away pests for both inside plants and outside flowers, like hostas, roses, lilies, peonies or those grown from bulbs. The caffeine discourages slugs and snails. You can add about 2 cups of grounds to a 5 gallon jug of water and let it steep overnight. Use it to water plants and don’t be afraid to water the leaves, too.
So whether or not coffee grounds include enough nitrogen to be used as a fertilizer, its pest deterrent qualities and attraction to earthworms has more than sold me on its benefits. If you aren’t a coffee drinker, just ask your local coffee shop if you can have their leftover grounds. It not only helps them dispose of waste, but it also helps create a more abundant, inexpensive and organic garden.
Creating a thriving herb garden in your kitchen is more than just a way to add fresh flavor to meals. It’s an invitation to bring the beauty and aroma of the garden inside your home. An indoor herb garden kit offers an easy way to get started. It simplifies planting, saves space, and makes fresh herbs available year-round. Whether you live in a house with limited outdoor space or an apartment with no garden at all, these kits are perfect for anyone who wants to grow fresh, aromatic herbs without the hassle.
Why Indoor Herb Garden Kits Are So Popular
Fresh Herbs at Your Fingertips
Cooking becomes more exciting when you can pinch fresh basil or snip parsley straight into your dish. You don’t need to rush to the store or settle for dried herbs. The garden is right on your countertop.
Year-Round Greenery
Unlike outdoor gardens that rely on warm weather, indoor kits allow you to grow all year long. Rain or shine, summer or winter, your herbs keep thriving.
Space-Saving and Simple
Even if your kitchen is small, herb garden kits fit neatly on windowsills or countertops. They are designed for compact spaces and often include everything you need to start growing right away.
Beginner-Friendly
No experience? No problem. These kits are ideal for beginners. They often come with soil pods, seeds, labels, and clear instructions. Anyone can plant, water, and watch their herbs sprout with ease.
What Comes in a Typical Herb Garden Kit?
Most indoor kitchen herb garden kits are thoughtfully packaged so you can start planting the moment you open the box. While each kit is different, you can usually expect these items:
Herb Seeds – Common options include basil, parsley, cilantro, thyme, mint, and oregano. Some kits offer specialty herbs like chives or dill.
Growing Containers – Small pots, biodegradable planters, or decorative jars suited for indoor use.
Soil or Growing Medium – Pre-measured soil disks or pellets that expand with water for clean, easy planting.
Plant Markers – Wooden or plastic labels to help identify each herb as it grows.
Instructions – Step-by-step directions that guide even first-time gardeners through setup and care.
Some premium kits may also include:
Self-Watering Systems – Built-in reservoirs that reduce how often you need to water.
LED Grow Lights – Perfect for kitchens with low sunlight.
Decorative Containers – Rustic wood boxes, ceramic pots, or modern metal planters to match your kitchen style.
Best Herbs to Grow Indoors
Indoor conditions favor certain herbs that thrive in pots and grow well year-round. Here are some favorites you’ll find in most kits:
Basil
Fast-growing and fragrant, basil adds a sweet, peppery flavor to salads, pasta, and pizza. It loves bright light and frequent harvesting.
Parsley
A versatile herb that grows easily indoors. Use it to garnish dishes or mix into soups and sauces.
Cilantro
Perfect for salsas, curries, and fresh salads. It prefers cooler indoor temperatures and quick harvesting.
Mint
A hardy herb that grows vigorously. Great for teas, desserts, and cocktails.
Thyme
Compact and low-maintenance, thyme offers earthy flavor perfect for roasting vegetables and meats.
Oregano
A Mediterranean favorite, oregano thrives indoors and adds bold flavor to Italian and Greek dishes.
How to Set Up Your Indoor Herb Garden Kit
Step 1: Choose the Right Location
Place your kit near a sunny window where it can receive at least 4–6 hours of light each day. A south-facing window is ideal. If natural light is limited, consider adding a small grow light.
Step 2: Prepare the Containers
Follow the kit’s instructions to set up your planters. If soil pellets are included, soak them in water until they expand. Fill your containers evenly.
Step 3: Plant the Seeds
Plant the seeds at the depth suggested in the instructions. Most herb seeds need only a shallow covering of soil. Space them evenly so each plant has room to grow.
Step 4: Water Lightly
Keep the soil moist but not soggy. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so check the soil daily and water only when it feels dry to the touch.
Step 5: Provide Light and Warmth
Place your kit where temperatures stay between 65–75°F. Herbs grow best in stable conditions with consistent light.
Step 6: Harvest Regularly
Once your herbs reach a few inches tall, begin harvesting. Snip the top leaves first to encourage fuller growth. Regular trimming keeps plants healthy and productive.
Pinch Back Often – Frequent harvesting encourages bushier growth and prevents flowering.
Fertilize Lightly – A diluted liquid fertilizer every 4–6 weeks can boost growth.
Watch for Pests – Indoor herbs rarely have pests, but check leaves for small insects and treat early if needed.
Refresh Soil Annually – After several months, herbs may need fresh soil or repotting for continued growth.
Benefits Beyond Cooking
Growing herbs indoors is more than a kitchen convenience. It brings life, fragrance, and even stress relief to your home. Watching seeds sprout and grow can be calming. The greenery brightens your kitchen, and the scent of fresh basil or mint can lift your mood.
Indoor gardening is also a fun family activity. Children love planting seeds, watching them grow, and tasting the results. It’s a simple way to teach kids about where food comes from and encourage healthier eating.
Styles of Herb Garden Kits
Rustic Wooden Planters
These often come in farmhouse-inspired designs, perfect for cozy kitchens.
Modern Ceramic Pots
Sleek and minimalist, these fit well in contemporary spaces and make herbs look elegant on a countertop.
Hanging Herb Kits
Great for saving counter space, these hang from walls or windows and add vertical greenery.
Smart Garden Systems
High-tech kits with automated watering and grow lights. They are more expensive but nearly foolproof for busy households.
Why Choose a Kit Over DIY?
You can create your own indoor herb garden with separate pots and seeds, but kits save time and guesswork. Everything is included and sized to work together. Kits also make excellent gifts for friends, family, or anyone who enjoys cooking and gardening. They are practical, thoughtful, and fun to use.
Perfect for All Seasons and All Homes
Indoor herb garden kits work in apartments, condos, dorm rooms, and full-sized homes. You don’t need a backyard or a balcony. Even in winter, when outdoor gardens are dormant, your kitchen can stay green and fragrant.
Bringing Flavor and Freshness Inside
Fresh herbs transform meals. They add color, aroma, and vibrant flavor. With an indoor herb garden kit, you never have to settle for dried herbs again. Every pinch of basil or sprig of thyme is alive with freshness. And the best part? You grew it yourself, right in your kitchen.
A New Chapter in Your Cooking and Gardening
Bringing an herb garden into your kitchen changes how you cook and live. It turns everyday meals into something special. It connects you to nature, even in the middle of winter. And it reminds you that growing your own food can be simple and joyful.
Now is the perfect time to start. Pick a kit that suits your style, find a sunny spot, and watch your kitchen transform into a tiny indoor garden bursting with flavor.
It’s important to prioritize your health when you’re aiming to trim some pounds. That’s why it’s important to eat nutrient-dense foods like fruits, vegetables, herbs and spices. It’s easy to get discouraged if you’re not enjoying your weight loss food, so variety is important.
Why not try these herbs and spices wrap recipes? You’ll surely love flavorful low-calorie snacks!
Tuscan-Style Herb Tuna Wraps
What you need:
2 whole grain tortillas
1/2 cup light tuna, drained
1/2 cup diced tomatoes
1/2 cup baby spinach
Juice of 1/2 lemon
2 tbsps. chopped fresh parsley
1 tbsp. olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
In a small bowl, mix together tuna, tomatoes, spinach, lemon juice, parsley, olive oil, salt and pepper. Stir until ingredients are well-blended. Divide tuna mixture among the 2 tortillas fold over to make wraps. Top with fresh spinach. Serve immediately.
Turkey and Five-Spice Lettuce Wraps
What you need:
1/2 kg. lean ground turkey
2 heads lettuce, leaves separated
1 cup water chestnuts, chopped
1 carrot, shredded
1 red bell pepper, diced
1/2 cup chopped fresh herbs (basil, cilantro, mint and/or chives)
1/2 cup instant brown rice, cooked
1/2 cup reduced sodium chicken broth
2 tbsps. hoisin sauce
1 tbsp. minced fresh ginger
2 tsps. sesame oil
1 tsp. five-spice powder
1/2 tsp. salt
Heat oil over medium-high heat in a large saucepan. Add turkey and ginger then cook for 6-7 minutes until turkey is cooked through. Crumble turkey using a wooden spoon. Add cooked brown rice, water chestnuts, bell pepper, chicken broth, hoisin sauce, five-spice powder and salt. Cook for 1-2 minutes or until heated through. Remove from heat and add spoonfuls of the turkey mixture into lettuce leaves. Top with carrots and fresh herbs. Roll into wraps and secure with toothpick.
Spicy Guacamole and Bean Burrito
What you need:
2 6-inch whole grain tortillas
1 cup shredded romaine lettuce
1/2 cup low-fat refried beans
1/4 cup salsa
3 tbsps. prepared guacamole
1/2 jalapeno pepper, diced
Combine beans, salsa and jalapeno pepper in a small bowl. Microwave for 1-2 minutes. Arrange romaine lettuce in each flour tortilla. Top with warm bean mixture and guacamole. Roll up to make wraps. Serve immediately.
Herb Hummus Vegetarian Wraps
What you need:
2 cups herbed hummus
4 large collard green leaves, steamed
1 cucumber, peeled and sliced into thin strips
1/2 jicama, peeled and sliced into thin strips
1 carrot, peeled and sliced into thin strips
1 ripe avocado, sliced
20 fresh basil leaves
1 stalk celery, sliced into thin strips
1/2 cup toasted cashews, slightly crushed
1 tbsp. chopped fresh chives
Mix together cucumber, bell pepper, jicama, carrot and celery in a medium bowl until well-blended. Divide the mixture among 4 collard green leaves. Top with avocado slices, basil leaves, cashews and chives. Roll up to make wraps and secure with toothpick.
Enjoy snacking for weight loss with these fun and easy herbs and spices wrap recipes!
Basil is one of the most treasured herbs in gardens and kitchens around the world. Known for its sweet aroma and rich flavor, basil transforms simple meals into something extraordinary. But basil isn’t just one plant. There are many types, each with its own flavor, color, and story. Some taste peppery, while others have hints of lemon or cinnamon. Some grow tall and bushy, while others stay compact and perfect for containers. Let’s explore the wonderful world of basil and discover which varieties might be perfect for your garden or kitchen.
Why Basil Is So Beloved
Before diving into the different types, it helps to know why basil is so popular. This herb is part of the mint family, and it grows quickly in warm weather. It thrives in gardens, raised beds, and even small pots on windowsills. Basil leaves can be eaten fresh, dried, or blended into sauces like pesto. Beyond flavor, basil also carries a sense of tradition. It has been used in Mediterranean, Asian, and African cooking for centuries, making it a truly global herb.
Sweet Basil
Sweet basil is the classic variety most people think of when they hear “basil.” It has smooth, green leaves and a sweet, slightly peppery flavor. This type is perfect for Italian dishes, especially tomato sauces, pasta, and caprese salads. Sweet basil is also the main ingredient in traditional pesto.
Appearance: Medium to large green leaves, slightly cupped.
Flavor: Sweet, mild, with a peppery edge.
Best Uses: Pasta, sauces, salads, pesto.
Genovese Basil
Genovese basil is a type of sweet basil but with a stronger aroma and larger leaves. It originates from the Liguria region of Italy, especially around Genoa. Chefs love it for its strong fragrance and bold flavor.
Appearance: Large, dark green leaves that are flat and smooth.
Flavor: Rich and aromatic, perfect for authentic Italian pesto.
Best Uses: Pesto, pizza, fresh salads.
Thai Basil
Thai basil stands out with its small, narrow leaves and purple stems. It has a distinct flavor—spicy, licorice-like, and slightly sweet. This basil holds up well in heat, making it ideal for stir-fries and soups.
Appearance: Purple stems with shiny, narrow green leaves.
Flavor: Spicy with anise and licorice notes.
Best Uses: Thai curries, pho, stir-fried dishes.
Holy Basil (Tulsi)
Holy basil, also known as Tulsi, is sacred in Indian culture and widely used in Ayurvedic medicine. It has a strong, clove-like flavor and is often brewed into herbal teas. Holy basil is also grown as a spiritual plant, valued for its calming energy.
Appearance: Green or purple leaves with a slightly fuzzy texture.
Flavor: Spicy, clove-like, and slightly bitter.
Best Uses: Herbal teas, medicinal uses, spiritual gardens.
Lemon Basil
Lemon basil offers a refreshing twist with its citrusy aroma. This variety is popular in Southeast Asian cooking, especially in dishes like Indonesian soups and salads. Its bright flavor adds a fresh kick to fish, chicken, and summer drinks.
Appearance: Narrow green leaves with a light, delicate texture.
Flavor: Fresh lemon scent and taste.
Best Uses: Teas, salads, fish dishes, summer marinades.
Cinnamon Basil
Cinnamon basil surprises with a warm, spicy aroma that hints at cinnamon. It pairs beautifully with fruits, baked goods, and teas. Gardeners love it not only for its flavor but also for its ornamental look, with purple stems and flowers that attract pollinators.
Appearance: Purple stems and veins with green leaves.
Flavor: Warm cinnamon spice mixed with basil sweetness.
Best Uses: Fruit salads, teas, baked goods, potpourri.
Greek Basil
Greek basil is a small-leaf variety that forms compact mounds, making it perfect for container gardens or decorative borders. Despite its size, it has a strong flavor and works well in Mediterranean dishes.
Appearance: Tiny green leaves on bushy plants.
Flavor: Strong, slightly peppery taste.
Best Uses: Mediterranean dishes, garnish, fresh salads.
African Blue Basil
African blue basil is a hybrid variety known for its striking purple stems and aromatic leaves. It’s one of the few basil types that are perennial in warm climates. While edible, it’s often grown for ornamental purposes and to attract bees.
Appearance: Purple-green leaves with striking flowers.
Flavor: Peppery and camphor-like.
Best Uses: Ornamental gardens, pollinator-friendly plantings, savory dishes.
Spicy Globe Basil
Spicy Globe basil forms a tidy, round mound of tiny leaves. Its compact shape makes it perfect for small spaces and container gardens. The flavor is robust and peppery, great for soups and pasta dishes.
Appearance: Dense, round plant with very small leaves.
Flavor: Strong, peppery flavor.
Best Uses: Soups, pasta, container gardening.
Dark Opal Basil
Dark Opal basil is stunning with its deep purple leaves and pink flowers. It adds bold color to salads and drinks while offering a milder flavor than sweet basil. Many people grow it purely for ornamental purposes.
Appearance: Deep purple leaves with pink flowers.
Flavor: Mildly sweet with a hint of spice.
Best Uses: Salads, garnishes, infused vinegars.
Greek Columnar Basil
Greek Columnar basil grows tall and upright, almost like a column. This variety rarely flowers, which means it produces leaves for longer periods without becoming bitter. It’s perfect for cooks who want a steady supply of basil all season long.
Appearance: Tall, narrow plant with abundant leaves.
Flavor: Classic sweet basil flavor.
Best Uses: Everyday cooking, frequent harvesting, container gardening.
Choosing the Right Basil for You
Every type of basil brings something special to the table. If you love classic Italian dishes, sweet or Genovese basil is ideal. For Asian-inspired meals, Thai or lemon basil adds authentic flavor. If you want something unique for your garden, try cinnamon or dark opal basil for their ornamental beauty. And for year-round use, Greek columnar basil offers constant harvests.
Growing Tips for All Basil Types
No matter which basil you choose, most varieties thrive under similar conditions:
Sunlight: At least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
Soil: Well-drained, rich in organic matter.
Watering: Keep soil moist but not soggy. Water at the base of the plant.
Harvesting: Pinch off leaves regularly to encourage bushier growth.
Companion Plants: Basil grows well alongside tomatoes, peppers, and oregano.
A World of Flavor in One Garden
Basil isn’t just a single flavor or look. It’s a whole family of herbs that can transform meals and brighten gardens. By planting different types, you create a living spice rack right outside your door. Each variety adds a new note to your cooking and a new splash of color to your garden beds or pots.
Bringing Fresh Flavor to Every Season
Exploring basil varieties turns gardening into an adventure. Each plant tells its own story, from sweet Italian fields to the vibrant markets of Thailand and India. By growing several kinds, we invite new flavors, aromas, and colors into our kitchens and lives. This is how basil becomes more than just an herb—it becomes a part of our daily joy in food and nature.
