You can always count on finding one thing on my kitchen windowsill and in my dishes—herbs!
Here are some of my favorite hacks to grow a bountiful herb garden, even in less-than-perfect conditions.
The Upside-Down Trick
Who says herbs need to grow right-side up?
Small, creeping plants like mint, thyme, and oregano make lovely dangling topsy-turvy herbs. This growing method keeps them from spreading and getting too invasive.
Hanging herbs upside down:
- Provides better drainage
- Improves airflow and sun access
- Keeps herbs within arm’s reach and pests at bay
- Takes up zero counterspace
For the planter, you’ll need a large soda bottle (cleaned), a box cutter, and some twine. Once you have your supplies, follow these steps:
- Chop off the bottom of the bottle. Cut along the visible ridge, if available, for a perfect edge.
- Poke four evenly spaced holes around the edge with the tip of your cutter.
- Remove the cap and gently coax your herb through the small opening.
- Flip your bottle cap-side down and fill it with your soil mix.
- Thread your twine through the holes.
- Hang your “green chandelier” somewhere sunny.
The Ice Cube Drip
Too much water is a herb killer. Luckily, the remedy is right in your freezer—ice cubes!
Place two large ice cubes or four smaller ones on the soil around your herb. Keep them spaced apart, not too close to each other.
As they melt, they offer a steady stream of H2O. On extra hot summer days, I like to think my herbs appreciate the cool down.
Mini Greenhouse Magic
Who else misses their precious herbs when cold weather swoops in? Make a mini makeshift greenhouse to start growing them early, even when it’s still frosty outside.
This project costs next to nothing and will keep your warm-weather herbs moist and toasty.
- Grab a clean 2-liter soda bottle and slice it in half.
- The bottom half is your plant pot. Make tiny holes at the bottom for drainage, fill it with soil, and plant your herb seeds.
- Water the soil deeply.
- Now, take the top half, keep the cap on, and cut slits at the bottom edge so it can snugly fit over the bottom half.
- Pop the top half onto your seedling pot, and ta-da! Your tiny greenhouse is ready.
- Set it on a saucer in a bright spot and wait for the little green guys to say hello.
If you have a head start with seedlings, use a clear gallon container instead.
Self-Watering Herb Garden
Ever wished your herb garden could water itself? Well, it can!
Here’s a simple DIY self-watering system:
- Cut a plastic bottle in two. The neck end should be shorter.
- Drill a hole in the bottle cap or use a soldering iron to create one. Then, put the cap back on.
- Take a thick cotton string or yarn. Thread it through the hole, tying a knot inside to secure it.
- Fill the bottom part with water.
- Place the neck end into the bottom half, with the string hanging into the water.
- Plant your herbs in the top part.
The string acts like a wick, pulling water up to your plants.
You’ll never have to worry during holidays and busy weekends. Your self-watering herbs can take care of themselves!
Companion Planting
Certain plants grow better near each other. Basil complements most herbs and plants, even enhancing their flavors.
Basil and tomatoes, for instance, go together like peanut butter and jelly. Some gardeners swear tomatoes taste sweeter from this pairing.
Plus, herbs have fragrant aromas that repel many garden critters. On garden beds, they spread into the perfect living mulch for taller plants.
Thai Basil FTW
Summer brings pictures of flourishing herb gardens. But what if your kitchen window faces the wrong way?
Unlike its sun-loving cousins, Thai basil likes the shade.
Next time you buy Thai basil for your Asian-inspired dishes, save some stems, stick them in a glass of water, and repot them when you see the roots sprouting.
Pruning
The more you harvest, the more your herbs grow. I prune my herbs regularly, even if I don’t need them for cooking.
This keeps my plant babies nice and bushy, never leggy. I end up with more herbs than I know what to do with, which is never a bad problem to have.
I always have an excuse to make pesto or dry herbs for later use.
Final Thoughts
Limited space, low light, or no time? There’s a hack here that can help (the last one is a must)!
Give these tricks a shot, and watch your herbs take off! Before you know it, you’ll be tossing fresh herbs into every dish all year round.
Growing up with a mom who filled her home (inside and out) with all sorts of plants, Lisa got her start in gardening at a young age. Living now on her own with a home and yard full of plants (including an indoor greenhouse), she shares all the gardening tips she’s gained over the years.