You don’t necessarily have to live in a house with a garden to grow herbs. Here are some of the plants you can grow in a small apartment.
Herbs are not only useful during times of illness, most of them can also be used to flavour your food. This is why many people grow medicinal marigolds, yarrow and chamomile in their gardens. But what about those who do not have enough green space? Newsweek has compiled a list of herbs that can be grown even in a small apartment.
According to Karen Kennedy, education coordinator for the Herb Society of America (HSA), you can grow a variety of plants in your home by following a few basic rules. To grow properly, plants need at least 6-8 hours of sunlight a day. The coordinator says that it is ideal to place plants in a south-facing window, for example, where they can get up to 12 hours of light a day. However, do not place plants directly next to a radiator, as this can quickly dry out the potting soil. During the winter frosts, it is also not a good idea to place pots too close to the window, as the incoming cold can damage the plants. The frequency of watering may vary, as each plant has a slightly different water requirement – so make sure you know this before you plant or buy. Now, let’s look at five herbs that can be grown within the four walls, following the advice above.
Basil
Basil is best known as a main herb in this country, making Italian dishes even more delicious. Its dried leaves are an appetite stimulant, aid digestion and have a diaphoretic effect. Basil can also reduce high blood pressure and relieve anxiety.
After the seeds have been sown, cover the pot with a thin layer of vermiculite (a very good absorbent material that improves the water retention capacity of compost) and after some watering, transfer it to a plastic propagator pot. After germination, the pot should be placed in a warm, bright place to get plenty of sunlight. Water regularly to keep the potting soil moist.
Thyme
Thyme is often mentioned in history books: it was found by Moses on Mount Horeb, it appears in Mesopotamian recipe books and was even used in Egypt to mummify the dead. As a medicinal herb, it has long been used to treat colds and indigestion.
This perennial herb can be grown from seed or as a potted plant – a much simpler process. Once the seedlings have some leaves, transplant them into pots. If they are planted together, make sure that the plants are 20-25 cm apart. They don’t need frequent watering, but they do need sunlight, so they do best in windows or on balconies.
Lemongrass
Lemongrass is a very versatile herb. It has a calming effect, so a herbal tea made from it can help relieve stress. Some research suggests that regular consumption may also help with weight loss. Like mint, it is also a member of the labiate family, but it does not grow wild, so it can be bought fresh in pots or dried in sachets.
It can be grown from seed in the spring and is best sown between March and May. Sprinkle the soil with a thin layer of perlite (a granular rock that helps drainage) and you can add some vermiculite before placing in the propagator pot. It can take up to three weeks for the seedlings to emerge, at which point you can transfer them to a pot.
Sage
Sage is an excellent herb to flavour your food, but it can also be used for sore throats. Its anti-inflammatory, antiviral and antibacterial properties make it a great treatment for all kinds of throat problems.
These pungent perennial herbs can be grown from seed in pots in spring. They should be covered with a thin layer of perlite and placed in a propagator to germinate. It can take up to three weeks for the seeds to germinate. They do best in a warm, sunny spot, so water regularly, but be careful not to overwater.
Laurel
Bay leaves are not just a flavouring for food. Among other things, it helps to balance blood sugar levels and stimulate digestion, but the caffeic acid it contains is also good for the heart.
