Grow Sustainable Herbs Indoors so that you can enjoy a healthy hobby, save money at the grocery store and have herbs at your fingertips any time that you want.
April is Earth Month and it is well on it's way. I have been thinking of ways that I can add sustainability, in regards to the earth, to my life. It has been such a rewarding project and my list is growing.
One thing that I'd like to share with you is growing herbs indoors. I think we would all benefit. It kills me when I buy a batch of parsley or basil and it goes the way of the trashcan before I have a chance to use it all up. It is in my mind to freeze the herbs in ice cube trays, along with oil, but sometimes the time just gets away from me.
Last year I planted some herbs outside but even the perennials don't thrive through the winter. I would shy away from making recipes that called for fresh herbs because of their expense. So this year it's Project: Grow Sustainable Herbs Indoors. It has worked out so well. Like this weight has been lifted off my shoulders.
Now having fresh herbs at hand is no problem. Anyone can grow herbs inside when there is a sunny window in their house. North facing windows don't work so well because herbs like light. They also don't like to be over-watered. Those are the two tricks.
Pinching off the tips is another way to keep them growing. That goes on a lot around here with cooking. The branches fork and thrive with that little bit of maintenance.
I'm also a 'wanna be designer' so I 'staged' a couple of photos to give you ideas on how to show off your herb garden. So simple, so rewarding and so sustainable. Above is a sofa table that we have tucked under a window. East side window and perfect.
If you don't have an outdoor area - a windowsill will serve you well and you'll be able to keep herbs throughout the winter.
Little pots of herbs are showing up everywhere this month. The choice is astounding and the stores know which ones are the hardy ones so that makes your purchase very easy. We can all grow sustainable herbs for indoors.
Almost all herbs are easy to grow but here are the basic ones that are often used in many culinary dishes. There are also many varieties from each family such as Thai Basil. Have fun picking the ones you use the most.
- Basil
- Oregano
- Rosemary
- Parsley
- Sage
- Cilantro
- Thyme
- Mint
- Garlic Chives
- Onion Chives
You know I can't leave you without a new recipe to enjoy. It's brand new! I used Silk almond milk for the creamy sauce and herbs as a garnish. I also used finely ground cashews for a thin layer over the top and what a flavor enhancer that turned out to be. Good old fashioned comfort food. Click on this link for Dairy Free Herbed Scalloped Potatoes to get the recipe and to see more photos.
- 1 tablespoon non dairy butter to grease the bottom and sides of a 9"x13" casserole or butter two smaller casseroles.
- 4-5 large russet potatoes russet potatoes (6 to 7 cups)
- 4 tablespoons dairy free butter
- 4 tablespoons flour
- 3 cups unsweetened dairy free milk (I use Silk's Unsweetened Almond Milk)
- 1½ teaspoon sea salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ¼ cup finely ground cashews
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme
Click here for the complete instructions for Dairy Free Herbed Scalloped Potatoes . . .
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Whether you go all out for Earth Day or celebrate the entire month we all know that carrying on sustainable habits throughout the year is the way to go. It just feels good!
Bintu | Recipes from a Pantry
We've tried several times to grow herbs indoors and they always die. I'm pinning this for future reference!
Valerie | From Valerie's Kitchen
I love this idea! It kills me a little bit each time I have to hand over $3 or $4 for a package of fresh herbs. The scalloped potatoes look delish!
Becky Hardin | The Cookie Rookie
Great information...thanks!
Sharon @ What The Fork Food Blog
I love having fresh herbs on hand but I'm terrible at keeping them alive. I dug up my rosemary in early winter and have been able to keep it alive so far though - this is the first year I haven't killed it haha
Ginny McMeans
Haha Sharon. 🙂 Good job!
Michelle @ The Complete Savorist
Nothing beats fresh herbs in dishes. You have a lovely indoor garden.
Ginny McMeans
Ahhh, thanks Michelle! Fresh herbs are such a treat.
Sabrina
I would love to grow my own herbs! This is the perfect way to have fresh herbs whenever you need them!
Aimee / Wallflower Kitchen
Great post, I love having fresh herbs on hand but often forget to look after them outdoors. Those scalloped potatoes look DELICIOUS!
Katerina @ Diethood
I LOVE this! So good to know about the homegrown herbs. Thank youuuu!
Jessica @ Jessica in the Kitchen
Totally loving this post! I REALLY want to start growing my own herbs so I'll be using this as guide.
Ginny McMeans
Fantastic Jessica! I just used some of mine in a post 🙂
Ashley @ Wishes and Dishes
I declare this is the year I'm going to grow my own herbs at home. You inspired me! I agree- it kills me to throw away unused herbs when I'm forced to buy a big bunch of it.
Ginny McMeans
So glad that you want to do this Ashley. It just takes a little time to get started and then you are on your way.
Michelle @My Gluten-free Kitchen
I like this idea for sure. Like you, when I buy herbs, so much of it goes to waste. It would be so nice to just pinch off a bit from right inside my own house!
My kitchen window is north facing, so I'm going to look around and find another spot!
Also, those dairy-free scalloped potatoes look amazing! Wish a little subbing, I can easily make them gluten-free too!
Ginny McMeans
Thank you for all your kind words and I am so glad you are going to try herbs indoors. Big thumbs up!
Alisa Fleming
You have such a green thumb Ginny! Every time I try to grow herbs, I kill them! I think I need to give it more attention and care.
Ginny McMeans
It is kind of a passion Alisa 🙂 Gardening and cooking. I guess I like to work. LOL You just have to remember not to overwater. That is most people's problem. Good luck! I am thinking of you.
Gloria
I grow my herbs in a system called Aero Grow. It's wonderful and I have herbs all year long.
Ginny McMeans
I have seen that on the internet. It sounds really good and I have been tempted. Really cool Gloria!