Perfect Herbs for Windowsill Gardens
Although the cold weather is too harsh for many vegetables and herbs to be grown outside, you can enjoy fresh herbs all year round by plating a windowsill garden. Low-maintenance, sustainable, and inexpensive, windowsill gardens require only sun and water to thrive and produce delicious herbs to use in the kitchen and in homemade beauty products for years to come. We take a look at three herbs that we believe are ideal for windowsill garden and explore their versatility and health benefits.
Basil
Basil is sensitive to cold and frost, making it the prefect herb to grow indoors. Preferring damp soil and plenty of sunlight, basil can be easily grown from a seed or a seedling when planted in a large container, giving plenty of room for growth. Fragrant and versatile, basil can be used in a wide variety of everyday dishes such as pasta sauce, salads, pesto, and more. Basil pairs well with proteins, making it a perfect partner for chicken or fish, and can also be dehydrated or frozen for future use. Basil is an excellent source of vitamin K, manganese, iron, vitamin A, and vitamin C, and is a natural inflammatory that can be used to treat everything from an upset stomach to skin irritation.
Rosemary
Rosemary is a woody and fragrant herb that is easy to cultivate indoors. Contrary to basil, rosemary prefers well-drained soil but also thrives in sunlight. Proper air-circulation is also important to facilitate the growth of rosemary, so the windowsill is an idea place for this herb. Rosemary can be used to add a level of herbaceous flavor and heartiness to many dishes including stews, poultry, roast vegetables, and potatoes. Rosemary is said to be rich in antioxidants, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory compounds, and is most known to stimulate memory and fight off infections. Inhaling diffused rosemary oil is also said to improve the mood and lower blood pressure.
Sage
Like rosemary, sage prefers well-drained soil and prefers medium to full sun exposure. Sage is also fairly resilient, and is tolerant to a forgotten watering or two. Sage has a unique flavor profile that is woody and peppery with fresh tones of eucalyptus, mint, and lemon. Sage pairs well with other herbs including thyme and rosemary, as well as aromatics like onion and garlic. We recommend using sage in gravy, compound butters, or roasted vegetables. Sage also stands up to deep frying, and can be used as a unique garnish to delight dinner guests. Sage is widely known for its medicinal purposes and is often ingested in the form of tea. Loaded with antioxidants, sage is thought to support oral health, reduce blood sugar, and improve memory.
Winter may be gloomy, but a fresh and vibrant windowsill garden is sure to brighten up any home. Convenient and delicious, a little water and lots of sunlight will allow you to enjoy the natural flavor and health benefits of these botanics all year long.