Greens you're guaranteed to grow indoors and outdoors

Basil, rosemary, mint and more are herbs that are popular choices for both garden and windowsill growing. But do you know how to grow them properly?
Gardeners often give less attention to growing herbs than to other plants, and there's a reason for that. Herbs have a relatively short growing period and don't stay fresh for a long time, so it makes sense to grow and gradually consume them. However, if you approach herb cultivation with intention, it requires a lot of care and attention.
Let's take a look at the 5 most popular types of herbs, their planting rules, and how to grow them outdoors and indoors.

#1 Basil

Growing basil is actually quite easy, whether you decide to grow it outdoors or indoors. This plant is very low-maintenance. But, keep in mind that basil is sensitive to low temperatures, so it's best to wait for stable high temperatures before planting it outdoors.
To grow basil, it's a good idea to use a large container that's about 1 pound (30 cm) in diameter. Plant about 20-25 basil seeds in the container, spacing them out evenly. Then, find a warm and sunny spot for the container, water generously, and wait for the seedlings to emerge.
In about 2-7 days, you'll see small seedlings sprouting up, which will grow and develop rapidly. And in just 30 days after germination, you'll be able to harvest your own basil crop.
As they mature, you can either leave them all in one pot, or plant them in individual pots, or transplant them into open ground, allowing the basil to grow into a small bush. By doing so, you can have a fresh supply of basil all year round!

Care tips:

Basil is not a demanding plant, but there are a few things to keep in mind:

Water frequently and spray regularly, as basil thrives in moist environments. However, take care not to overwater the soil, as this can create a breeding ground for fungal diseases.
It's a good idea to feed the basil with organic fertilizers once a month (such as wood ash). However, this may not be necessary if you plant a new pot of basil every couple of weeks and discard the old one. But if you grow basil in open ground, it's still recommended to fertilize it.
Avoid exposing the plant to cold temperatures or drafts and keep it in a sunny location.

If you wish to collect seeds, be sure to plant the basil in a separate pot and wait for it to flower. The seeds from the flowers will be no different from those purchased from a store.

#2 Rosmary

Rosemary is a very ancient herb. Rosemary is a breeze to grow, and you can do it either by sowing seeds or propagating cuttings.
If you live in a climate where the winters get chilly (with temperatures below -5 degrees), growing it outdoors as a perennial may not be feasible. However, you can always uproot your rosemary bush and relocate it to a warmer spot for the winter.
To sow the seeds, you can either use separate small containers or one large container. Be sure to moisten the soil thoroughly and place it in a warm area to create a greenhouse effect. In approximately 10-12 days, you should see sprouts starting to emerge. Keep in mind that the germination rate for rosemary is typically around 55-60%, so it's a good idea to plant extra seeds to account for those that may not germinate.

Care tips:

When it comes to the soil for rosemary, it's crucial that it is neutral or leans towards being alkaline - acidic soil should be avoided at all costs. Additionally, the soil needs to be light and airy.
When it comes to watering rosemary, it's essential to do so sparingly. In fact, it's better to underwater than to overwater. During the summer months, watering once every 2-3 days should suffice.
Fertilizers aren't necessary for rosemary, as it naturally thrives in depleted soils.
Lighting is another crucial factor to consider. Rosemary requires plenty of bright light, so if you're growing it indoors, try to move it outside more often to bask in direct sunlight.
Winter care for rosemary should differ from that of the summer. Watering should be reduced to once every 10 days, and the temperature of the environment should be around 55°F (13°C).

#3 Oregano

Oregano is a perennial plant that is widely used in cooking. It can be grown both on the windowsill and in your garden. Growing oregano does not cause any difficulties because it is an undemanding plant.
Oregano is not just a flavorful herb for seasoning, but it's also a stunning plant to admire. During its flowering period, it produces a beautiful purple carpet of fragrant blooms that attract bees.
Growing oregano from seeds is an easy process. Sow oregano seeds for seedlings in early March. Within 10-14 days, the seedlings start to sprout. Once the oregano has grown stronger and developed four true leaves, it's time to transplant them into separate containers. You can put 2-3 sprouts in one pot.
By the end of May, your oregano plant will be ready to be transplanted into your garden. Or you can keep the plant indoors to keep growing.

Care tips:

To ensure proper growth and development of oregano, the soil should be loose and permeable to moisture and air. This plant does not tolerate stagnant water and its roots can rot if the soil is too wet.
When it comes to watering, it is important to strike a balance - do not let the soil dry out completely, but do not overwater it either.
Oregano does not require regular fertilization as it naturally grows in depleted soils, but adding compost or other organic fertilizers can enhance the plant's growth.
If you grow oregano outdoors, it is recommended to prune it at the end of the season by cutting off all branches. In the spring, the plant will produce new branches and leaves.
Oregano can tolerate temperatures down to about 23°F (-5°C), but it's best to protect it from frost.

#4 Parsley

Parsley is a versatile herb that can be grown both indoors and outdoors. Its unique taste adds flavor to various dishes, making it a popular choice for many.
Growing parsley from seeds is easy and can be done through seedlings as early as springtime. Sow the seeds thickly in any container and wait for about two weeks for the first sprouts to appear. Keep the container in a warm place to encourage germination.

Care tips:

After the parsley seeds have germinated, place them in a bright spot. Once it is warm enough outside, you can plant the seedlings in open ground. You don't need to plant the parsley seedlings separately, you can plant them in groups as they were planted before. The same applies to indoor parsley. As the plant grows, transplant it into a larger container.
Choose a soil that is porous and rich in micronutrients. If the soil is poor, add compost or other organic fertilizer before planting. This should be sufficient for the following growing season.
Parsley is a biennial plant, so unless you live in a warm climate, it should not be left for the next season. Moreover, as the plant ages, the leaves become tough and lose their fragrance. If you need fresh herbs in one season, you can replant and regrow the parsley.

#5 Mint

Mint is a highly popular plant that can thrive both outdoors and indoors on a windowsill. It is frequently used in cooking and is a common ingredient in herbal teas.
While you can grow mint from cuttings or seeds, it is worth noting that mint seeds can take up to 2-3 weeks to germinate. To accelerate this process, you can soak the seeds for an hour beforehand.

Care tips:

Once the seeds have sprouted, it's important to select the suitable spot for your mint. As it thrives in sunny areas, choose a south-facing window if possible. If the natural light is insufficient, you may need to supplement with additional lighting.
As the seedlings grow, they should be transplanted into separate containers. It's best to plant several mint seedlings together rather than just one. You can either continue growing them in containers, gradually increasing the size as the plants grow, or transplant healthy seedlings into your garden.
Mint requires moist soil, so be sure to water it as needed. However, take care not to let the soil dry out or become waterlogged as this can harm the plant. While mint can grow well in various types of soil, there are some aspects to keep in mind: Mint grown in calcareous soil may have a slightly different odor. And acidic and waterlogged soil is not ideal for mint, as it can cause the plants to grow weakly. Nutrient-rich soil with a neutral pH is the best option.
Mint doesn't typically require additional fertilization, but applying organic fertilizer once a season in the spring can be beneficial.
Although mint can withstand cold winter temperatures when grown outdoors, if the temperature drops below 17°F (-8°C) and there is no snow cover, it's advisable to protect the plant from the cold. For indoor mint, it's best to move it to a cool room during the winter months.

Growing herbs can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience, whether it's done indoors or outdoors. With the right conditions and care, a wide variety of herbs can thrive in your garden or on your windowsill. From seasoning your favorite dishes to making fresh tea, having your own herb garden can bring a touch of nature and freshness to your daily life. So why not try growing some herbs yourself and enjoy the many benefits that come with it!