Homegrown herbs can make a profound difference in the flavors of your dishes, boasting a freshness and potency that store-bought herbs can't match. Whether growing a few plants on your kitchen windowsill or tending a more expansive garden, The Growers Exchange offers a catalog overflowing with healthy, vibrant herbs!
If you’re wondering where to buy culinary herb plants for sale, The Growers Exchange offers a convenient way to source healthy, organically-raised plants. Browse our catalog and start your herb garden today!
What Are the Benefits of Growing Culinary Herbs at Home?
Some advantages of growing your own herbs at home include:
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Flavor: Freshly grown herbs provide an unrivaled, aromatic essence to your culinary creations. Dishes that include homegrown herbs pack a vibrant punch, offering an undertone of freshness that is harder to achieve with dried or store-bought herbs.
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Health: Many herbs are packed with vitamins and antioxidants, which can help to boost your immune system and improve overall well-being. By growing your herbs, you can be certain they are free from pesticides and other unwanted chemicals.
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Aromatherapy: The scents from your fresh herb garden can provide a therapeutic environment that lifts your spirits and promotes relaxation.
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Save Money: Growing your own herbs is cost-effective in the long run. Once you've invested in plants and supplies, your herb garden can thrive for years, providing significant savings.
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Environmentally Friendly: Cultivating your own herbs reduces the need for plastic packaging and transportation emissions associated with commercially grown herbs.
What Are the Most Popular Cooking Herbs?
Our catalog features various herbs used for different cuisines and that go great with meat, fish, vegetables, soups, sauces, and more. Some of our top culinary herbs include:
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Basil: A classic ingredient in Italian and Mediterranean dishes, basil delivers a sweet, peppery flavor.
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Chives: Add a mild onion flavor to your dishes with chives. This versatile herb pairs well with eggs, potatoes, and green salads.
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Cilantro: Widely used in Mexican, Asian, and Indian cuisines, cilantro offers an intense, refreshing flavor that brightens any dish.
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Dill: A delightful herb with a slightly tangy taste, dill is a favorite for pickling and seasoning fish.
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Mint: Its unmistakable cooling flavor makes mint an excellent addition to desserts, teas, and savory dishes.
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Oregano: A staple in Mediterranean cooking, oregano adds depth and warmth to tomato-based sauces and grilled meats.
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Parsley: Fresh and slightly bitter, parsley is a versatile addition to many dishes, from salads to roasted vegetables.
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Rosemary: With its strong, piney flavor, rosemary is a popular choice for seasoning meat and poultry, as well as roasted vegetables.
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Sage: With its earthy, somewhat peppery taste, sage is best known for its presence in holiday stuffing but also pairs well with poultry, pork, and pasta dishes.
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Thyme: Its subtle, savory flavor makes thyme a welcome addition to a wide range of dishes, from roasted potatoes to soups and stews.
Caring For Your Indoor Garden
Indoor herb gardens provide a convenient, year-round source of fresh herbs and a touch of greenery for your living space. To ensure success, follow these simple steps:
Choose the Right Window: Most herbs thrive in well-drained soil and full sun, at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Consider planting herbs close to your kitchen for easy access when cooking.
Transplanting: Opt for containers with drainage holes and saucers to prevent overwatering. Use a high-quality potting mix suitable for indoor plants.
Water: Avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot. Allow the top inch of the soil to dry out between waterings.
Fertilizer: Support your herbs' growth with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every four weeks during the growing season.
Pruning: Regularly pinch off new growth tips to encourage bushier plants and promote a bountiful harvest.
Caring For Your Outdoor Garden
When growing herbs outdoors, consider the following steps to ensure a thriving garden:
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Choose the Location: Most herbs thrive in well-drained soil and full sun (at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight each day). Consider planting herbs close to your kitchen for easy access when cooking.
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Transplanting: Herbs flourish in nutrient-rich, well-draining soil. Add organic compost to improve soil texture and fertility.
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Water: Outdoor herbs typically require more frequent watering than indoor ones, but avoid overwatering. Allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.
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Fertilizer: Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer or organic compost to support healthy growth and abundant yields.
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Mulch: Apply mulch around the base of your herbs to help maintain soil moisture and suppress weeds.
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Pest Control: Encourage natural predators, like ladybugs and lacewings, to help keep pests in check. When needed, use organic pest controls, such as insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Harvesting Fresh Culinary Herbs
To get the most flavor and prolong the life of your herbs, follow these harvesting tips:
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Harvest in the Morning: The oils responsible for herbs' flavors and aromas are most potent early in the day. Snip herbs just after the morning dew has evaporated for the best flavor.
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Prune Carefully: Never remove more than one-third of the plant at a time. Encourage bushy growth by harvesting the top portion of the stems.
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Use the Right Tools: Sharpened scissors or pruning shears minimize damage to the plant and provide a cleaner cut.
Start Your Culinary Herb Garden at The Growers Exchange
Grow your fresh herb collection and say goodbye to dried, store-bought herbs. Choose the fresh and sustainable way to enhance home-cooked food with The Growers Exchange!
