Growing spices in a pot is probably the easiest and most enjoyable thing to do, even for those who are not so good at gardening. Even a single plant planted in a small pot on the windowsill will give you the maximum of itself.
Spices love the light, survive without water and require a minimum amount of care. And since they are annual plants, during the summer season you can enjoy their greenery and you will not have to take care of them during the other seasons. Compared to garden plants, spices have immunity to diseases. If desired or necessary, they can always be moved from the pot to the garden.
The first thing we need to do when we decide to grow spices in a pot is to choose the right container. One that has enough soil and holes to drain the excess water is suitable. Drainage is very important, because if it is not drained, the roots of the plant die easily.
Matters such as the shape and material of the pot are of personal choice. Still, a good option would be porcelain, not only because it always looks good, but also because of the fact that its pores let enough water through and help to cool the soil. This is beneficial for the growth of the plant.
Another suitable material, which your box can be made of is stone. It is stable, withstands cold, but is quite expensive and difficult to move. It seems that the most suitable for the purpose are the wooden containers, which are also natural looking.
When you have planted the desired spices, leave them on the windowsill where they can enjoy the natural sunlight for 5-6 hours.
As for watering herbs in plant pots, do it whenever you notice the soil is dry. During the spring-summer season, spices need fertilizers every 2-3 weeks. There are special organic potted plant fertilizers available on the market, which you should use. One trick for fast growth is to trim your herbs regularly.
The best time to create a herb garden is the month of March, when you can plant seeds or seedlings of the desired plants. It is important, if you choose to plant with seeds, to cover them tightly with a layer of soil. While the herbs are sprouting, it is important to water them daily.
If you feel like starting your mini garden in a month other than March, you can get potted herbs and continue growing them at home. After a while, transplant them, by leaving a distance between them. If you decide to plant several herbs in one large pot, know that the hanging ones should be located at the edges and the bushy ones in the middle of the pot, so that they do not interfere with each other.
In addition to traditional pots, you can also choose a hanging basket to put on the terrace, if you have the opportunity - a real green paradise! You can grow thyme, dill, basil or hanging rosemary in one.
You need to think carefully about what spices you will grow, whether you will dry some of them or use them fresh. For example, chives, savory herb and rosemary are suitable for drying and can be stored in jars. You can freeze some - dill, parsley, etc. Choose according to your culinary preferences.
Drying spices
Drying herbs is easiest when you cut the stems, make a bouquet and tie it and leave it hanging in a suitably dry and cool place. It is not good to dry herbs in the sun, because that way they lose their taste and useful properties. When the spices are dry, rub them with your hands and store them in jars.
Freezing Spices
As for freezing spices, choose the ones you want, finely chop them, put them in a bag and in the freezer. You can also make impressive ice cubes with spices. Fill a mold with water, sprinkle spices in them and freeze them. A rather effective way of freezing is obtained.
Here are some examples of how to proceed when growing individual types of herbs.
Growing lavender in a pot
This beautiful herb needs wide pots and light, aerated and nutrient-rich soil. Like all other spices, it loves the sun, but it can also grow in a shaded places. It needs abundant watering, hoeing and stem pruning after flowering and should not be cut too deeply. The seeds are planted in March and April. You can use it as an addition to desserts, fruit cakes and syrups. Dried lavender makes an extremely effective soothing tea.
Growing oregano in a pot
Oregano is a heat-loving plant that loves the sun. Plant it in a large pot, so that it feels good. There is no danger of frost and it is not pretentious about watering. It can withstand partial drought if you forget to water it. As soon as flowering occurs, the flowers are cut with the stalks and dried. The aromatic petals can also be used green, without flowering. Besides the well-known oregano, there are 2 more varieties of it - variegated and yellow oregano. They are also used in cooking, but they can also be beautiful houseplants. The seeds are planted in March and April. The spice is used to flavor meat and vegetable dishes and as an addition to salads and sauces.
Growing lovage in a pot
It can be planted in spring and autumn (from March to September). Likes sunny and partial shade places. It is mainly used for meat dishes, especially lamb, for soups, beans, fish soups. If you're wondering whether to freeze or dry it, know that frozen petals have a more pronounced flavor and aroma.
Growing thyme in a pot
It will delight you with its colors during the summer season. Extremely beautiful, aromatic and healthy. It has no special demands on its owners, as long as you protect it from the harsh winters. It needs well-drained soil and sun. It is suitable for seasoning meat dishes, soups, vegetable dishes, fish dishes. Dried thyme makes a wonderful aromatic tea. The seeds are planted in the period - March-May.
Growing rosemary in a pot
Extremely unpretentious. Its only requirement is fertilizing every month, fresh air and sunlight. It tolerates drought, too much water even affects it badly.
Growing basil in a pot
Requires soil treated with fertilizers (best bought). It is desirable to spray its leaves with water, especially in the morning. It is also useful as an active mosquito repellent during the summer season. Basil seeds are planted between February and April. It is good to prune it before flowering, otherwise it loses its wonderful aroma. Use with meat dishes, soups, salads and pulses.
Growing savory herb in a pot
This spice is not difficult to grow at home, so each of you can grow it yourself and always have the aromatic miracle at hand. It is cold-loving, likes dry, light and limestone-saturated soil. It is watered moderately, only after the soil is visibly dry. The seeds are planted in April and May. It is one of the few perennial spices. Grows in the sun.
Growing mint in a pot
We all love its scent. One of the most preferred potted spices. Use it to season vegetable dishes, soups, sauces and salads. You can use the fresh petals to decorate dishes, desserts and cocktails. Dried mint is used to make aromatic herbal tea, the taste of which is irreplaceable. When growing mint, it is important to prune it regularly after it has grown, as this encourages its growth. It loves the sun. The seeds are planted in the period from February to June.
Growing lemon balm in a pot
A spice with a delicate lemon flavor, which is used in the preparation of fish dishes, vegetable dishes and chicken dishes. You can also add it to marinades for meat. A very pleasant herbal tea is made from dried lemon balm leaves. Collect the petals before flowering, because then they lose their aroma. Lemon balm seeds are planted in April-May. The plant likes sunny and partially shady places.
Growing parsley in a pot
A great addition to any meal for those who love it. Grows in the sun or semi-shaded places. Parsley seeds are planted in March and April.
Growing dill in a pot
One of the most used spices, suitable for soups, chicken dishes, eggs, etc. Grows well in sunny places. Its seeds are planted from February to May.
Now it's time to enjoy the potted spice harvest.
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