How to Grow Your Own Herbs


Want to add a delicious, flavorful twist to your favorite dishes with some tasty fresh herbs? GIY! And by that, we mean: Grow It Yourself! Got a sun-filled indoor windowsill? Then you can cultivate low-maintenance leafy herbs like basil, oregano, and parsley. (Woody ones such as rosemary and thyme—which thrive in hot, dry conditions—do better in outdoor gardens.)

1. Find ‘Em A Good Home. Most store-bought herbs come in too-small containers, says Ann McCormick, coauthor of Homegrown Herb Garden. To give roots room to grow, transfer your plant to a pot that’s at least six inches in diameter and six inches deep.

2. Load Up On Light. There’s no such thing as excess sun. Keep the little guys happy by placing them near the brightest window you have.

3. Add (a Little) H2O. Too much is a surefire way to kill these greens. Once a week, water just until liquid starts to come out of the bottom of the pot, says McCormick. Fertilize monthly.

RELATED: The Secret Ingredients Your Healthy Dinner is Missing

Put your herbs to good use in these delicious herb-infused recipes, and for even more healthy eats, pick up the April 2015 issue of Women’s Health, on newsstands now.