There’s nothing better than fresh, locally grown herbs to enhance your everyday meals and your well-being. So why not get them from your very own herb garden? Whatever herbs you prefer, stop shopping and start growing!

The benefits of gardening

Gardening, no matter the variety, can benefit us while also supporting our environment. Growing your own garden is an excellent hobby to get into; not only does it keep you active, but it also encourages you to get outside and spend more time in nature. Bask in the sunshine and vitamin D — just remember your SPF and a sun hat! Gardening can be a great way to relax, as it allows you to channel your energy into nurturing growth and creating connections with nature. Creating an at-home garden can also help reduce your personal carbon footprint and support the surrounding environment.

Herb garden necessities

• Of course, an herb garden needs herbs. Choose whatever herbs your heart desires or take inspiration from our list below. You can purchase seeds to start from scratch or bedding plants that can be transferred.
• Pots or planters can be used to cultivate an herb garden, indoors or outdoors.
• Herbs need rich soil. When planting in pots or planters, purchase pre-made soil mix or create your own using peat moss, compost, perlite and top soil. For in-ground soil, add compost for your herbs to thrive.
• Light is your friend! Herbs need around 6-8 hours of sunlight a day to grow at their best. 
• Herbs need to hydrate too. Watering your herbs may differ based on which herbs you choose and the environment they’re grown in. A general rule of thumb is to water on a consistent basis and avoid overwatering. Research your herbs individual needs and monitor your soil.

Herbs to love

• Basil - This is a popular and easy-to-grow herb that can be a great garnish for pasta, or to make fresh pesto.
• Rosemary - Add some of this fragrant herb to homemade focaccia or roasted vegetables for some flavor-packed bites.
• Cilantro - We hope you don’t have the “cilantro tastes like soap” gene. This herb is tasty in salsas and guacamole and can be a great garnish for your next taco night.
• Chives - Add this flavorful herb to butter or cream sauces and top them on your fish or chicken dishes. Or be classic and garnish them on baked potatoes.
• Parsley - Make some authentic chimichurri with your supply of parsley and grill up some steaks to go with it. 

Where to plant your herb garden

There are a few options when it comes to where you can start your herb garden. One of the simplest ways to cultivate a small herb garden of your own, especially if you live in a city where green space is limited, is right in your home. If you have access to a balcony or even a nice, large windowsill that gets plentiful natural light, you can nurture an herb garden steps away from the kitchen using small pots or planters. If you don’t have regular sunlight in your residence, you can also use a grow light.

If you have a backyard, why not use up some space for some healthy, fresh herbs? First and foremost, choose an area that gets a lot of sunshine. If you’re planting in the ground, loosen the soil in your area of choice. For planter boxes, make sure there are holes in the bottom to ensure proper drainage. When planting, make sure the herbs are spread out, so they have room to grow. 

Community gardens are a great way to not only foster connections with nature, but with the people in your neighborhood. Check online to see if there’s a community garden near you and join in on the fun. 

Nature’s Way herbal supplements

At Nature’s Way we hold herbs close to the heart. With herbs on the mind, we thought we’d mention a few of our favorite herbal supplements that can help you find your way to wellness.

• Our CalmAid® is formulated with clinically studied lavender oil and can be taken for stress management.* 
• Slippery Elm Bark is sourced from slippery elm trees, which can live and grow for over 200 years. This herbal supplement is traditionally used to soothe the GI tract.* 
• St. John’s Wort is a flowering plant that has been cherished across generations. St. John’s Wort Herb promotes a positive mood and a brighter outlook.*

Growing your own herb garden not only enhances your culinary experiences with fresh, flavorful ingredients, but it can also help your well-being and nurture a connection with nature. Roll up your sleeves and trade the grocery store aisles for your own backyard.