Here’s a list of Herbs You Should Never Buy! Start growing them in home to save money and enjoy a fresh supply!
Keep scrolling to find out the list of Herbs You Should Never Buy and discover why growing them at home can be a game-changer to your monthly savings!
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Herbs You Should Never Buy But Grow Instead at Home
1. Basil
Botanical Name: Ocimum basilicum
Efficiency: Growing basil from cuttings can provide a constant supply since it roots quickly.
Cost-Savings: Buying multiple basil plants can add up over time, while using cuttings from an initial plant is essentially free.
Growing Tip: Basil thrives in warm, sunny locations. Ensure it receives at least six hours of sunlight each day. Regularly pinch off the flower buds to encourage leaf growth.
Learn about Growing Basil Indoors Year Round here
2. Mint
Botanical Name: Mentha
Rapid Propagation: Mint is known for its aggressive growth, so a single cutting can soon become a new plant.
Economical: Once you have one healthy mint plant, you’ll never need to purchase them again from a grocery store!
Growing Tip: Mint flourishes in moist soil and partial shade. To prevent it from spreading vigorously, plant mint in a container or a designated area in your garden.
You can Grow Mint in Water too. Learn the Steps here
3. Rosemary
Botanical Name: Rosmarinus officinalis
Extended Harvest: Rosemary cuttings root relatively easily and grow into mature plants that can be harvested year-round.
Investment Protection: By propagating from cuttings, you’re essentially cloning your original plant, preserving your initial investment.
Growing Tip: Rosemary loves the sun. Ensure it receives ample sunlight for at least six hours each day. Well-drained soil and occasional pruning help maintain its shape and vitality.
You can Grow Rosemary in Pots! Learn about it here
4. Thyme
Botanical Name: Thymus vulgaris
Continuous Supply: Thyme cuttings can be easily rooted to establish new plants that produce throughout the year.
Reduced Expenses: Thyme plants can be costly. Using cuttings eliminates the recurring expenses.
Growing Tip: Thyme prefers a sunny location and well-drained soil. Ensure you provide good air circulation around the plants to prevent diseases. Trim the plant lightly after flowering to promote new growth.
Read more about Growing Thyme in Containers here
5. Parsley
Botanical Name: Petroselinum crispum
Quick Turnover: Parsley cuttings take root relatively fast, ensuring you always have fresh leaves on hand.
Budget-Friendly: Save money by avoiding the constant purchase of parsley bunches or seeds.
Growing Tip: Parsley grows well in fertile soil and partial shade. Keep the soil consistently moist, but avoid overwatering. Regularly harvest outer leaves to encourage continuous growth.
Learn Growing Parsley in Pots & Containers here
6. Chives
Botanical Name: Allium schoenoprasum
Simple Propagation: Chive cuttings quickly grow into new plants that are virtually identical to the parent.
Cost-Efficient: A single purchase of a chive plant can yield ongoing harvests through cutting propagation.
Growing Tip: Chives thrive in rich soil and full sunlight. Regularly snip the leaves from the base to encourage new growth. Divide the clumps every few years to maintain plant vigor.
Want a Year-Round Harvest of Chives? Click here
7. Cilantro (Coriander)
Botanical Name: Coriandrum sativum
Timely Supply: Cilantro tends to bolt quickly, but growing from cuttings can help you maintain a steady supply.
Financially Savvy: Growing the plant from cuttings gives you a unlimited supply, eliminating the need to continuously buy new cilantro plants or seeds.
Learn about Cilantro in Different Languages here
Growing Tip: Cilantro prefers cooler temperatures and partial shade. Sow the seeds every few weeks for a continuous harvest. Harvest the leaves before the plant flowers to maintain the best flavor.
Learn How to Grow Cilantro from Stem Cuttings of Grocery Store Bunch
8. Sage
Botanical Name: Salvia officinalis
Year-Round Availability: Sage cuttings can be easily propagated indoors during winter, providing a year-round supply.
Budget Conservation: Instead of buying new sage plants each season, you can propagate it from cuttings!
Growing Tip: Sage thrives in well-drained soil and full sunlight. Prune the plant regularly to maintain its shape and encourage new growth. Avoid overwatering, as sage prefers slightly drier conditions.
Learn about Growing Sage in Pots here
9. Lemon Balm
Botanical Name: Melissa officinalis
Abundant Growth: Lemon balm cuttings root easily and grow rapidly, providing ample harvests.
Cost-Effective: A single lemon balm plant can yield many cuttings, which you can root in different pots – this eliminates the need for future purchases.
Growing Tip: Lemon balm thrives in partial shade to full sunlight. Provide it with moist, well-drained soil. Regularly prune the plant to prevent it from becoming leggy.
Check out some of the most exotic herbs around the world here
10. Marjoram
Botanical Name: Origanum majorana
Consistent Harvest: Marjoram cuttings root well and ensure you always have a supply at hand.
Monetary Savings: A one-time investment in a marjoram plant can yield numerous new plants from cuttings.
Growing Tip: Marjoram prefers full sunlight and well-drained soil. It is susceptible to overwatering, so allow the soil to dry out between watering. Regularly harvest the leaves to encourage new growth and maintain their flavor.
Here’s The Ultimate Guide to Grow Marjoram in Pots
11. Stevia
Botanical Name: Stevia rebaudiana
High-Yield Growth: Stevia plants propagate well from cuttings, and each plant offers numerous harvestable leaves.
Economical Sweetening: Growing your own stevia from cuttings is far more cost-effective than buying commercial stevia products.
Growing Tip: It requires consistent moisture, so water regularly. Harvest the leaves before the plant flowers for the best flavor and sweetness.
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12. Lemongrass
Botanical Name: Cymbopogon citratus
Easy Propagation: Lemongrass cuttings root effortlessly in water, making new plant establishment quite an easy process, even for a newbie.
Avoid Store Prices: A single stalk of lemongrass can produce multiple plants, saving you frequent trips to the store.
Growing Tip: Lemongrass thrives in warm climates and full sunlight. Harvest the stalks by cutting them close to the ground and leaving the plant to regrow.
Here is How to Grow Lemongrass in a Pot
13. Fennel
Botanical Name: Foeniculum vulgare
Reliable Cultivation: Fennel is relatively easy to propagate from cuttings, offering a dependable source of this aromatic herb.
Cost Reduction: Growing fennel from cuttings allows you to bypass the cost of seeds or new plants.
Growing Tip: Fennel thrives in full sunlight and well-drained soil. Keep the soil consistently moist and provide adequate spacing, as the plant can grow quite large. Harvest the leaves and seeds as desired for culinary use.
Learn How To Grow Fennel in a Pot here
14. Curry Leaves
Botanical Name: Murraya koenigii
Uninterrupted Supply: Curry leaves propagate fairly easily from stem cuttings, ensuring you have a constant supply for cooking.
Save Money: Instead of buying expensive curry leaves, propagate your own from a single parent plant.
Growing Tip: Water the plant only when the topsoil feels a little dry to the touch. It is not fussy about feeding and growing medium.
FAQs
1. Can Herbs Be Grown Indoors?
Absolutely! Many herbs can be successfully grown indoors, making it a great option for those with limited outdoor space or who want to have fresh herbs readily available throughout the year.
Some of the best herbs you should never buy but grow instead at home include basil, parsley, and mint, as they adapt well to indoor conditions and provide fresh flavors for culinary delights. For successful indoor herb gardening, consider starting with thyme, chives, and rosemary, which can thrive in smaller containers and bring delightful aromas to your indoor space.
Here are the Best Herbs and Vegetables You Can Grow Indoors in Water
2. How Often Should I Water My Herb Garden?
The watering frequency for your herb garden will depend on various factors such as the specific herb, weather conditions, and the type of soil used.
As a general guideline, most herbs prefer slightly moist soil. To determine when to water, check the top inch of soil; if it feels dry to the touch, it’s time to water.
Read about herbs you can grow in the water here
3. Can I Grow Herbs From Seeds, or Should I Buy Plants?
Growing herbs from seeds is a rewarding and cost-effective option for those who enjoy the process of starting plants from scratch. However, it does require patience and extra care, as you will need to provide the right conditions for germination and ensure proper growth.
If you’re new to herb gardening or prefer a more convenient approach, buying herb plants from a reputable nursery is a great choice. This provides you with well-established plants that are ready to be transplanted into your garden or containers, giving you a head start and saving you time.
