11 Best Herbs For Window Boxes
Window boxes and planters are a great way to add some greenery to your home, no matter how small your living space is. They enhance the look of your home's exterior and bring many benefits to your indoor environment, like improving air quality and reducing stress levels.
Whether you're a novice gardener or just starting, these herbs are easy to grow and maintain and provides you with an abundance of fresh herbs for cooking or just admiring. Growing your own variety of herbs is an excellent way of adding nutrition and flavor to your meals while providing various health benefits. Let's explore each one in more detail.
Basil
This aromatic herb is a staple in many dishes and is easy to grow in a sunny spot. It comes in many different varieties, such as sweet, spicy, and lemon, so you can choose the one that suits your taste buds. Basil is rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds. It has been shown to have anti-cancer properties and may also help lower cholesterol levels.
Thyme
This perennial herb is perfect for small spaces, as it only grows to be a few inches tall. It has a delicate, woody flavor that is great in soups and stews. Thyme is high in antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties. It also helps improve respiratory function and reduce coughing.
Rosemary
Another perennial herb that is perfect for window boxes, rosemary has a strong, pine-like aroma that is great for seasoning meats and roasted vegetables. While rosemary is a hardy herb that can survive in many conditions, it does require a lot of sunlight and space to grow properly. In a small window box, rosemary may struggle to get the sunlight it needs and may not grow to its full potential. Rosemary is high in antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties, and may also help improve digestion and reduce stress.
Mint
This fast-growing herb is excellent for beginners, as it is forgiving and grows quickly. It also comes in many different varieties, such as peppermint and spearmint, and can be used in teas, cocktails, and desserts.
While mint is a popular herb for many dishes and drinks, it has a tendency to spread rapidly and take over a garden bed or window box. Additionally, mint requires a lot of water, which can be difficult to manage in a window box.
Chives
These onion-flavored herbs are great for adding a pop of color to your window box. They grow about a foot tall and have pretty purple flowers in the spring. Chives are an excellent source of vitamin K essential for bone health.
Parsley
This versatile herb is excellent for adding flavor to many dishes and is easy to grow in a window box. It also has many health benefits, such as being a good source of vitamin C and K. Parsley can help improve digestion and reduce inflammation.
Sage
This herb's slightly bitter flavor pairs well with poultry and pork dishes. It is also easy to grow and has a pretty, textured leaf that adds visual interest to your window box. Sage can help to improve brain function and memory.
While Sage is a hardy herb that can be grown in various conditions, it requires a lot of space to thrive. In a small window box, Sage may become overcrowded and struggle to grow properly.
To maintain the overall health of your Sage, prune your Sage plant regularly. This will prevent it from overcrowding other herbs growing alongside it in your window box and remove any excess Sage overgrowth.
Oregano
Oregano is a perennial herb that requires full sunlight and well-draining soil. It has a strong flavor and is commonly used in Italian dishes, especially pizza and pasta sauces. Oregano has anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties and it may also help lower cholesterol levels and improve digestion. Oregano is drought-tolerant and requires minimal watering.
Cilantro
Cilantro is an annual herb that requires partial shade and well-draining soil. It has a unique flavor and is commonly used in Mexican and Asian cuisine. Cilantro is easy to grow from seeds and can be harvested throughout the year. Cilantro can also help improve digestive function and reduce anxiety.
Lemon Balm
Lemon balm is a perennial herb that requires partial shade and well-draining soil. It has a lemony flavor and is commonly used in teas and desserts. Lemon balm is an excellent addition to any window box, as it's easy to grow and has a beautiful aroma.
Fennel
Fennel is a flavorful herb that is commonly used in Mediterranean cooking. However, it has a long taproot that can be difficult to grow in a shallow window box and may not get the sunlight it needs to thrive.
7 Creative Ways to Cook with Fresh Herbs from Window Boxes
Fresh herbs are an excellent way to add flavor and nutrition to your meals. If you are growing your herbs at home, there are countless creative ways to incorporate them into your cooking.
Infused oils and vinegar
You can easily infuse olive oil or vinegar with fresh herbs to add a burst of flavor to your cooking. Add a handful of fresh herbs to a bottle of oil or vinegar and let it steep for a few days before using it in your recipes.
Herb butter
Mix softened butter with finely chopped fresh herbs for a delicious spread that can be used on bread, roasted vegetables, or grilled meats.
Herb salts and sugars
Grind fresh herbs with salt or sugar to create a flavorful seasoning that can be used in various dishes. For example, rosemary salt can be sprinkled on roasted potatoes, while lavender sugar can be used to sweeten tea or baked goods.
Herb pesto
Pesto is a classic way to use fresh herbs, and it can be made with various herbs, such as basil, parsley, or cilantro. Use it as a pasta sauce, spread on sandwiches, or as a dip for vegetables.
Herb marinades
Marinating meat or vegetables in a mixture of fresh herbs, oil, and vinegar is a great way to infuse them with flavor and tenderize them at the same time.
Herb rubs
Rubbing fresh herbs onto meat or fish before cooking is a simple way to add flavor and create a crispy crust. Try using a mixture of thyme, rosemary, and garlic on a roasted chicken or a grilled steak.
Fresh herb garnishes
Use fresh herbs as a colorful and flavorful garnish for your dishes. Sprinkle chopped chives on scrambled eggs, add a sprig of thyme to a bowl of soup, or top a pizza with fresh basil leaves.
These are just a few ideas for using fresh herbs creatively in your cooking. You can discover many more ways to incorporate fresh herbs into your favorite dishes with a bit of experimentation and creativity.
5 Health Benefits Of Growing Herbs at Home
Growing herbs at home has many benefits beyond providing fresh ingredients for cooking. It can offer a range of health benefits you might have yet to consider. If you've never gardened before, starting a garden may be easier than you think. With a simple
planter on a railing, you can start a small container garden from your deck for a very small amount of money. A self-watering window box is also a good option for a beginner gardener who has less time and is worried about making sure the flower box is getting enough wate.
Stress relief
Gardening has long been recognized as a stress-relieving activity, and growing herbs at home is no exception. Spending time in the garden can help reduce stress and anxiety, promote relaxation, and improve your mood. It's an excellent way to get outside and enjoy the fresh air while enjoying the benefits of being around plants and greenery.
Nutritional benefits
Fresh herbs are a great source of vitamins and minerals and can add flavor and nutrition to your meals. By growing your own herbs at home, you can ensure that they are free from pesticides and other harmful chemicals, and you can also harvest them at their peak of freshness, which means they'll have the highest possible nutrient content.
Environmental benefits
Growing herbs at home can be good for the environment. By reducing the need for store-bought herbs, you'll be reducing your carbon footprint and the amount of packaging waste you generate. You'll also be providing a habitat for beneficial insects and other wildlife in your herb garden.
Physical activity
Growing herbs at home can be a great form of physical activity. Gardening involves a lot of bending, stretching, and lifting, which can be a good workout for your muscles and joints. It's also a low-impact exercise, making it an excellent option for people with mobility issues.
Aromatherapy
Growing herbs at home allows you to enjoy aromatherapy's benefits without buying expensive essential oils or candles. Many herbs have a pleasant and soothing aroma, which can have a calming effect on the mind and body. Crush a few fresh leaves in your hand and inhale the fragrance for an instant mood boost.
Final Thoughts
Growing herbs in flower boxes is an excellent way of bringing a little bit of nature into your home and to have fresh herbs on hand for cooking and herbal remedies.
By choosing the right herbs for your window box, you can create a small but thriving herb garden that will provide you with fresh herbs all season long. Try growing some of these top herbs for window boxes and see how they transform your home's exterior and indoor environment. Flower Window Boxes, Inc. is a large manufacture of flower boxes and custom window boxes. We strive to be the #1 source of information on all things window boxes. Let us help you with your DIY window box project today! Call us at 888-505-7715 or email us at sales@flowerwindowboxes.com.
 About the Author
Matthew Buquoi is the owner of Flower Window Boxes, Inc., which is one of the largest online window box companies in the United States. In addition to being the owner, he is also an expert author, and regularly writes about industry topics in the window boxes, planters, exterior shutters, and home and garden industry.
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