The pandemic saw more people playing videogames, watching TV shows and sitting down for boardgames and puzzles than ever before. Deprived of social activities (and getting out in the world), our aspirations turned inward as we looked for anything to entertain us during this unexpected period of confinement. Alongside these recreational activities, a new hobby was picking up in popularity: gardening. “I watched on Instagram as everyone started creating their own gardens,” says landscaper Tone Alexander. “People were growing herbs, vegetables, you name it, in whatever space they had.”
In times of uncertainty, anxiety and isolation, the gravitational pull of greenery is hardly surprising. A report in the Mental Health Journal cited gardening as a stress-busting, mood-boosting activity. In a study published in the journal Ecopsychology, researchers found that community gardens could help improve well-being. Another found that as little as 40 seconds in a green space could make you happier (and more focused).
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But rolling up your green sleeves is about more than just your mental health. Cultivating your own forest of happy plants is not only sustainable, but it’ll help you be more self-sufficient (and bag fresher ingredients in the process). Our advice, start small: we’ve got you covered with this all-in-one guide to growing your own herbs.
3 Simple Steps for Instant Tasty Herbs
1. Contain Yourself
Whether you’re working with one square metre of balcony, or you’ve got a full garden at your disposal—finding the right container to house your ‘erbs will dictate whether you flourish or flounder. Fortunately, picking a planter boils down to a simple equation: herbs that prefer dry soil—think: sage, rosemary and thyme—will prefer a terra cotta container, while the wet warriors such as mint, bee balm and chameleon plant will thrive in plastic. But professional landscape architect Gina Switala says it’s important not to overlook the overall aesthetic: “Round terra cotta or white pots that add style and character are better suited to a classical home.” If you’re leaning more modern, opt for rectangular steel planters for continuity.
Pro Tip: If you want to transform your balcony into a jungle, make sure you carefully consider the size and weight of your incoming plant population. “Roof slabs have certain load-bearing restrictions and the weight of heavy pots filled with soil could be a problem,” says Switala.
2. Break Ground
Mass market bagged soil might be convenient, but Mike McGrath, the editor-in-chief of Organic Gardening, says it’ll sink your greener ambitions. Why? It’s probably been sitting in the hot sun for months. He suggests springing for a high-quality compost, topsoil and a soil-free mix (check your local nursery).
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Companies like Darling Organics make and deliver an organic variant that’ll help you max out growth. Your topsoil should smell like rich, black earth; if it’s got a chemical odour, skip it. When you’re potting up, herb.co.za’s Arne Hoffman recommends going deep: giving your plants about 30cm to spread their roots. Plus, you need to make sure your pots aren’t overcrowded—so split and repot your herbs if the growth gets too wild.
3. Maintenance Mode
Keeping your herbs healthy and happy means implementing daily TLC. But that’s perfect because spending time in your garden, even if it’s just a couple of planters, is a proven mood booster. Switala says you’ll want to water most plants twice a week (but this amount can vary based on the size of your flora and fluctuating temps). It’s important that you don’t drown your greenery. Hoffman says you can check whether your plant needs a top-up by burying your finger in the soil right down to your knuckle. If it comes up dry, it’s time to make a splash.
Pro Tip: Most herbs thrive with regular pruning, so your plant will benefit from regular pickings when you need ingredients. Hoffman says you and your plants will benefit from cooking more: “Pruning encourages thick, busy growth—exactly what you want.”
What to Grow?
When choosing herbs, pick ones you’re already cooking with regularly, suggests Michelin star chef and author Scott Parker: “It’s straight from the garden to the table; it’s self-sustaining and self-sufficient.” Need inspiration? Start here.
Memory-Boosting Mint
Sunlight: 6-8 hours
Water: 1-2 times per day
With little attention, mint can start to take over your garden if you let it. That makes this herb an easy grow that also has major mileage in the kitchen. Not only is mint a star cocktail ingredient—bring on the mojitos—but it’ll also upgrade your lamb dishes or sub in to create great sauces and dips (think: chutney or fresh raita). Make sure to prune the plant back regularly (especially the flowers) as these petals can reduce the quality and potency of the leaves.
HEALTH BOOST: A study published in the International Journal of Neuroscience found that taking a whiff of peppermint oil could help improve memory. Other studies have found that the herb could play a role in relieving indigestion.
Better-Living Basil
Sunlight: 6-8 hours
Water: Once per week
If you’re starting with seeds, sow these starters no more than ¼-inch deep. You’ll want to keep the soil moist and prune regularly. Try to follow this pattern: once a seedling has sprung its first six leaves, clip away above the second set. This’ll encourage strong lateral growth, giving you tons of leaves to weave into your dishes. Plus, you’ll want to slash off any flowers as they’ll affect the flavour.
HEALTH BOOST: According to The Green Pharmacy, basil may help reduce anxiety and stress.
Power Up With Parsley
Sunlight: 6 hours
Water: 2-3 times per week
Parsley can be blitzed with other ingredients to create fresh, flavourful sauces, or thrown in with salads, meat dishes, potatoes and pasta as an easy enhancer. Parsley thrives in a pot, and if you’re growing it indoors make sure its next to a warm, sunny window. The best part: it’s fairly drought resistant, so it’s a forgiving plant if you’re the forgetful type of gardener.
HEALTH BOOST: Packed with Vitamin K—which is an essential nutrient for strong bones—parsley may be able to reduce your risk of fractures. One study found that higher Vitamin K intake leads to a 22% lower risk of debilitating breaks.
Real Resilience Rosemary
Sunlight: 6-8 hours
Water: Once every 2 weeks
If you’re looking for a low-effort, low-maintenance herb that’s as versatile as it is hardy, Rosemary fits the bill. With access to lots of sunlight, this plant will thrive even if you forget to water it for a week—or two. Rosemary is a soup and stew staple, and a couple of sprigs will elevate your baked potatoes from Sunday fare to an all-week feast. Just make sure it’s potted with well-draining soil as Rosemary doesn’t do well with treading water.
HEALTH BOOST: A study published in Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice found that regular doses of oral rosemary could help significantly reduce anxiety levels.
Whiter Smiles With Sage
Sunlight: 6-8 hours
Water: 1-2 times per week
Attracting beneficial insects and scaring off pests, sage does double duty as an ingredient and your garden’s watchdog. It’s also a friendly neighbour to almost every herb on this list. Make sure you plant this herb in well-draining soil as it’ll struggle if it’s flooded. In the kitchen, the peppery taste of sage will give you the most mileage in compound butters, sauces and to temper rich dishes.
HEALTH BOOST: Not only can sage help guard your garden, but it could also protect your enamel. An Iranian Journal of Microbiology Study found that sage extract could ward off streptococcus mutans in dental plaque, a cavity-causing bacteria.
Cancer-Fighting Coriander
Sunlight: 4-6 hours
Water: Once per week
With star appearances in many Indian and Mexican dishes, the coriander plant is must-have in any budding herb gardener’s populace. It’s easy to use and even easier to grow; so it’s a perfect starter herb if you’re a newcomer to the greener side. When you’re pruning, make sure you never harvest more than one-third of the stem at a time as this can weaken the plant and prevent new growth.
HEALTH BOOST: A test-tube study found that coriander seed may help lower inflammation and slow the growth of cancer cells.
