Grow These Herbs In Water - Easy

Did you know that you can grow some of your favorite herbs in water on your own kitchen window sill? No more need to use dried herbs when it is too cold outside to have a viable garden. The best part is that you don’t have to mess with soil and watering because you can grow fresh herbs in water! It really is very easy, I started mine about a month ago because I got tired of having to buy fresh herbs and have them spoil, which wastes money, or using dried herbs. I just don’t think that dried herbs have the same bright, vibrant flavor as fresh. That is why I decided to try growing my own in water.

Not all herbs can be grown in water. Those that are grown from seeds every year cannot really be grown in water without first rooting in soil, and even then, they many times will not survive the transfer to water. This being the case, it is better not to try to grow dill, mustard plants or cilantro.

Steps How to Grow Herbs in Water

Put some herb cuttings in glass bottles with plain water, and it is best to use spring water if possible, as it is high in minerals. You should not use chlorinated water, as the bleaching chemical can damage the plant tissues. You should leave some tap water to air overnight or store some rainwater.

Choose a glass bottle, a mason jar, or even a plastic bottle for the herbs. Yet, use colored bottles or warp a piece of paper around the bottle as the roots should not be exposed light.

The darkness will help you avoid algal growth on the bottle and on the root. The narrow-mouthed containers support the cuttings and keep them upright.

Yet, avoid narrow or tight-fitting ones as the mouth of the container should support a free transition of air for the roots to be able to breathe.

You should pick soft cuttings roots, and cut some 6-inch sections from the growing herbs. Put them in the containers and remove the lower leaves as they can rot in the water and spoils it.

You can change the water once a week in the case of herbs like rosemary cuttings. As soon as the roots start growing, within 2-6 weeks, you do not need to change the water.

To stimulate the rooting, place some willow branches in warm water overnight, and then use them as a soothing hormone mixture. You can use some rooting hormone powder as well.

Recommended Herbs to Grow In Water

Peppermint

Grow peppermint in a jar and snip off a bit to make herbal tea, oil or soup. You can also just enjoy the sweet scent of this fragrant herb. Peppermint does well in partially sunny or shady windows.

Oregano

You can use fresh oregano straight in pasta sauces, soups and other savory dishes. Just use a pair of kitchen scissors to gently remove a few leaves from the stem. Oregano can grow quite large, so keep an eye on your plant.

Sage

Sage has a flavorful scent which makes it a popular choice for holistic purposes. You can also use sage with eggs, chicken, lamb or pineapple. Snip as much as you need and add it to your favorite dish. Sage doesn’t need a ton of water and should be kept in moderate sunlight.

Basil

This popular Italian herb grows well in water and can be used in many different recipes including sauces and soups. Make sure your basil jar gets about 6 to 8 hours of sunlight per day.

Stevia

This hardy herb prefers a bit of sun but can grow just as well in shadier areas. You can use the leaves off of this herb to sweeten your tea of coffee naturally! You can also create a powder from the leaves to use as a sweetener.

Thyme

Thyme is a versatile herb. It will flower, and the flowers are edible. You can also harvest it before it flowers, hang the stems to dry the leaves and then remove the leaves to use in cooking. Thyme needs plenty of sunlight, so set those jars in a bright window.

Grow These Herbs In Water – Easy