Gardening doesn’t have to be a challenge, and it doesn’t require a sprawling backyard either. With the right knowledge and a little creativity, you can bring nature indoors and grow fresh herbs in the comfort of your own home, regardless of space constraints. If you’re a beginner gardener, or simply looking for a fun project, growing herbs in water is a great option. You can quickly harvest fresh flavors for your meals while beautifying your living space. There’s a surprising array of herbs that will thrive in water, and in this article, we will explore seven of them. These herbs are perfect for small-space living, apartments, or even office settings. Let’s dive into the benefits, techniques, and best practices for growing herbs in water!
The Beauty of Growing Herbs in Water
Herbs are some of the easiest plants to grow. Unlike most other plants, they don’t require a lot of soil, and many are surprisingly tolerant of low-maintenance care. Growing herbs in water has numerous benefits, including:
- Space-saving: Perfect for people living in small apartments or with limited garden space.
- Low maintenance: No soil to worry about means less mess and easy cleaning.
- Fast growth: Water-growing herbs tend to grow quickly and can be ready for use in a short time.
- Sustainability: Growing herbs in water is an eco-friendly way to reduce waste and grow food right at home.
Whether you’re looking to add flavor to your meals or simply enjoy the beauty of greenery indoors, water-grown herbs are an excellent choice.
Now, let’s look at 7 herbs that can thrive in water and how you can start growing them right now.
1. Basil
Basil is one of the most popular herbs in cooking, and it’s also one of the easiest herbs to grow in water. This aromatic herb is a staple in Mediterranean and Italian dishes, adding a burst of flavor to everything from pasta to salads.
How to Grow Basil in Water:
- Cut a stem: Select a healthy basil plant, and snip off a 4-6 inch stem just below a leaf node.
- Place in water: Place the stem in a glass or jar filled with water, making sure the leaf nodes are submerged.
- Change the water regularly: Change the water every 2-3 days to prevent bacteria and algae growth.
- Wait for roots: Within 1-2 weeks, you’ll start seeing roots sprouting from the stem.
- Transplant: Once the roots are about 2-3 inches long, you can transplant your basil into a pot or continue to grow it in water.
Basil thrives in bright, indirect sunlight, so placing your jar near a window is ideal. You can harvest leaves as needed, and the plant will continue to grow. Basil is known for its fragrant leaves, and growing it in water is a fun way to enjoy its fresh scent in your home.
2. Mint
Mint is another popular herb that thrives in water. It’s a versatile herb with a refreshing taste that can be used in drinks, salads, and desserts. Mint has a strong aroma and flavor, and growing it in water is a great way to keep it vibrant and ready for use.
How to Grow Mint in Water:
- Cut a healthy stem: Snip off a 4-inch cutting from the top of the mint stem.
- Place in water: Place the cutting in a jar of water, making sure the leaves don’t touch the water (only the stem should).
- Change the water often: Refresh the water every 2-3 days.
- Roots will appear: Within about 1-2 weeks, roots should begin to form.
- Transplant or grow in water: Once the roots are a few inches long, you can either plant it in a pot with soil or continue growing it in water.
Mint grows rapidly and will spread quickly, so keep an eye on it and consider harvesting leaves regularly to prevent it from becoming too leggy. It enjoys bright light but not direct sunlight, so choose a location that offers plenty of natural light without harsh rays.
3. Parsley
Parsley is a fantastic herb to grow in water, as it’s not only simple but also extremely nutritious. It adds flavor to soups, stews, and salads, and it’s packed with vitamins and antioxidants. Growing parsley in water is a great way to ensure you always have this healthy herb on hand.
How to Grow Parsley in Water:
- Cut a sprig: Snip a healthy sprig of parsley, about 4 inches long.
- Place the stem in water: Put the stem in a glass or jar of water, making sure the bottom 2 inches of the stem is submerged.
- Change the water regularly: Change the water every 2-3 days to avoid any stagnation.
- Roots will develop: After a couple of weeks, you’ll see roots emerging from the stem.
- Harvest and replant: Once the roots are a few inches long, you can either plant the parsley in soil or continue to grow it in water.
Parsley prefers indirect sunlight, so place your container near a bright window. The herb is easy to maintain in water and will continue to grow for as long as you keep it properly hydrated.
4. Thyme
Thyme is a fragrant herb used in a wide variety of dishes, from meats to stews. It has a subtle flavor but a distinctive aroma, making it a fantastic addition to any herb garden. Growing thyme in water is a simple way to keep this herb on hand.
How to Grow Thyme in Water:
- Cut a 4-inch sprig: Select a healthy thyme plant and cut a 4-inch stem.
- Place in water: Submerge the stem in water, ensuring that only the bottom half is in the water.
- Keep the water clean: Change the water every 2-3 days.
- Roots will form: After a week or so, roots will begin to grow.
- Plant in soil or water: Once the roots are established, you can plant it in soil or continue growing it in water.
Thyme prefers bright, indirect sunlight, so it will thrive near a window that doesn’t receive harsh direct sun. It’s perfect for small spaces, and its delicate leaves make it a beautiful addition to any home.
5. Cilantro (Coriander)
Cilantro is a versatile herb that adds a fresh, citrusy flavor to Mexican, Indian, and Asian dishes. The leaves are used in cooking, while the seeds, known as coriander, are used as a spice. Growing cilantro in water is an easy way to keep a steady supply on hand.
How to Grow Cilantro in Water:
- Cut a stem: Snip a 4-6 inch stem from a healthy cilantro plant.
- Place in water: Place the stem in a jar of water, ensuring that the stem is submerged but the leaves stay dry.
- Refresh the water: Change the water every 2-3 days to keep it fresh.
- Watch for roots: Roots will appear in about 1-2 weeks.
- Replant or grow in water: Once roots develop, you can transplant the cilantro to soil or continue growing it in water.
Cilantro prefers cooler temperatures and plenty of sunlight, so make sure it’s in a spot that gets enough light without becoming too hot.
6. Oregano
Oregano is a staple herb in Mediterranean and Italian cuisine. Its bold flavor makes it ideal for adding depth to dishes like pasta, pizza, and marinara sauce. Growing oregano in water is an easy way to have this fragrant herb available year-round.
How to Grow Oregano in Water:
- Cut a sprig: Snip a 4-inch sprig from a healthy oregano plant.
- Place the stem in water: Put the stem in a glass of water, ensuring that only the bottom half is submerged.
- Change the water regularly: Refresh the water every 2-3 days.
- Roots will develop: Within 1-2 weeks, roots will appear.
- Harvest or transplant: Once roots form, transplant into soil or continue growing in water.
Oregano enjoys plenty of sunlight, so be sure to place it in a sunny spot. It’s a hardy herb that will grow quickly once its roots have developed.
7. Lemongrass
Lemongrass is a fragrant herb used in many Asian dishes, teas, and even in beauty products. It’s easy to grow in water, and its fresh, citrusy aroma makes it a delightful addition to your indoor garden.
How to Grow Lemongrass in Water:
- Cut a stalk: Snip off the bottom few inches of a lemongrass stalk.
- Place in water: Place the stalk in a jar of water, with the cut end submerged.
- Change the water regularly: Change the water every 2-3 days.
- Roots will develop: In about 1-2 weeks, roots will begin to form.
- Harvest or replant: Once the roots are a few inches long, you can either transplant it into soil or continue growing it in water.
Lemongrass loves sunlight, so be sure to place it in a spot with plenty of natural light. It’s a fast-growing herb that will reward you with fresh, flavorful stalks in no time.
Conclusion
Growing herbs in water is an easy, sustainable way to enjoy fresh flavors in your meals while enhancing the beauty of your home. With just a few simple steps, you can grow
a variety of herbs that thrive in water, making them perfect for small spaces, apartments, and even offices. Whether you’re growing basil, mint, parsley, thyme, cilantro, oregano, or lemongrass, you’ll enjoy the satisfaction of harvesting fresh herbs all year long.
Now that you know how to grow herbs in water, it’s time to start your own water garden and enjoy the benefits of fresh herbs at your fingertips. Happy gardening!