Spices are essential to enhance the flavor of foods, and many of them are more flavorful when used fresh. To always have them at hand, you can grow them yourself in your garden. If you do not have land to plant them in, you can choose to do it in pots.
1. Basil
The best time to plant it is spring as it does not resist frost. When it comes to locating it, consider that basil needs light, but it does not do well to receive too much direct sunlight. It is important to water it regularly so that it develops well. Between the beginning of summer and mid-autumn, you will be able to take advantage of its leaves. Keep in mind that this plant is an annual, so you will need to replant it each year.
2. Oregano
It is a very resistant plant. You can plant its seeds or multiply it by cutting. In any case, spring is the best time to do it. Be careful to place the plant in a place where it receives a lot of sunlight. Once it has developed, you can enjoy its leaves for five or six years.
3. Coriander
Cilantro will do best where it receives good lighting. The plant requires normal soil and a temperate climate. Therefore, the best time to sow it is spring. When doing so, be careful to leave 15 or 20 cm between each seed.
It does not resist low temperatures, so if you place it in a pot, you should keep it indoors during the winter. As for watering, it should not be very frequent: keep in mind that it is very bad for the soil to become waterlogged. This is why you need good drainage. At harvest time, cut off individual leaves and stems from the base of the plant. Do not use old shoots as these have a bitter taste.
4. Parsley
Like oregano, parsley is a very resistant plant. For it to grow healthy and strong, it needs moist, nutrient-rich soil. Before planting your seeds you should soak them for 24 hours, as they are slow to germinate. The best time to do this is spring. After three months you can start cutting the fresh leaves of the plant.
5. Rosemary
It will be very easy for you to grow it since it does not need too much care. The essentials are that it has good drainage, occasional watering and that it does not receive too much direct sunlight. The simplest thing is to multiply the plant by cuttings of approximately 10 cm and the best time to do it is spring. When it grows large enough, you can harvest it by cutting off its twigs and storing them in a cool, dry place. Since rosemary is always green, you can do this at any time of the year.
6. White mustard
Although the grains are the most used of this plant, its leaves can also be used to make salads. White mustard must be planted in clay soils that are poor in nitrogen. Sowing is done between April and June. In spring, its leaves, which are collected before flowering, could already be used. In summer the grains can be harvested. You can do this as soon as the fruits start to look yellow. You will have to cut the bunches, hang them upside down, extract the seeds and wait for them to dry.
7. Cumin
This plant requires a lot of sun. The soil must not be fertilized and it must be separated approximately 20 cm from the rest of the crops. Before planting your seeds in spring, it is important to let them mature and dry out. Harvesting is done in the summer. To do this, the bushes are cut and left to dry in a place with good ventilation. Once dry, the seeds are separated and stored in a dry place for use in cooking.
8. Thyme
It is ideal for those who often forget to take care of their plants. It can grow in any soil and practically anywhere, although it is best to get a lot of sun or a little shade. It also does not require frequent watering. The only thing that is essential is that it has good drainage. The fastest method is to multiply the plant by cuttings. If you choose to plant their seeds, you should do so in the fall. When the thyme grows, you can use it almost all year round.
9. Dill
Dill is also sown in spring. You should leave approximately 20 cm between each plant. Try to water them well to grow fast. When the plant is around 20 cm tall, you can start cutting the leaves.