You might have noticed that store-bought herbs lack freshness and intense aroma. On top of that, synthetic fertilizers used to grow these herbs aren’t safe.
Instead of running to a store, you can grow herbs in water if you have a glass jar, water and the will to have your herb garden.
Popular herbs like mint, parsley, basil, rosemary and sage can easily thrive in water when you provide enough sunlight and fertilizer.
Growing plants in water can save you time by avoiding soil pests, diseases, and weeds.
If your window sill isn’t getting an adequate amount of sunlight, you can use artificial lights to grow herbs indoors.
Benefits of Growing Herbs in Water
This method of growing plants in water is often referred to as hydroponics. Though setting up a hydroponic system can be expensive, in the case of growing herbs, you can start off with a glass jar and water.
Plants grown in soil are associated with traditional issues like pests and soil-borne diseases, which you can reduce by growing them in water.
Growing herbs in water allows you to enjoy homegrown herbs year-round, irrespective of outdoor climate.
You need not worry about overwatering plants and concentrate solely on plant care.
Growing plants in water is often considered more efficient because it uses less water compared to traditional soil gardening.
How to Grow Herb Plants in Water?
Fresh herbs have much more flavour than dried store-bought herbs. Growing herbs at home that are extensively used in your kitchen can be a great addition to herb-loving cooks.
It is easy to grow herbs in a garden or water. But, growing them in water can avoid soil borne pests.
However, you must be careful about the fungus growth if you’re not regularly changing the water.
Step-by-step guide to growing herbs in water:
Even those who don’t have a green thumb can grow these herbs in water.
- Choose a healthy herb plant to trim its cuttings. Use a sharp, sterilized garden scissor to cut a long stem with leaves. To ensure rooting, trim below the leaf node.
- Take a mason jar or container and fill it with distilled water. You can use tap water, but it is recommended to allow it to sit for 24 hours before using it for plants.
- Now, submerge the cutting into the mason jar. Make sure leaves aren’t immersed in the water, as it can cause rotting. Place 4 to 5 stems in each jar beside the windowsill.
To avoid rotting, change the water once every 4-5 days. Once you see the root popping out from the cutting, ensure that the plant gets enough light exposure.
15 Herbs You Can Grow in Water Indoors
Growing herbs indoors allows keeping your kitchen packed with fresh and aromatic plants.
Growing plants in water avoids traditional soil-related complications.
Start growing with a few herbs; gradually, you can have a flourishing herb garden in your space.
1. Basil
Basil is best grown in a sunny location, even indoors. Place it near a bright window or under a grow light. Change the water every few days to prevent stagnation and ensure the plant gets enough nutrients.
Basil adds a fresh, aromatic flavour to dishes and is known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It can help with digestion and has been used in traditional medicine for its potential to reduce stress and anxiety.
2. Rosemary
Rosemary prefers bright, direct light. A south-facing window is ideal. Ensure the water is changed weekly to prevent root rot, as rosemary is sensitive to overly moist conditions.
Rosemary is renowned for its memory-enhancing properties and its ability to improve concentration. It also has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory benefits, and its aroma is believed to reduce stress.
3. Thyme
Thyme requires a lot of light, so place it in a sunny spot or under a grow light. Change the water every week and make sure the stems are submerged to promote healthy root growth.
Thyme is a versatile herb with antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. It can aid in respiratory health, boost the immune system, and add a savoury flavour to dishes.
4. Oregano
Oregano thrives in bright light. Place it near a window with plenty of sun or under artificial lighting. Change the water regularly to keep the plant healthy.
Oregano is known for its antibacterial and antiviral properties. It contains compounds that may help boost immunity, aid digestion, and provide relief from respiratory ailments.
5. Lavender
Lavender needs a lot of light to thrive. Ensure it gets at least 6-8 hours of light daily. Change the water every week and be cautious not to overwater, as lavender prefers drier conditions.
Lavender is famous for its calming and relaxing effects. It can help reduce anxiety, improve sleep quality, and has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial benefits.
6. Dill
Dill requires a bright location with ample light. Change the water regularly to keep the plant healthy. Dill proliferates, so be prepared for frequent water changes.
Dill has digestive benefits and can help relieve symptoms of indigestion and bloating. It also contains antioxidants and may have antimicrobial properties.
7. Lemon Balm
Lemon balm enjoys bright, indirect light. Change the water frequently to keep the plant vibrant. It proliferates and benefits from regular water changes.
Lemon balm is known for its soothing effects on the nervous system. It can help reduce anxiety, improve sleep, and aid digestion. Its lemony aroma also has a refreshing quality.
8. Mint
Mint needs bright, indirect light. Change the water regularly to avoid stagnation and encourage healthy growth. Mint is vigorous, so be ready for frequent pruning.
Mint is known for its digestive benefits, including relief from nausea and indigestion. It also has antibacterial properties and can be used to refresh the breath.
9. Parsley
Parsley prefers bright light, ideally 6-8 hours daily. Change the water regularly to support healthy growth and prevent any buildup of algae.
Parsley is rich in vitamins A, C, and K. It supports digestion, helps detoxify the body, and has antioxidant properties that contribute to overall health.
10. Lemongrass
Lemongrass needs plenty of light to thrive. Place it in a sunny spot or under the grow lights. Change the water frequently to keep the plant healthy.
Lemongrass has a distinct citrus flavour and is known for its potential to aid digestion and reduce inflammation. It also has antimicrobial properties and can help relieve stress.
11. Lemon Verbena
Lemon verbena requires bright, direct light. Change the water regularly to maintain its health. It is a bit sensitive to cold drafts, so keep it in a stable environment.
Lemon verbena has calming properties and can help with anxiety and stress. It also aids in digestion and has antioxidant benefits.
12. Cilantro
Cilantro thrives in bright, indirect light. Change the water frequently to promote healthy growth and avoid any unpleasant odours or stagnation.
Cilantro is packed with vitamins A, C, and K. It helps with detoxification, supports digestion, and has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
13. Sage
Sage needs a lot of light to grow well. Place it in a sunny spot or under the grow lights. Change the water regularly to ensure the plant remains healthy.
Sage is known for its cognitive benefits and can improve memory and concentration. It also has antimicrobial properties and can support digestive health.
14. Tarragon
Tarragon requires bright light and regular water changes. It prefers a sunny spot to thrive, so ensure it gets ample light exposure.
Tarragon is beneficial for digestion and can help stimulate appetite. It also has antioxidant properties and adds a unique flavour to dishes.
15. Stevia
Stevia thrives in bright, indirect light. Change the water regularly and ensure the plant is not exposed to cold drafts.
Stevia is a natural sweetener with no calories, making it a great alternative to sugar. It can help manage blood sugar levels and has potential benefits for dental health.
How to Care Herbs Growing in Water?
1. Maintain Water Quality
Changing water once or twice a week is the most essential aspect of taking care of plants growing in water.
Not changing water can attract algae and result in bacterial buildup.
2. Light
Most herbs need an ample amount of sunlight. 4-6 hours of daylight can keep the plant thriving.
If natural light is insufficient, use grow lights to supplement. Position the lights about 6-12 inches above the plants and keep them on for 12-16 hours a day.
3. Fertilizing
Add water-soluble fertilizer to enrich herbs with essential nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium.
Apply the fertilizer once every 4 weeks.
4. Pruning
Trim your herbs regularly to promote bushier growth and prevent them from becoming leggy. Removing spent or yellowing leaves also helps the plant focus its energy on new growth.
5. Harvest
Harvest herbs as needed, taking care not to remove more than one-third of the plant at a time. This encourages continuous growth and prevents stress.
6. Re-pot
As herbs grow, they may outgrow their containers. Consider moving them to larger containers if they become root-bound.
Conclusion
Parsley, basil and thyme are among the most popular herbs around the world. Start growing with a couple of herbs in water.
Ensure the stem gets enough light exposure and the root starts to emerge from the stem within 2-3 weeks, depending on the parent plant.
Khaja Moinuddin, a computer science graduate, finds joy in gardening and homesteading. Join him on this blog as he shares his experiences in homesteading, gardening, and composting