With the stress of quarantining consuming us, now’s the perfect opportunity to give yourself a productive project to keep yourself busy and to preoccupy your mind. Channel any nervous anxious energy you may have to the garden. Gardening can help reduce stress and helps to provide purpose. It also gives you something to look forward to as you’re able to reap the rewards. Below are some popular seeds that anyone can easily add to their home garden.
Mint
Mint is one of the easiest herbs to grow in your garden. It almost acts like a weed and is easily maintainable. Mint is an herb that spreads easily so you can plant it somewhere where you can either contain it or somewhere you don’t care if it spreads. Make sure it is planted in indirect sunlight and water it every day. Once sprouted and fully grown, mint can be used in iced tea, mojitos, as a garnish, and even to keep mice away. This herb has so many uses you’ll never run out of ways to utilize your newly grown mint.
Rosemary
Rosemary is one of the stronger herbs in gardening. Its stiff stem can withstand high winds and weather. When planting rosemary, find a spot that has access to direct sunlight. It should at least get 6 hours of sun a day. Don’t forget to water it every couple of days to make sure it doesn’t dry out. Rosemary isn’t just for making Thanksgiving turkey, it’s also great in alcoholic spritzers and salads.
Thyme
Unlike most herbs, thyme likes to be in more sandy soil. Plant it further away from your other herbs so that it is able to grow out. The more space, the more it can thrive. Water it every day to keep the soil moist and mist the plant if the leaves look dry. Try putting thyme in your hot tea if you feel like you are coming down with a cold. It contains a good amount of Vitamin C to keep your immune system in check.
Basil
Just like rosemary, basil loves the sun. Plant basil where it has access to plenty of sunlight. It also likes really moist soil that's regularly drained. Basil can get dry pretty easily and it shows in its leaves. Just remember when the leaves are turning a little bit brown, give it an extra spritz of water to keep it from drying out. Basil is getting a new life in food. It’s best used in salads to keep them from being boring and it’s also great in lemonade!
Lavender
Lavender is best planted when the soil is warm. We recommend planting it in late spring. Unlike most herns, lavender doesn’t like moisture. Keep it away from wet areas. You can even grow it indoors! Update your baked goods by adding lavender to them. Its floral taste will boost any plain cookie, biscuit, or cake into a work of art!
Let us know if we missed any of your favorite herbs you like to plant in your home garden. If you don’t have the seeds handy, no worries! Most of these seeds can be found in your local grocery store or could be ordered by mail. If you’re afraid you don’t have a green thumb, the produce section of your local grocery store typically sells versions of these herbs already sprouted. All you have to do is put it in a pot and water it regularly. Check up on your plants by downloading PictureThis - Plant Identifier to see if your plant is looking healthy. Happy, healthy gardening!