GREEN WINDOWS & GREEN THUMBS

May 10, 20213 min read

Updated: May 10, 2021

Do you like fresh herbs for cooking? Growing your own herbs with a windowsill herb garden is a great way to easily have all of your favorite culinary herbs like basil, cilantro, oregano, dill, rosemary, and chives right within an arm’s reach while you cook. For me, seeing my herbs growing every day inspired me to use them every day!

A kitchen window sill herb garden is not only functional – it can also add a lot of charm and character to your kitchen! Nothing livens up a space like beautiful, healthy plants growing!

Which Culinary Herbs Are Best to Grow in a Window Herb Garden?

I love growing basil, cilantro, spinach, aragula, parsley, dill, mint, lemon balm and sage. Some herbs do well together in a pot, some (like mint) prefer to live separately, as they require more watering. But they all do really well on my south window through the whole year!

What you need

Some plants I grow I started from seeds, and some I bought already grown. The advantage to starting from seed is that it will cost significantly less and you will be able to grow more plants. However, it can sometimes be difficult to get seeds to start. I like buying narrow window sill containers at Canadian Tires (there are links at the bottom). These come in different colours and sizes (like 18", 24", 30") and have a bottom tray, that allows excess water to drain. Your herbs can not stand in the water! I always buy organic soil and organic natural fertilizers like MARPHYL® Organic Soil Enhancer. The core of all their products is 100% all-natural, wild, multi-species marine phytoplankton. And that's all!

Plant Power: plants will improve health and wellbeing

“While the health benefits of plant-based diets are well documented, new research uncovers the lesser-known uses of the nature around us.”

Plants increase productivity

Having plants in the office has been found to increase worker productivity by 15%. Not only are they found to reduce stress and fatigue whilst aiding memory retention, but they also regulate humidity and reduce carbon dioxide, both of which help you remain energized.

Plants help you sleep

Not getting enough sleep can have a huge impact on the quality of life and your ability to work and problem-solve. Whether you struggle to drift off or are easily disturbed in the night, keeping a potted Aloe Vera plant beside your bed could help you see the night through, as it produces oxygen at night to combat insomnia and improve overall sleep quality. Many plants also believed to reduce anxiety levels which in turn will help you drift off to sleep.

Plants reduce anxiety

Mental health is a big topic of discussion at the moment and it’s important to take time for self-care. An easy way to improve your mood and help reduce anxiety is to fill your living spaces and home offices with plants. Lavender is known for its stress-relieving qualities – it slows down the heart rate and lowers blood pressure to greatly reduce stress. This is why its scent can often be found in lotions and sprays. Snake Plant is also believed to reduce anxiety, improve respiratory problems and cure the symptoms of a headache.

Plants clean the air

Removing harmful toxins such as benzene (from outside and garage), formaldehyde (furniture anf finishes at home), carbon monoxide (appliances mechanical systems, cars), and xylene will keep both you and your home happy and healthy. Rubber Plant and Peace Lilies are both incredibly effective at purifying the air around you. Rubber Plants are great for removing harmful toxins, particularly formaldehyde, and these plants become more efficient at cleaning the air as time goes on.

I Love my Little Home Oasis!

In Calgary (where I live) we have very long winters, and what keeps me happy all cold season long is my little Living Room Oasis that I keep growing and adding to. I come here to work or relax whenever I feel down or uninspired, and my garden does the magic!