Missing an herbal piece or looking to add a touch of freshness to the kitchen? It may be time to take a look at some popular herbs and bring greenery into the kitchen!
Fresh plants and herbs can be the missing link in an already-beautiful kitchen. Aesthetically, their vibrant colors are a welcomed accent, and having fresh ingredients handy makes any meal better.
Window Sill Herb Garden
Traditionally, the most common place to find plants in the kitchen is above the sink, on the window sill. This provides access to direct sunlight and occupies an underutilized space, staying out of the way of other things in the cooking area.
The five best herbs in the kitchen include basil, parsley, thyme, rosemary, and mint. That’s because they’re all relatively versatile and easy enough to maintain in kitchens of all sizes and styles.
Basil, a staple in any kitchen with an Italian chef, is a fragrant herb that works well into a pesto sauce or Caprese salad. It loves sunlight and room to grow, so be sure to provide adequate space.
Like basil, parsley loves sunlight as well but does not necessarily need it to thrive. No longer simply a garnish, this also versatile herb has a variety of uses of different dishes.
Bringing a boost of freshness, thyme and rosemary are the two herbs that provide aromatic scents to the kitchen. Additionally, they’re both low-maintenance plants that can be placed in any space.
Mint is chocked full of health benefits but will need its own space to grow. This herb is best placed in separate containers (think mason jars) and can grow just as well in sunlight or shade.
Ideally, plants should be placed on windows sills facing to the south or southwest, where they will receive ample and consistent sunlight throughout the day.
Hanging Planters
And if that window space doesn’t work? Try hanging your herbs!
Unless you have low ceilings, hanging plants are an excellent way to utilize free space and keep fresh herbs on hand in a practical way. Once thought to be a thing of the past, this technique can be used in unique and creative ways in your kitchen, particularly in urban living spaces where access to windows and sunlight is limited.
For instance, upside-down hanging plants are not only a cool eye-catcher, but this practice actually may help the herbs grow faster and bigger and will be easier to maintain. All you need to get started is some sturdy wire, a few hooks and your choice of pots; just about any type of plant will work as well, but basil will provide the most coverage and rosemary will be easiest to maintain.
Mounted Wall Garden
So what happens when you don’t have any window space and you have low ceilings? Look to your kitchen walls, where a simple setup will provide both wall décor and fresh herbs for the kitchen.
Using an old wooden box or board is an easy starting point for this particular option. With a box setup, plants can be placed in a vertical arrangement where water flows from one tier to the next in a drip system. More simply, an old wooden plank, pipe clamps, and some mason jars can also do the trick and will sit nicely on a kitchen wall.
Want More Kitchen Design Tips? kitchenCRATE Can Help!
You don’t have to have a green thumb to grow or add greenery to your kitchen. However, if this is something you want to consider specifically adding to your kitchen remodel, the kitchen and bath CRATE team can help! We have the experience and know-how to help you design the kitchen or bath of your dreams!
Call 888-995-7996 or schedule a free phone consultation automatically by clicking here.
Scott Monday is co-founder and CEO of kitchenCRATE and bathCRATE. Follow him on Facebook or Linked-In.
