Imagine having fresh, aromatic herbs available at your fingertips without worrying about soil or space! Many herbs grow beautifully in water, making them perfect for small spaces and busy lifestyles. Here’s how to grow 12 popular herbs using just water—all year round.
1. Basil
- How to Grow: Take a cutting from a healthy basil plant, leaving a few leaves at the top. Place it in a glass of water, ensuring the leaves stay above the surface.
- Care: Keep it in a warm spot with indirect sunlight. Refresh the water weekly.
2. Mint
- How to Grow: Cut a 4-6 inch sprig from a mature plant. Submerge the stem in water.
- Care: Mint thrives in partial sunlight. Change the water every 3-4 days.
3. Rosemary
- How to Grow: Take a woody cutting about 6 inches long. Place the stem in water.
- Care: Keep it in a sunny windowsill. Roots may take 2-3 weeks to appear.
4. Cilantro (Coriander)
- How to Grow: Use fresh stems with at least 3 inches of length. Place in a container with water.
- Care: Keep it in bright light and refresh water often to avoid wilting.
5. Oregano
- How to Grow: Snip 4-5 inch cuttings from a mature plant. Remove lower leaves before placing the stem in water.
- Care: Position it in a sunny spot, and roots should develop within a week.
6. Thyme
- How to Grow: Take soft, green cuttings (not woody stems) from a thyme plant. Submerge the lower part in water.
- Care: Keep it in a bright location and replace water weekly.
7. Sage
- How to Grow: Take a stem cutting and place it in a jar with water. Sage cuttings root faster in warmer weather.
- Care: Place in indirect sunlight and ensure the leaves stay above the waterline.
8. Green Onions (Scallions)
- How to Grow: Use the white root ends of store-bought scallions. Submerge the roots in water.
- Care: Place in sunlight and top up with fresh water regularly. Harvest as they grow.
9. Parsley
- How to Grow: Use 5-6 inch long fresh parsley cuttings. Place the stems in a glass of water.
- Care: Keep in a well-lit area and refresh water every 3 days.
10. Lemon Balm
- How to Grow: Snip a few sprigs from a mature plant. Submerge stems in water.
- Care: Place it in partial sunlight. Lemon balm can take longer to root, so be patient.
11. Stevia
- How to Grow: Take 4-inch cuttings from a healthy stevia plant and place the stems in water.
- Care: Stevia thrives in bright, indirect light. Refresh water weekly.
12. Chives
- How to Grow: Cut the bottom white ends of chives and place them in a jar of water.
- Care: Keep in bright sunlight, and they’ll regrow quickly.
Tips for Growing Herbs in Water
- Use Clean Water: Opt for filtered or distilled water to prevent mineral buildup.
- Use Glass Containers: Clear jars make it easy to monitor root growth and water levels.
- Avoid Submerging Leaves: Leaves submerged in water can rot quickly, so keep them above the surface.
- Prune Regularly: Trim herbs frequently to encourage new growth and prevent legginess.
Why Grow Herbs in Water?
- Low Maintenance: No soil or constant repotting needed.
- Space-Saving: Perfect for windowsills and small kitchens.
- Year-Round Supply: Enjoy fresh herbs regardless of the season.
By growing herbs in water, you’ll save time, space, and money while having fresh ingredients at your fingertips every day. Give it a try and watch your herb garden flourish!