Growing your own herbs doesn’t have to involve messy soil or outdoor gardens. With just a glass jar, some fresh water, and a sunny spot on your windowsill, you can cultivate a thriving herb garden all year long! Whether you use Mason jars for a rustic touch or thrifted decorative glasses, this simple and low-maintenance method is perfect for anyone looking to grow fresh ingredients at home. Here’s a list of 12 versatile herbs you can grow easily in water:
1. Peppermint
Known for its invigorating scent, peppermint is an excellent herb for tea, oils, and soups. It thrives in jars placed in partially sunny or shady windows. Snip a few leaves to freshen up your space or flavor your dishes.
2. Oregano
A staple in Italian and Mediterranean cooking, oregano adds depth to sauces, soups, and savory recipes. This fast-growing herb can get quite large, so be ready to trim it frequently to keep it manageable.
3. Sage
With its earthy aroma, sage is both flavorful and versatile. Use it in dishes featuring eggs, chicken, lamb, or even pineapple. Sage prefers moderate sunlight and doesn’t require much water, making it easy to care for.
4. Basil
Basil loves sunlight—ideally, 6 to 8 hours daily—and is perfect for pesto, sauces, and salads. Place a basil stem in water, and you’ll have fresh leaves at your fingertips whenever you need them.
5. Stevia
A natural sweetener, stevia can be used to enhance your coffee, tea, or desserts. It grows well in both sunny and partially shaded areas, and its leaves can be dried and ground into a powder for long-term use.
6. Thyme
Thyme is a hardy herb with edible flowers and leaves. For maximum growth, place it in a bright, sunny window. Use fresh or dried thyme to enhance soups, roasts, and other dishes.
7. Rosemary
Rosemary thrives in sunlight but also grows well in partially shaded spaces. Its pine-like flavor is ideal for seasoning chicken, lamb, or roasted vegetables.
8. Lemon Balm
Lemon balm offers soothing benefits, helping with anxiety, indigestion, and sleep issues. Place it in a sunny spot to maintain its vibrant growth, and enjoy its zesty aroma in herbal teas.
9. Chives
This onion-family herb is easy to grow and adds a mild, savory kick to a variety of dishes. Keep it well-watered and in a sunny location for best results.
10. Cilantro
Cilantro flourishes in sunlight but tolerates partial shade. Its fresh, citrusy flavor pairs wonderfully with salsa, guacamole, and other Mexican-inspired dishes.
11. Lavender
Lavender isn’t just beautiful—it’s also therapeutic. Use it to make teas, oils, or sachets for relaxation, better sleep, and easing migraines. It thrives in sunny spots with good air circulation.
12. Marjoram
Marjoram grows slower than other herbs but is worth the wait. Its delicate flavor enhances chicken, beef, and soups. Bonus: it’s also great for creating homemade oils and bath products.
Tips for Success
- Water Quality: Replace the water every week to keep it fresh and oxygenated.
- Lighting: Most herbs require plenty of sunlight, so place your jars near a bright window.
- Harvesting: Regularly trim your herbs to encourage healthy growth and prevent overcrowding.
By choosing a few of these herbs to grow in water, you’ll enjoy fresh, fragrant ingredients right from your windowsill—no garden required!