- Add fresh basil to pesto, Caprese salads, pasta dishes, or homemade pizza.
2. Mint
Cutting & Setup:
- Cut a 4–6 inch sprig with several leaf nodes.
- Remove leaves from the lower third of the stem, leaving them above water.
- Submerge the bare stem into water.
Light & Care:
- Mint thrives in partial sunlight or bright, indirect light.
- Change the water every 3–4 days to maintain freshness—mint can grow algae quickly.
Growth Timeline & Tips:
- Roots develop in 1–2 weeks; harvest light to keep stems bushy.
- Watch for yellowing leaves-if that happens, swap in clean water and prune affected foliage.
Usage Ideas:
- Use fresh mint in mint tea, mojitos, lamb marinades, or as a fresh board garnish.
3. Rosemary
Cutting & Setup:
- Choose a healthy 6-inch woody stem from mature rosemary.
- Remove lower leaves, keeping a few top sprigs.
- Stand the stem upright in a jar filled halfway—submerge only the base.
Light & Care:
- Needs bright, direct sunlight—sit it on a sunny windowsill.
- Refresh water weekly.
Growth Timeline & Tips:
- Roots can take 2–4 weeks—be patient and keep it warm (at least 65°F/18°C).
- Once roots reach 1–2 inches, transplant to soil or hydroponic setup.
Usage Ideas:
- Fresh rosemary is perfect for roasted vegetables, focaccia, chicken marinades, and herb-infused oils.
4. Cilantro
Cutting & Setup:
- Snip individual 3-inch stems just above a node.
- Place stems in water-filled jar with nodes submerged.
Light & Care:
- Needs bright light. Avoid intense direct afternoon sun.
- Change water every 2–3 days to prevent decay.
Growth Timeline & Tips:
- Roots typically appear in 1 week; leaves regrow if roots are robust.
- Cilantro tends to bolt fast—in hydroponic setups, trim regularly or reserve for fresh use.
Usage Ideas:
- Use fresh cilantro in salsa, guacamole, curries, soups, and fresh salads.
Coming Up: Part 2
In the next installment, we’ll cover herbs #5 to #8—Oregano, Thyme, Sage, and Green Onions—in equal detail, including care tips, alternatives, troubleshooting, and cooking uses. Stay tuned for more refreshing ideas to enhance your indoor herb garden and culinary creations!
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