Skip to Content
Menu
  • Pinterest
  • Save
  • Facebook
  • Email
  • Print

DIY Kitchen Herb Garden

By Pillsbury Kitchens
Created March 25, 2021
PB_Make a Kitchen Herb Garden with Your Kids
Show your family another side of flavorful meals with this DIY herb garden. Featuring five of the best herbs to grow indoors, you'll be able to use these in a variety of recipes, adding a touch of hands-on fun your kids will love. Another perk to a home herb garden? You can teach your kids where food comes from, all while saving money at the grocery store. This activity is one everyone in the family will look forward to.

First thing's first. Make a list and get your materials:

  • 5 8-10 in. pots and saucers, one for each herb to help manage water needs. An 8-10 inch pot is ideal. You can use a 6-inch pot, but it may require more frequent watering
  • A sunny windowsill, counter spot or a grow light if natural light is limited
  • Seeds, cuttings, young plants from a garden center
  • Potting soil or garden soil

Next, let's talk about easy herbs to grow. Here's what we recommend for your kitchen herb garden.

Basil

  • Basil thrives in bright light and warmth. Place in southern or western facing windows if possible for maximum light exposure and avoid cool, drafty locations. You can start from a seed or by purchasing a small plant. Water once a week, and make sure there's enough to see the water run through to the saucer under the plant. If the soil seems dry, increase watering frequency.
  • The most common recipe to make with large quantities of basil is typically pesto, but this herb has many other uses beyond the ordinary. Basil goes extraordinarily well with fruits like strawberries, watermelon and pineapple.
  • Try using basil with our Grilled Pineapple Berry Basil Galette.

Rosemary

  • Rosemary requires strong light. It can withstand the heat of summer, but surprisingly this herb thrives when it's in a slightly cooler environment. Additionally, rosemary leaves will wilt if it needs to be watered, so be sure to water every one to two weeks once the plant is established. Pro tip: Let the plant dry out between each watering.
  • Rosemary is commonly used to marinate chicken, flavor stews and season vegetables. You can also use it to make simple syrups for mixed beverages.
  • Try using your rosemary with classic Air Fryer Rosemary Potatoes.

Thyme

  • While it's true that thyme needs a sunny window and a pot that drains, this herb benefits from a bit of shade in the morning or afternoon. Water approximately once a week, allowing time for the soil to dry out between waterings.
  • Thyme is commonly used to flavor types of meat like beef, chicken and salmon, but also goes well with roasted potatoes and carrots.
  • When it's thyme to try out this herb, pair it with this Peppered Lemon-Thyme Flank Steak.

Oregano

  • Oregano is rather low-maintenance. This herb likes moderate to strong light and should be watered about once a week when the surface of the soil is dry.
  • Oregano is used commonly with Italian tomato sauces by adding the stripped leaves from the stems. It also pairs well with many other types of meat, soups and stews.
  • Try with Green Chile Queso with Cheddar Oregano Breadsticks.

Mint

  • Mint thrives in both cold and warm climates but needs to be watered more often than some of your other herbs. Place in moderate to strong light and keep the soil moist but not soggy by watering every 2-3 days.
  • There are various mint herbs to choose from that can be used in teas, desserts, salads or even tossed in a glass of cold water on a hot day.
  • Looking for a dessert recipe? If it's mint to be, try these Watermelon, Mint and Lime Dessert Shooters.