How to keep your supermarket herbs thriving at home
We often enthusiastically pick up fresh herbs from the supermarket, imagining how beautifully they will adorn our kitchen windowsills and how their aroma will waft through the air while cooking. Unfortunately, we quickly encounter the problem of wilting leaves and plants losing their vitality. Is it due to poor care, or are supermarket herbs destined for a short life? Several proven methods can ensure herbs grow lushly, healthily, and for a long time.
Fresh herbs such as basil, parsley, or mint are invaluable additions to many dishes. Although they look beautiful on store shelves, they quickly lose their quality at home. Tight pots, unsuitable soil, and poor growing conditions are just some of the causes of the problems. Fortunately, by using simple care techniques, we can help our fresh herbs thrive beautifully.
Why do fresh herbs dry out?
The herbs we buy in the supermarket are often grown in very densely packed pots, where their roots do not have enough space to grow. The soil in such pots is often depleted, making it difficult for the herbs to obtain adequate nutrients. Moreover, a common mistake is improper watering – we overwater the plants or forget to water them regularly, leading to their wilting.
To prevent this, it's worth repotting the herbs into a larger pot with suitable, fertile soil immediately after purchase. Herbs are very delicate and need specific conditions to grow properly. Another step we often overlook is providing them with adequate access to light. They do not like direct, strong sunlight, so placing them in a bright but slightly shaded area is best.
How to care for fresh herbs so they grow lushly?
Once we have fresh herbs at home, the basic step is to repot them. Choosing a pot of the right size is essential – the bigger, the better, as the roots will have room to develop. We should also use the appropriate soil, preferably one dedicated to nutrient-rich green plants. Herbs need well-drained soil to allow proper water drainage.
Watering herbs is an art. We should ensure that the soil is always slightly moist but never wet. Overwatering can lead to root rot, while too-dry soil can cause wilting. Regularly spraying the leaves with water is a good solution, especially during dry and warm periods.
Regularly trimming the tips of herbs, especially for basil, greatly influences their further development. The more we do this, the more bushy the plant will grow profusely. It's worth remembering that herbs are annual plants, so even the best care will not halt their natural life cycle, but it will certainly extend the time they look and taste excellent.
What to do to keep herbs fresh for a long time?
To extend the life of fresh herbs, we can use natural fertilizers found in our kitchen. Water from cooking vegetables, banana peels, or homemade compost is an excellent source of nutrients. By feeding the plants every few weeks, we provide them with optimal growth conditions. However, remember not to overdo it with fertilizers—too much can be as harmful as too little.
Well-cared-for herbs can be a kitchen decoration and a daily addition to dishes. The possibilities are endless: fresh basil on pizza, mint in lemonade, or oregano in tomato sauce. With these simple tips, your fresh herbs will be lush, healthy, and ready to use for a long time.
