Herbs are an essential ingredient in most types of salad dressings and cocktails and can also be used to enhance flavors when it comes to cooking.
Unfortunately, when it comes to herbs, most people prefer buying them from their supermarkets, which can get a bit expensive, and also, there is no guarantee that they are fresh.
One of the best ways to avoid this is to grow your herbs which can be easy if you live in the countryside with ample garden space. But what if you live in an urban setting with limited space? The answer is vertical gardening of a small hydroponic setup within your premises.
What is a Vertical Hydroponic Garden?
Simply put, hydroponic gardening involves growing plants in a nutrient-rich medium which in most cases is water rather than using soil. It is a revolutionary method of growing plants that is perfect for city dwellers and those with limited growing space. The home owners wanting to utilize their indoor space to grow culinary herbs can benefit significantly from learning what hydroponics are.
A vertical hydroponic garden is where the hydroponic set is arranged vertically. First, a vertical tower is set up for the plants, which is then connected to a reservoir that supplies the plants with nutrient-rich water through a tube.
After the plants have absorbed the required nutrients, the extra water moves back into the reservoir.
Apart from helping you save space and water, a vertical hydroponic garden also allows you to grow plants all year round.
6 Herbs You Can Grow in a Hydroponic Garden.
Herbs are great for growing in an indoor hydroponic setting because they are relatively easy to grow, and they also grow faster than other plants. So if you love adding herbs to your cooking and live for your herb-infused teas, consider growing them indoors in a hydroponic garden.
As you become a pro at growing herbs, you can also experiment with other plants. Here are some herbs you can grow easily in your in-house hydroponic vertical garden.
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Parsley
As one of the most well-known herbs almost everyone has heard of, parsley is a great herb that goes well in most dishes. They are also beneficial for your health as they are rich in magnesium, vitamin K, calcium, and potassium. However, this herb is a must-have in your hydroponic garden because it grows back again when you harvest!
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Basil
Another herb that grows well hydroponically, basil is what makes pasta taste heavenly. Basil has a nice flavor that is also great for making essential oils. As with most herbs, basil loses its flavor if it is not fresh, so if you want a steady supply, consider growing it hydroponically.
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Thyme
If you do not like bland food and want to upgrade your everyday kitchen creations into Michelin-level haute cuisine, you need this herb in your hydroponic garden.
Apart from adding a distinct flavor to your dishes, the essential oil derived from thyme can also be a potent disinfectant. It contains Vitamins C and A, iron, copper, and manganese. Additionally, thyme is perennial, so that it will grow back each season.
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Mint
Mint has a strong flavor that most people around the world appreciate. So much so that it can be the main flavoring in ice creams, drinks, chocolates, candies, and even facial cleansers and toothpaste.
This low-maintenance herb grows fast in a hydroponic setting and mostly remains disease-free. Besides adding flavor to candies and drinks, mint is also great for your health. It is excellent for treating indigestion, nausea, and IBS.
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Chamomile
Nothing feels as relaxing as a cup of calming chamomile tea when you have had a bad day. Chamomile tea helps calm nerves and aids anyone that has difficulty sleeping. If you love the taste of chamomile tea, growing it hydroponically is ideal. Apart from relaxing your mind, it also provides a beautiful sight thanks to its flowers.
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Oregano
A herb that is a regular sight in Mediterranean dishes, oregano helps liven up bland food with its unique aroma and taste. Primarily sold in stores in its dried form, oregano can also be consumed fresh. Like most herbs, oregano is also full of nutrients and antioxidants. In addition, it is anti-inflammatory and is excellent for fighting the symptoms of a cold.
Conclusion
Herbs are nature’s gift to us humans. They promote health and well-being while also smelling and tasting great. So if you are one of those people that love herbs and want to grow them but have no space, don’t worry!
Herbs can also be grown hydroponically, so you need no extra space. Nowadays, hydroponic kits are readily available that can comfortably be set up on a desktop or top of your refrigerator. A great way to reap all the health benefits while making your kitchen look lively and colorful.
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