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Grow a DIY herb garden to bring the world’s flavors home

Here’s what you need to know to get started, plus a few tips on how to use your herbs to bring home flavors from around the globe.

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Cooking more at home? Growing your own DIY herbs garden is a great way to get fresh ingredients for your recipes—plus, it’s fun! Here’s what you need to know to get started, plus a few DIY garden ideas on how to use your herbs to bring home flavors from around the globe.

Let the sun shine

Herbs of all kinds love the sun, so place your herb garden in a south-facing window of your home (if you live in the Northern Hemisphere!) or plant them in a bright spot outside.

Water every 2–3 days

Most herbs do best when watered every few days, allowing the soil to dry out between watering.

Use them!

Pruning and trimming herbs helps them grow, so don’t hesitate to get cooking. Here are some ideas from around the globe to get you started:

Basil

Combine your basil leaves with Parmesan cheese, garlic, pine nuts, and olive oil to make a fresh pesto—or serve basil atop sliced tomatoes with mozzarella cheese for a Caprese salad.

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Mint

Adding mint leaves to tea is traditional in Moroccan cuisine. Or, you can mix up a classic Cuban mojito for cocktail night. Salud!

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Chives

Chives are a famously versatile herb, and can be cooked into dishes or used as a garnish on finished recipes. Try them on top of a French omelet or a savory crêpe for a perfect petit déjeuner (that’s how you say “breakfast” en Français).

Rosemary

Rosemary holds up well in long-cooking dishes, and makes a great flavoring for roasted veggies. Use it in a traditional Irish Guinness stew to bring a taste of the pub home!

Dill

Pickles might come to mind when you think of dill—the seeds of the plant are an important part of dill pickle brine. If you’re not into a canning challenge, try making gurkensalat, a German recipe that combines cucumber and dill in a refreshing salad.

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About the author

Jamie Burke

Always on the lookout for the next best meal ever, Jamie loves exploring the world—and all the great food in it. When she's not working to inspire new travelers, you'll find her biking around Boston, eating at her favorite sushi place, or hanging out at home with her family (and cat).

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