Whether you’d like to grow herbs for medicinal benefits, culinary flavors, or pleasant relaxing aromas, there is a simple way to grow them all winter long.
Grow herbs all year with the following method
Cut the herb stems with a sterile blade. You can use alcohol to sterilize your knife or scissors.
Use glass bottles or mason jars as your vase and reservoir. If it is clear, cover the exterior with paper or paint so the roots are not exposed to light and avoid algal growth.
Use newer, younger growth about 6 inches from the top of each stem you cut. The woodier the herb stem is, the more difficult it will be to root.
Use spring water to provide the plants with a small amount of nourishing minerals.
Change the water at least once a week.
A free way to stimulate the rooting is to place some willow branches in warm water overnight. Then use them as a stimulating hormone mixture. This works similar to using rooting hormone powder or gel.
Here are 10 herbs you can grow in water:
Rosemary – The root of the semi-woody cuttings of rosemary need more time, but the new shoots in the spring grow faster. Keep the plant in a sunny spot.
Sage – You should take some sage cuttings in the spring and place them in water. Place the herb on a bright spot in a well-aerated place as it is prone to mildew.
Peppermint – This herb is high in the volatile substance menthol which provides a cooling sensation on the skin or tongue and does not change the temperature. Just put a few fresh cuttings in water, as it is the easiest herbs you can grow in water.
Tarragon – You need some spring cuttings after new growth appears, and place the herb on a warm and bright place. Tarragon can be of various types, and the French one is best for culinary purposes while the Russian is better to be used for salads.
Basil – This herb is easily grown in water. Place the cuttings in water before they start flowering and place the container in a sunny place.
Spearmint –Peppermint is a natural hybrid of spearmint and it is easily grown in this way.
Thyme – Take some newly grown, green cuttings, in the mid-spring or early summer before the thyme starts flowering, place them in water, and spray the parts which are under the water to avoid its drying. As soon as it is grown, cut the stems to boost branching.
Oregano – Place the fresh cuttings of oregano in water and pinch the growing tips as the herb grows.
Lemon balm – You should pick several cuttings in spring or fall, and place them in water in a bright spot. After 3-4 weeks, the cuttings will develop roots. Change the water often, or you can keep the plant outdoor if the weather is warm. You can prepare tea from the leaves.
Stevia – You can add stevia to some beverages and teas. Just place some stevia cuttings from actively growing branches in a container full of water, and keep it in a sunny and warm place.