Grow in full sun: Basil needs at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
Use well-draining soil: Add compost or well-rotted manure to improve soil quality.
Keep soil moist: Water regularly, but not waterlogged.
Fertilize often: Use a balanced fertilizer or liquid fertilizer.
Pinch back tips for bushier growth.
Harvest regularly for more growth.
Watch out for pests like aphids, whiteflies and spider mites.
How to use:
Add a pop of flavor with basil chutney: Blend basil, mint, green chilies, ginger, and lemon juice for a delicious side dish with Indian favorites like idli, dosa, and vada.
Pesto with an Indian twist: Make a flavorful pesto with basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan, and olive oil. Use it as a topping for pasta or spread for sandwiches.
Basil seed lemonade: Beat the heat with a refreshing drink made by mixing basil seed, lemon juice, and sugar.
Garnish with fresh flavor: Use basil as a garnish for curries, rice dishes and dal, or add to soups and stews for added flavor.
The Benefits of Basil:
Anti-inflammatory properties: Basil contains compounds that have anti-inflammatory effects, which can help reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and cancer.
Rich in antioxidants: Basil is a good source of antioxidants, which can help protect the body against damage caused by harmful molecules called free radicals.
Aids in digestion: Basil contains compounds that can help promote healthy digestion by reducing inflammation in the gut and preventing constipation.
May improve blood sugar control: Some studies have found that basil may help improve blood sugar control in people with diabetes.
May boost the immune system: Research suggests that basil may help boost the immune system by increasing the production of white blood cells.
May help reduce stress: Basil contains compounds that have been shown to have a calming effect on the body, which may help reduce stress and anxiety.
CHIVES
How to grow:
Chives prefer full sun to partial shade, so choose a spot in your garden or on your balcony that gets at least 4 hours of direct sunlight per day.
Chives prefer well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. Add compost or well-rotted manure to improve the soil quality.
Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water your chives regularly and keep an eye on the soil moisture.
Chives are light feeders and do not require regular fertilization. If you choose to fertilize, use a balanced fertilizer or a liquid fertilizer.
Chives can be harvested as soon as the plants are big enough to handle. Regular harvesting will encourage bushier growth.
Be mindful of pests such as aphids, whiteflies and spider mites. If you see any pests, treat them immediately.
Chives can be propagated by dividing the clumps in the spring or fall.
Chives can also be grown in pots, making it easy to move them indoors during cold winter months.
How to use Chives:
Sprinkle fresh chives on top of your dal or curry dishes for a burst of flavor and color.
Add chopped chives to your omelet or scrambled eggs for a subtle onion flavor.
Mix chopped chives into your yogurt or sour cream for a delicious and easy dip or spread.
Use chives as a garnish for soups and stews for added flavor and color.
Make a chive butter by mixing softened butter with chopped chives, perfect for spreading on bread or using as a topping for vegetables.
Add chives to your Pulao or biryani for a unique and delicious twist on traditional dishes.
Use chives to make a flavorful chutney by blending it with mint leaves, ginger, and lemon juice.
The Benefits of Chives:
Add delicious and subtle onion flavor to dishes without the strong aftertaste of onions.
Rich in vitamins K and C, chives support healthy bones and boost immunity
Contains antioxidants to help protect against cancer and heart disease
Contains flavonoids and carotenoids that act as anti-inflammatory agents
May help lower blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity
Can help improve digestion and reduce bloating
Contains compounds that may have antimicrobial properties, helping to keep harmful bacteria at bay
OREGANO
How to grow:
Choose a sunny spot: Oregano prefers full sun and well-drained soil.
Plant in well-draining soil: Oregano requires well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter.
Keep soil consistently moist: Oregano likes to be kept consistently moist, but not waterlogged.
Fertilize regularly: Oregano is a heavy feeder and requires regular fertilization.
Pinch back the tips: Pinching back the tips of Oregano plants will encourage bushier growth and prevent the plants from getting too tall and spindly.
Harvest regularly: Oregano leaves can be harvested as soon as the plants are big enough to handle.
Be mindful of pests: Keep an eye out for common Oregano pests like aphids, whiteflies and spider mites.
Oregano is drought-tolerant and can be grown in containers as well.
Oregano is a perennial herb, which comes back year after year
Oregano can be planted from seeds or from established plants.
How to use:
Add dried oregano to your rubs and seasoning blends for an extra depth of flavor to your dishes.
Sprinkle dried oregano on top of your pizzas or pasta dishes for a burst of flavor.
Add a pinch of oregano to your dal or sambar for a unique twist on traditional Indian flavors.
Add chopped fresh oregano to your chutneys and raitas to elevate the taste.
Mix oregano with yogurt and use it as a dip for your snacks or appetizers.
Use oregano in your biryanis and pulaos for a Mediterranean twist on Indian rice dishes.
Mix dried oregano with crushed garlic, salt and pepper to make a flavorful seasoning for your roasted potatoes.
Add oregano to your soups, stews and gravies for added flavor and aroma
Benefits of Oregano:
Oregano packs a flavorful punch with its strong, earthy taste
Rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, oregano can help boost immunity and reduce risk of chronic diseases
Contains high levels of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin K, iron, and manganese
Oregano oil has been shown to have antimicrobial properties, making it useful for fighting off infections
Can be used in a variety of Indian dishes, such as marinades for meat and fish, or added to curries and dals for extra flavor.
Oregano can also be used in chutneys, raitas and garnish for added flavor and aroma.
Oregano tea is popular for its soothing properties and can be made by steeping dried oregano leaves in hot water.
LAVENDER
How to grow:
Choose a sunny spot: Lavender prefers full sun, so make sure to choose a spot in your garden or on your balcony that gets at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
Well-draining soil: Lavender requires well-draining soil that is slightly alkaline. You can add lime or wood ash to the soil to increase the pH level.
Low water requirement: Lavender is drought-tolerant and requires very little water once it’s established.
Fertilize lightly: Lavender does not require heavy fertilization, but you can add a slow-release fertilizer at the start of the growing season.
Prune regularly: Prune your lavender regularly to encourage bushier growth and to prevent it from getting too tall and leggy.
Avoid over-watering: Over-watering can lead to root rot, so make sure to let the soil dry out slightly between waterings.
Choose appropriate variety: Different varieties of Lavender have different requirements, so make sure to choose a variety that’s suitable for your climate and soil type.
Be mindful of pests: Keep an eye out for common lavender pests like spider mites, whiteflies and aphids. If you see any pests, treat them immediately.
How to use:
Add a few drops of lavender essential oil to your Indian desserts like Kheer or Phirni to enhance the aroma and give it a unique floral flavor
Mix dried lavender flowers into your homemade garam masala mix to give it a subtle floral taste
Use fresh or dried lavender to infuse your tea blends like chamomile or mint tea.
Use lavender oil to marinate meats like chicken or lamb before grilling for a unique and delicious twist to your traditional Indian BBQ
Add dried lavender to your homemade potpourri for a soothing and relaxing scent in your home
Incorporate lavender into your homemade skincare routine by adding few drops of lavender oil to your face cream for a relaxing and soothing effect on the skin.
The benefits of Lavender:
Lavender contains compounds that have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, promoting overall health
The aroma of lavender has been shown to promote relaxation and reduce stress and anxiety
Inhaling lavender oil is said to help with headaches, sleep issues and emotional balance
The essential oil of lavender is used to relieve pain, improve digestion, and stimulate circulation
It can be used in cooking to flavor desserts, meat dishes, and marinades
Dried lavender buds are often used in sachets, potpourri, and other fragrant arrangements
Lavender oil is widely used in skincare and aromatherapy for its soothing and healing properties
Adding a few drops of lavender oil to your bathwater can help you relax and unwind after a long day.
DILL
How to grow:
Easy to grow in any garden
A few tips for a bountiful dill harvest
Plant in a sunny spot for the best results
Keep soil consistently moist for strong growth
Pinch back to promote bushier growth
Regularly snip for continued growth and flavor
Keep an eye out for common pests and diseases
How to use:
Add fresh dill to yogurt-based dips like raita for a refreshing and flavorful twist
Use dill to enhance the flavor of lentil or chickpea dishes like dal or chana masala
Mix finely chopped dill into the dough before making parathas or puris for a unique herb-infused bread
Add chopped dill to scrambled eggs or omelets for a flavorful breakfast option
Use dill to make a refreshing mint-dill chutney, perfect for serving with samosas or pakoras
Add dill to a marinade for grilled meats or fish for a unique and delicious flavor
Mix dill with curd and use it as a marinade for tandoori chicken or fish for a tangy, herby flavor
Use dill as a garnish for soups and stews for added flavor and color
The benefits of Dill:
Rich in antioxidants: Dill is a good source of antioxidants, which can help protect the body against damage caused by harmful molecules called free radicals.
Aids in digestion: Dill contains compounds that can help promote healthy digestion by reducing inflammation in the gut and preventing constipation.
May improve bone health: Dill is a good source of calcium, which is important for maintaining strong bones and teeth.
May have anti-cancer properties: Dill contains compounds that have been shown to have anti-cancer properties, which may help prevent the growth of cancer cells.
May boost the immune system: Some research suggests that Dill may help boost the immune system by increasing the production of white blood cells.
May help reduce stress: Dill contains compounds that have been shown to have a calming effect on the body, which may help reduce stress and anxiety.
Rich in Vitamin C: Dill is a good source of Vitamin C which helps in the formation of collagen and strengthens the immune system
Rich in Vitamin A: Dill is a good source of Vitamin A which helps in maintaining healthy skin, vision and immune system.
