Do you ever realize that you usually run out of fresh herbs when you need them the most? We’ve all been there. And if you’re thinking that having a garden is the only solution, then you’re wrong about it. If you don’t have a garden but you still love using fresh herbs in your kitchen, you can easily buy them once and have an unlimited supply using just the space of a windowsill!
Almost any herb could be easily cloned using the method that I’ll show you, and it will provide an unlimited supply of fresh herbs! I built extra shelving to maximize the potential of my windowsill space, and you can just use plaster to fix the holes if you move out of a rented property.
What Herbs Can You Clone?
Many common herbs can be successfully cloned, and they root quite easily. Here’s a list of some favorites:
- Basil: This kitchen staple roots quickly and thrives indoors. Cut above one of the nodes and remove any lower leaves
- Parsley: Both flat-leaf and curly varieties can be cloned and will grow vigorously. Cut at the base of the plant
- Mint: Known for its invasive nature, mint roots readily and will flourish in its own pot. Cut at the base and remove the lower leaves
- Woody herbs (rosemary, thyme, etc): Thyme is a hardy herb that is a must-have for savory dishes and roots well from cuttings. Rosemary is a bit slower to root, but worth the wait for its robust flavor. Take cutting from new green growth and remove lower leaves for both of them.
The Magic of Cloning Herbs
Cloning store-bought herbs is a fantastic way to ensure you always have fresh herbs on hand. It’s economical, sustainable, and surprisingly easy. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started.
- Buy herbs from the local store (please note that almost any herb works)
- Cut above regrowth and remove lower leaves
- Pour plain water into a glass and add your cuttings
- There will be roots with plain water 10–14 days later
- Get a terracotta pot, then add organic compost and vermiculate
- Plant your rooted cutting and water them
- Cut the right (or desired) size of timber
- Potted plant on top and place cuttings in water at the bottom
NOTE: replace the water of your cuttings every 3 days, buy a bag of organic compost, or make your own – I made a blog about it and you can read it here.
Caring for Your Cloned Herbs
Now that your herbs are planted, care is key to their success. Place the pots in a sunny spot, ideally receiving 6-8 hours of sunlight per day. In my case, I placed mine on our kitchen’s windowsill. Water regularly, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged. As your herbs grow, pinch back the tips to encourage bushier growth and prevent them from becoming leggy.
Conclusion
Cloning store-bought herbs is a practical way to enhance your gardening skills and improve your dishes. It’s an accessible project for both aspiring gardeners and seasoned gardeners. With a little patience and care, you can transform a single herb purchase into a flourishing mini garden that provides fresh, flavorful ingredients all year round. So, grab those scissors and get cloning. Just follow the steps above, and you’ll soon have thriving and healthy herbs.
Happy growing!
