5 Plants That You Can Grow Organically At Home

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Having your own herb garden -- or pocket garden, if you don't have a lot of space -- is also a good way to get the kids involved in the food preparations. Not only that the little kiddos can help by taking care of the herbs, but also, they learn farm-to-table food lessons. 

Culinary herbs are some of the easiest yet most rewarding plants to take care of. Aside from using them in your favorite dishes, these essentials can also be used as potpourri and medicine, to name a few.

Here are five must-plant herbs that should be on top of your list:

1. Mint
Grows from: cuttings

It is one of the most vigorous local herbs and is highly resistant to pests and diseases. Aside from using it for your desserts, you can also place a small pot in the living area to make the space smell nice.
 

2. Chives (onion or garlic)
Grows from: seeds

Add pizzazz to your dishes with this ingredient! It can be easily propagated by division.
 

3. Parsley
Grows from: seeds

This can take a while to grow but once this perennial is mature, it has a long life span and will provide a continuous supply of leaves. Parsley is usually used for garnishing meals.
 

4. Tarragon
Grows from: cuttings

This herb responds well to pruning and doubles as an ornamental plant when allowed to flower.
 

5. Basil
Grows from: seed or young stem cuttings

Snip off flowers growing at the end of a shoot to lengthen the life of the plant (the end of a basil’s life cycle is signified by the onset of flowers.)

Take note that any chemical fertilizers and pesticides present in the herbs will end up in our bodies as toxins. To prevent this, opt for organic gardening and avoid growing herbs with the use of chemicals.

Growth requirements:

• Full sunlight for optimum growth and pots with fertile potting mix for good drainage and aeration
• A 1:1:1 ratio of coco-coir powder, vermiculite, or perlite, and vermin-compost
• Water every day during summer and less during the rainy season

This story originally appeared on RealLiving.com.ph.

*Minor edits have been made by the SmartParenting.com.ph editors.