5 Tips For Growing Herbs In Water

Herbs are a pack with essential minerals and provide much-needed nutritional value. However, growing herbs at home throughout the year can be a challenge. Thankfully, growing herbs in water is one of the best ways of ensuring you have fresh herbs all year round.

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Growing Herbs In Water 101

Plants grown in water are known as hydrophytes. Put simply, hydroponics is the technique of growing plants in water. It’s a growing technique increasing in popularity both commercially and for home growers. While some herbs can grow in the water they are not true hydrophytes.

In order to grow, plants and herbs need nutrients. Herbs absorb nutrients from the soil through their roots. In hydroponics, where there is no soil, plant roots grow directly in water. Adding a nutrient mix solution to the water to ensure that the herbs get the nutrients they require to grow.

Another crucial role that soil plays is that of offering physical support to the plant’s roots. Herbs that grow in water will also require physical support. Soil-like substrates called medium provide physical support to plants that grow in water.

One of the most common mediums for growing herbs in water is Rockwool. This lightweight material is made from spun strands of molten basaltic rock. Alternatively, you can also use other mediums such as perlite, vermiculite, coco coir, or peat moss. After selecting your medium, ensure you sterilize it before using it to avoid infections.

Growing plants in water have several benefits. One of the greatest benefits is that they grow faster. Herbs that grow in water also have higher yields with more flavor and aroma than soil-grown herbs.

Another great benefit of growing herbs in water is that you do not have to deal with soil. Soil is messy, especially when growing indoors. You will also avoid pests and diseases that are associated with soil.

Best Herbs To Grow In Water

When deciding on which herbs to grow at home, the choices are nearly endless. However, when it comes to growing herbs in water, it is best to select herbs that easily grow in water. The following herbs are some of the best and easiest to grow in water.

Basil

Basil is easily one of the most popular herbs to grow and to use. Dry or fresh, basil holds on to its flavor and aroma for a long time. Perfectly suited to growing in water, basil is the ideal herb for new home growers to start with. Not only are there several uses for basil, but you can regrow basil two to three times before replacing the plant.

Oregano

Another popular herb used in cooking, oregano is part of the mint family. While mainly used for cooking, oregano is also a medicinal herb. It can be used to treat several ailments including menstrual cramps, skin conditions, urinary tract infections, and dandruff. In terms of growing, oregano loves sunshine. If you can grow it outdoors in a sunny, that would be best. Otherwise, if you are growing indoors, ensure you have sufficient natural or artificial light.

Rosemary

Used in a variety of cuisines, rosemary is one of the best herbs to grow at home. From roasts to pasta sauces, and even as a garnish in a cocktail, rosemary is super versatile. You’ll need to have patience with rosemary as it can take up to 12 weeks before it’s ready to be harvested. In addition to being used in cooking, rosemary also is effective as a medicinal herb. Common ailments including loss of appetite, cough, and high blood pressure benefit from consuming rosemary.

Cilantro

Now, this is a personal favorite. Cilantro is a low-maintenance herb perfect for new home growers. From seed to harvest it takes approximately 50. During this time there’s very little in terms of maintenance that needs to be done, aside from ensuring the plant is watered and has sufficient sunlight. Cilantro is excellent for toppings, garnishing, and salads. It’s extremely popular in Mexican and Asian cuisines.

Dill

Dill is one of the best herbs suited for growing in water. While not one of the more popular herbs, dill is perfect for fish dishes as well as salads. Dill does require ample space to grow. It also grows quickly. This is one of a few herbs where it’s best to avoid growing indoors. For some, dill is not only used in cooking but medicinally. It’s useful for alleviating stomach bloating, menstrual cramps, and headaches

Peppermint

Peppermint is an herb ideally suited to grow in water. In fact, it thrives when grown hydroponically. The best way to grow peppermint in water is by using the cuttings from a healthy peppermint plant. All you need to do is give the sapling a quick trim and place it in the water. It’s that simple. Peppermint loves sunlight so it’s important to ensure you place your containers in a well-lit area.

Peppermint is suitable as a flavoring for candies, breath mints, and other foods. It is also a popular medicinal herb for diarrhea, indigestion, menstrual pains, and muscle pain.

Tips For Growing Herbs In Water 

Growing herbs in water is becoming increasingly popular because of its advantages over conventional methods of using soil. However, you will need some equipment, tools, and materials to grow herbs in water.

Hydroponic kits are one of the easiest ways of growing herbs in water. The greatest advantage of hydroponic grow kits is that the kits contain all you need to grow herbs in water. Hydroponic kits also come with instruction books with a step-by-step guide. Growing kits are the best option for beginners. However, good hydroponic kits don’t come cheap.

Mason jars are also a cheap option for growing plants in water. Mason jars are readily available as they are used for preserving and packaging foods. With a bit of creativity, you can easily have a Mason jar hydroponic home garden.

How To Grow Plants In Water

There are two main avenues for growing plants in water; from seeds and from saplings. Each has its advantages and disadvantages. Growing herbs from seeds takes longer and there’s an increased risk the seeds won’t germinate. For new home growers, this can lead to a sense of frustration which isn’t what you want.

You can use a seed germination tray or grow mats to germinate the seeds. Once you get sprouts and baby leaves, about two, transfer the sprouts into a container with water. Add a nutrient solution to the water so that the herbs get the nutrients that they need to grow.

The other option is using cuttings. Ensure that you get your cuttings from a healthy herb plant. The cutting should be six to eight inches long, with a few leaves at the very top. Immediately place the cutting in water and let it start forming roots.

Always remember to add a medium that will offer physical support to the roots. Sterilize the medium to avoid infection.

How To Maintain And Harvest Herbs

Maintaining and caring for your herbs is pretty simple. Ensure that the herbs grow in ideal conditions for optimal growth. These conditions are different for the different herbs that you can grow.

Ensure that your herbs get proper lighting. Most herbs thrive well in full sunshine. If you are growing indoors, ensure that you provide artificial lighting. LED grow lights are ideal.

Herbs thrive well in a warm temperature of about 70 degrees Fahrenheit. However, the temperature may slightly differ depending on the herb you are growing.

You should harvest your herbs when the plant has enough foliage to support growth. Harvest your herbs early in the morning before the heat of the day. Flowering reduces leaf production, and it would be best to harvest before the plant flower.

Growing herbs in water is simple and does not require any skills or experience. You will also enjoy the benefits of not using soil to grow your herbs. Use these tips and start your herb water garden.

FAQs – Growing Herbs In Water