How to keep supermarket herbs fresh and vibrant longer
We often enthusiastically reach for fresh herbs from the market, imagining how beautifully they will adorn our kitchen windowsills and how their aroma will fill the air while cooking. Unfortunately, we quickly face the issue of drying leaves and withering plants. Is this due to poor care, or are supermarket herbs destined for a short life? There are several proven methods to ensure that herbs grow lush, healthy, and last longer.
Fresh herbs, such as basil, parsley, or mint, are invaluable additions to many dishes. While they look beautiful on store shelves, they quickly lose their quality at home. Tight pots, improper soil, and poor growing conditions are just some of the reasons for these problems. Fortunately, by applying simple care techniques, we can ensure our fresh herbs flourish.
Why do fresh herbs wither?
Herbs purchased at the market are often grown in very densely packed pots, where their roots do not have enough space to grow. The soil in these pots can be depleted, meaning the herbs cannot absorb adequate nutrients. Moreover, a common mistake is improper watering—either we overwater the plants or forget to water them regularly, leading to their withering.
To prevent this, it's advisable to replant herbs into a larger pot with appropriate, fertile soil as soon as you purchase them. Herbs are very delicate and require special conditions to thrive properly. Another step we often forget is ensuring they have adequate access to light. They do not like direct, strong sunlight, so it's best to place them in a bright yet slightly shaded area.
How to care for fresh herbs to grow lushly?
Once we have fresh herbs at home, the basic step is to transplant them. It's important to choose a pot of the right size—the bigger, the better, as the roots will have space to develop. We should also use appropriate soil, preferably one dedicated to green plants, which is rich in nutrients. Herbs need well-drained soil that allows for proper water drainage.
Watering herbs is an art—ensure the soil is always slightly moist but never wet. Overwatering can lead to root rot, while too dry a substrate can cause them to dry out. Regularly misting the leaves with water, especially during dry and warm periods, is also a good solution.
Regularly trimming the ends of herbs, especially basil, has a significant impact on their development. The more often we do this, the more the plant will branch out and grow lushly. It's worth remembering that herbs are annual plants, so even the best care won't stop their natural life cycle, but it will certainly extend the time they look and taste great.
What to do to keep herbs fresh for a long time?
To extend the life of fresh herbs even further, we can use natural fertilizers found in our kitchen. Water from boiling vegetables, banana peels, or homemade compost are excellent nutrient sources. By feeding the plants every few weeks, we provide them with optimal growing conditions. However, keep in mind not to overdo it with fertilizers—too much can be as harmful as too little.
Well-cared-for herbs can be not only a kitchen decoration but also a daily addition to dishes. Fresh basil on pizza, mint in lemonade, or oregano in tomato sauce—the possibilities are endless. Thanks to these simple tips, your fresh herbs will be lush, healthy, and ready to use for a long time.
