Grow Your Own Immunity-Boosting Herbs

Looking for something to fill your time this summer that will help you maintain social distancing but boost your immune system and get you out of the house? Starting an herb garden might be just the thing for you!

There are a few options to consider when you decide to grow your own herbs. Will you be growing them indoors or outdoors? Will you be using containers or creating a garden patch?

You’ll also want to decide if you’re going to grow them from seeds or purchase a potted plant. A great beginner option is to buy an herb garden kit because they come with everything you’ll need to get started. You can learn about a few of these by clicking here.

All plants need sunshine, food, and water to thrive. With herbs, you’ll need to make sure they will be in a location that will get at least four hours of sunshine each day, a quality potting soil and fertilizer formulated for herbs. You may also need to invest in a good watering can if you don’t already have one. You can learn more about growing your own herbs from The Farmer’s Almanac here.

Once you know what you want to plant, it’s time to go shopping. If you want to avoid the crowds at the hardware stores, you could order online, or we suggest contacting a local nursery to see if you can do a pickup order. They can also help answer any questions you may have.

Once you get your herb garden growing, knowing how to store them can ensure you have fresh herbs even through the winter months. There are a couple options you can use: drying or freezing. For herbs with a high moisture content like basil, it’s recommended to use a dehydrator or to just freeze them. For low-moisture herbs like oregano, air drying or using a dehydrator is best. You can learn more about how to do that here. Alternatively, you can store the herbs in oil for quick, flavorful infusions. Learn how to do this here.

Herbs are full of antioxidants. Consumption of these phytonutrients can reduce the effects of oxidative stress, helping reduce the risk of or prevent the onset of chronic diseases and some cancers. Growing them yourself, you can ensure they are picked at peak nutrient density, providing the most benefits toward boosting your body’s natural defense systems. Our top suggestions include basil, oregano, parsley, and cilantro. Happy gardening!