Countertop Herbs

Basil

• Basil is a popular herb used to flavor many dishes ranging from Italian cooking to sauces and soups. Start basil from seeds; place the pots in a south facing window or countertop area. Basil likes warm temperatures and responds well to sunlight and heat.

Bay

• Bay leaves, used to flavor meat dishes and soups and stews, are a good choice for growing indoors. Start bay from seed. Bay is considered a perennial herb which means that it grows year round. Place small pots of bay in either west or east facing windows or countertops. Make sure to allow space between pots, because bay requires good air circulation.

Chives

• Chives have a strong onion flavor and are often used in egg dishes, on top of baked potatoes and soups and stews. If you have chives already in your outdoor garden, at the end of the growing season,dig up a clump of chives. Place in a pot with some potting soil and leave it until the leaves turn a dark color. Move the pot to the coolest spot in your house for a couple of days, then transfer to a bright window or countertop. Snip off the tops of chives to use in cooking and baking.

Parsley

• Parsley is a colorful herb commonly used to add color to dishes such as deviled eggs. Parsley can be started from seed and grown inside in pots in full sun. It is a slow grower. Preferably, place in an east or west facing window or counter area.