One of the easiest and most rewarding ways to start urban farming is to grow your own herbs. Herbs are versatile plants that can be grown in small spaces, such as windowsills, balconies, or containers. Herbs are also low-maintenance and can provide you with fresh and flavorful ingredients for your cooking and health.
Herbs can also be used to make your own homemade remedies and products, such as teas, salves, butter, and potpourris. These are easy and fun to make and can help you save money and avoid chemicals. Here are three examples of how you can use your windowsill herb garden to make festive fall recipes.
Herb Butter
Herb butter is a simple and delicious way to add flavor and richness to your dishes. You can use any herb you like, such as sage, thyme, chives, or tarragon. You can also shape your herb butter into a log or a mold for a fancy presentation. You can use your herb butter on bread, potatoes, squash, or meat.
To make herb butter, you will need:
• Room temperature butter
• Herb of your choice, finely chopped
• Salt
Mix the butter, herb, and salt together until well combined. Shape the butter into a log or a mold and wrap it in plastic wrap. Refrigerate until firm and slice as needed.
Mint Tea
Mint tea is a refreshing and soothing drink that can warm you up and calm you down. Mint is an easy herb to grow and propagate, and it has many health benefits, such as aiding digestion and relieving headaches. You can also add sugar, honey, or lemon to your mint tea for extra flavor.
To make mint tea, you will need:
• 2 cups of water
• 15 mint leaves
• Sugar, honey, or lemon (optional)
Bring the water to a boil and remove from heat. Add the mint leaves and let them steep for 3 to 5 minutes, or until the tea is strong enough. Strain the tea and add sugar, honey, or lemon if desired.
Stovetop Potpourri
Stovetop potpourri is a natural and aromatic way to make your home smell like fall. You can use any combination of herbs, spices, fruits, and vanilla to create your own custom scent. You can also use a crockpot instead of a stovetop for a longer-lasting effect.
To make stovetop potpourri, you will need:
• 6 cups of water
• 3 to 4 apple slices
• 1 to 2 lemon or orange slices
• 1 to 2 cinnamon sticks
• 1 to 2 whole cloves
• 1 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice
• 1 vanilla bean (optional)
• 2 sprigs of rosemary
• 2 sprigs of thyme
• 1 to 2 bay leaves
Fill a pot with water and add all the other ingredients. Bring the mixture to a boil and then lower the heat and let it simmer. Enjoy the cozy and inviting aroma of your stovetop potpourri.
