The Counters Blog

Plucking fresh herbs directly from your own garden is a source of ultimate pleasure for many home cooks. This is why many herb gardeners have decided to create their own countertop herb garden. Since ancient times, many cultures have enjoyed growing herbs in their homes. Most often the kitchen is the best location for your counter top garden since it provides ready access. Many prefer to grow herbs where they can enjoy their fragrance and beauty such as a home office or reading room.In this regard, access to your herbs is very important and has a bearing on how successful your herb gardening will be. Herb garden kits make the process of establishing the garden easier. It is, therefore, important that the home herb gardener gains a good understanding of how to establish and manage a countertop herb garden. A nearby water source should be safe, convenient, and functional. Not providing enough light is one of the most common mistakes made by indoor herb gardeners. In addition; strong light will determine how sturdily and quickly the herbs grow.
How To Build A Windowsill Hydroponic Herb Garden (Part 1 Of 2) | Duration 9 Minutes One needs to have containers with holes in the bottom for proper drainage. The smart herb garden has a new technology that will manage the amount of water light and fertilizer your herbs receive, even when you are away on vacation. This is because different types of herbs may require different growth conditions. In addition, the best way of sustaining a supply of herbs throughout the season is by laying an emphasis on the general quality of the herbs. Preparing fresh herbs can be done through stripping or snipping. Hold the cut herb by the end and pull your fingertips toward the tips pulling off the leaves as you go. This is the preferred method for leafy herbs such as parsley or mint. First, one can provide the family with culinary delights knowing they are free from chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Second, seasoned gardeners continue to appreciate the physical and mental benefits of herb gardening. Quantities sold in the store are often much larger than is needed for a specific recipe. The countertop herb garden is a perfect way to have fresh, healthy herbs always on hand. You will want to look for a location that has more controlled conditions and fewer temperature fluctuations. However, if your kitchen is subject to a wide variation in temperatures from a drafty window or does not get enough light, you may find the living room or family room to be a better choice. Once you have decided on the location, you will want to source your garden plants. The market offers different varieties of the kit that one can choose from depending on need and preference. If you prefer to do it yourself, you can choose young herb plants or grow the herbs from seed. Once your seedlings have 2 or more true leaves, you can finally transplant the plants. Pictured above is purple basil, thyme, strawberries and dill. The gardener is required pay attention to the herbs by watering and caring for these plants. You can purchase self-watering pots, use watering spikes or simply keep a small watering can nearby. Short, stocky plants are much preferred to tall, leggy plants that have put all their energy into reaching for the sun. The best time to water is when the surface of the water feels dry. Growing multiple herbs in one pot will require that you trim them frequently to make the garden healthy and allow enough air circulation around your plants. The stripping method is used with woody herbs such as rosemary or thyme. Simply use a small set of scissors or your fingertips to pinch off young stems. Grow the types of herbs based on your favorite types of dishes. Rosemary and bay leaves bring flavors to soups and roasted veggies or meats. Curly parsley is a very popular garnish adding a touch of class to any plate. You can control the conditions of the soil and the growing methods, and thus ensuring a completely organic and natural result. Lastly, it is a cost-effective method that can reduce the grocery bill each month. Consequently, one is forced to buy what will not be consumed.

15 Best Indoor Hydroponic Grow Systems and Garden Kits 2019 by mommyhighfive.com

During the summer, we love growing several rows of herbs so we can eat them fresh through the summer and fall.

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Final Update On Indoor Hydroponic Kitchen Herb Garden. | Duration 3 Minutes 38 Seconds I needed a solution that would allow me to grow delicious herbs at home without having to think about taking care of them. Hydroponics is the process of growing plants with little or no soil. Actually, there are several hydroponic herb garden options that grow amazing herbs without much effort at all. Then, it reminds you when you need to add water and nutrients. It also includes 3 ounces of nutrients, which will last for one season of growth. There are good arguments to be made for this being the best indoor hydroponic garden. It has all the bells and whistles as well as a very large capacity. A trellis for growing larger plants like tomatoes and peppers is included.

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Hydroponic Herb Garden Indoor Hydroponic Kitchen Herb Garden | Duration 46 Seconds It produces large, delicious tasting herbs and vegetables and it couldn’t be easier to use. It’s not as fancy as some of the others on this list, but it performs very well. While other brands offer good options, these two are far and away the best. It would be better if it had a pump to circulate the water and nutrients. No lighting system is included, so you will have to either use the light from your window or purchase a lighting system separately. It would be better to grow only 1 or 2 plants in this unit at one time. The freshness and flavor of fresh herbs can’t be matched by dried herbs. The roots are either submerged in water or sprayed periodically to keep them moist. Simple prompts appear on the screen to tell you how to set up the machine. The lights are automated so you don’t have to remember to turn them on and off. You can grow up to 9 plants at once in this machine.The screen tells you when lights go on and off, how many days until nutrients are needed, and gives tips. Since this unit is larger than most, it is better for growing larger plants than smaller units are. You can also buy empty pods and plant your own seeds. If you keep the plants trimmed they’ll last for several months. This hydroponic herb garden comes with all needed supplies, including seeds. See our reviews about to see which one would be best for you.

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Hydroponic Herb Garden Right In Your Kitchen | Duration 1 Minutes 32 Seconds The built-in timer turns the lights on for 16 hours and then off for 8 hours. Also, it gets expensive having to buy all new capsules after each growing season. It allows you to grow three plants at one time; the kit comes with three basil pods. It uses aquaponics, the combination of fish (which supply waste to feed plants) and the plants (which clean the water). The light height is not adjustable, so plants don’t grow as large. It is good for small spaces and would work well in an office, kitchen, or classroom. If successfully putting things together without instructions is your forte, maybe this is for you. It is a hydroponics system, but it does not include a lighting system. You can either just leave it in your window or on your porch or you can purchase a lighting system. It can yield some great plants, depending on what you do for light. A lighting system will make the plants grow considerably faster. It is supposed to have the capability to grow 6 plants at once, but because of the size of the box, the plants can’t grow very big. While this unit is less expensive than others on this list, it is much lower performing.It is of exceptional quality and produces fantastic plants at a lower cost than some other units on this list.

Hydroponic Herb Garden Systems and Super Cool Kits by howtoculinaryherbgarden.com

An air pump is used to keep the water oxygenated & circulating around the herbs root system. An indoor hydroponic herb system is a great way to easily grow your favorite culinary herbs without bringing the mess of the outdoors inside. Perfect for growing indoors, this little system is styled to fit on your countertop. In turn, the plants take up the nitrates in the water keeping it clean for the fish. Most gardeners, myself included do not mind getting their hands dirty while outside digging in the earth, planting our vegetables and herbs or enjoying their harvest. Lots of indoor gardening goes on in the kitchen & that’s not always the best place for dirty fingernails or empty herb pots. The roots get fed consistently from the nutrient solution in the water. Since the conditions are much more consistent in a hydroponic system, this translates to your plants growing that much quicker. You don’t need to constantly be checking to make sure your herbs aren’t drying out or growing too big for their pot. Unlike traditional indoor gardening, there is also very little concern over having your plants infested with fruit flies, fungus gnats or other critters growing in the soil. Hydroponically grown herbs are much less likely to fall prey to insect attack since they are kept in a sterile environment. The hydroponic herbs grow in a large reservoir of water which is kept fresh & oxygenated by a small air pump. The ebb and flow systems keep the main water tank separate from the growing herb pots. A timer is used to keep the drip feed system on a schedule, normally running for a few minutes each hour. Creating your own indoor hydroponic herb garden is another way to enjoy growing your own culinary herbs. Grow your own hydroponic herbs and enjoy abundant harvests in up to half the time and space. The basic principle is you grow your herbs in a container filled with water and nutrients.

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The Kitchen Hydroponic Herb Garden | Duration 13 Minutes 56 Seconds A hydroponic herb garden is very efficient since the roots of the herbs get both water & nutrients simultaneously in a controlled environment which results in a fast growing, very healthy herb plant. An outdoor hydroponic garden can be equally nice – you can make it as big as you like! The base is just under 3 inches wide, so fits nicely on most window ledges. Aquaponics is becoming more & more popular with the herb garden set. You can make it as big or small as you like! It’s all part of the package & we take the good with the bad – nice fresh sunshine, birds chirping in the air, dirt up to our elbows while all around our gardens are flourishing. However, that all changes when it comes to indoor gardening. When you are gardening indoors, we have to be a lot more careful since this is our home – where we eat, spend time with our loved ones & sleep. Hydroponic herbs can grow anywhere from 25% to 50% faster than herbs grown in conventional garden soil. You never have to worry about over or under watering or having your plants dry out. You will still need to provide a strong light source & constant temperature for your hydroponic herbs to grow into healthy plants. You can create your own hydroponic herb garden at any time of the year. Once you have your hydroponic herb garden setup, the only maintenance it should require is to change the nutrient solution every 7-14 days. There should be plenty of room for the roots to grow in the water reservoirs. Even store-bought potting mix can be prone to getting infested with insects, though the hitchhikers normally come from the plants we buy in the nurseries. And for many people that is one of the best reasons to grow hydroponic herbs. These are the most common types of hydroponics systems and well suited for beginners. These units are operated on a timer which controls the pumping system. These hydroponics systems keep the plant’s roots in a sterile medium. The roots get their water & nutrients from the mist while receiving oxygen directly from the air. If you would like to start your own indoor culinary herb garden, but don’t want to bring the mess of the outdoors inside, then growing hydroponic herbs is a perfect solution. Indoor hydroponic systems have become even more popular due to the growing availability of easy to use kits.

Amazon : Indoor Hydroponic Herb Garden Kit Hydroponics Growing System Herb Garden by amazon.com

I love that you can use your own seeds without buying replacement pods. There is very little in the papers, have to go on line to learn. Christmas and the this was broken saying the water level was to low with an alarm going off about every 10minutes!

Miracle Gro AeroGarden Reviews [Compare The Best Models For 2019] by uponics.com

Because these systems use efficient hydroponics instead of traditional soil-based gardening methods, plants can grow an astounding 5 times faster. These costs can add up, but at least will save on your grocery store bill! It allows you to grow up to 9 plants at a time, generating plenty of fresh herbs, vegetables, and salad greens to feed the entire family. You will also have easy one-touch access to customer support and receive helpful growing tips. Not only will this model appeal to tech-savvy gardeners, but the beauty of the stainless steel finish makes this a handsome addition to a modern kitchen or living room. But let’s not take anything away from this large and powerful hydroponic grow system. Retailers list this as a top choice product, probably because it offers a mix of functionality and value. It’s a perfect little indoor gardening system for people who just want to grow their own fresh herbs or salad greens in the convenience of their home, or give hydroponics a try without committing much time, space, or money to the hobby. It sports a push-button control panel with automated grow lights and reminders when to add water and nutrients. Once your seeds have germinated, roots will soak in this nutrient-rich water and provide nutrition for the plants. You are in total control of the growing conditions, you customize the control panel settings for optimal growth, and you are free to grow any crop you wish.

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Building A Cheap Hydroponic Herb Garden | Duration 1 Minutes 30 Seconds Not only are these countertop systems incredibly space-saving, but they require only occasional cleaning and maintenance. Rapid growth and year-round crops mean a constant and abundant harvest. Better functionality, grow lights, and higher yielding systems (ie, more seed pod locations) can be pricey. And with a premium attractive platinum stainless steel finish, this model will look amazing in your home. It also turns the lights on and off automatically and reminds you when to add water and nutrients so that your plants are constantly growing in optimal conditions. This model features a push button control panel with automated grow lights and alerts you when water and nutrients are required. The system is finished with an attractive high gloss plastic.

Home Made Windowsill Hydroponic Herb Garden by instructables.com

Hydroponic gardening couldn’t be much easier with the use of latest tips and tricks on the internet. Do you have to paint the container black to absorb light, or can you do a different color?

INDOOR HERB GARDEN by hydroponics-simplified.com

Herb plants can be kept growing and providing for up to a year! There is no comparing the savory, sharp and flavorful fresh hydroponic herbs to the dried out, processed, “dead” bottled spices from the grocery store. We always keep a planter of fresh hydroponic herbs going year-round. It can be tucked into a corner so is great for smaller kitchens, too. Does the thought of having fresh basil and chives growing on your windowsill get you excited? Plant 4 or 5 of your favorite ones, and harvest straight from the plant into your stew! Whether you opt for a traditional soil-based planter or a water-garden; if you love fresh herbs, just do it ! It has a built in canopy with grow lights, so is great for a dim kitchen.

Top 10 Indoor Herb Gardens Of 2019 by wiki.ezvid.com

It will enhance the decor of any interior space with a vintage feel, from offices to kitchens to dorm rooms. Neither the produce nor its downstairs neighbor will likely live all that long, though. It occupies only a few square feet and can be tucked away on a counter, a desktop, or even in a cabinet or closet as needed. A handy, illustrated guide walks you through the process step-by-step, while labeled bamboo stakes will set you straight if you forget which plant is which.These petite containers are modern-looking and come in a variety of bright and playful colors to match any home’s interior. It comes with the supplies for starting five new plants, though plenty of extra seeds are also in the kit. Even that medium-rare flatiron steak would never have made it to your plate if not for a cow peacefully chomping on grass or grain for months straight. But it’s not so hard to reconnect with our plant-based roots. But there are reasons why some people have purchased their vegetables from vendors for generations. And the simple reality is that many people don’t have the space or ability to care for an outdoor garden plot or especially a greenhouse. On the other hand, there’s no need for artificial lighting if you keep your houseplants near windows where they can take advantage of natural sunlight. Furthermore, indoor gardens can be a great tool for the home plant breeder. An indoor plot provieds the controlled environment required to test the potential of different strains, and it keeps pests and disease from reaching the most vulnerable seedlings. Studies show that the presence of plants in homes and workplaces can increase mental clarity and quality of work done. Of course, it’s well-known that plants breathe by turning carbon dioxide into oxygen. Beyond that, many plants are great at filtering contaminants from the atmosphere. Botany is the science of growing plants, and gardening is the art. Some, like chives, are as easy as pulling a clump from an existing plot and transplanting an inch beneath the surface of the topsoil. Also, before planting the seeds, they can be germinated in between two paper towels, greatly reducing the time you’ll have to wait for your next harvest of cilantro. Of course, for any herb to make it even to one full season, it requires the proper care . Pay special attention to windows, where even a light draft from outside could spell doom for some plants. Herbs require a fine balance of not too wet and not too dry soil. Almost as bad as under-watering is over-watering, which could easily drown some specimens. Softer herbs like basil, cilantro, and chives do well in humid or shadier locations, while tougher-stemmed varieties like rosemary and thyme are more suited to drier and brighter spots. If you have trouble keeping them alive, try out some hardier varieties — maybe parsley, which is pretty hard to kill. If you are the type of cook who demands only the freshest ingredients in your meals, what could be better than adding a dash of homegrown basil, thyme, or rosemary to your dinner? Each one is handmade and unique, which makes it a good gift. It comes with everything you need to raise up to three robust plants, and includes seeds for parsley, basil, and cilantro. Its hydroponic irrigation system and energy-efficient lighting allow for the robust growth of vegetables, leafy greens, and more all year long. Once you’ve inserted its preloaded seed capsules, simply fill its reservoir with water, connect it to an electrical outlet, and wait for the magic to happen. It comes with nine pods, each of which is prepacked with seeds that are ready to sprout, in varieties from basil to chives and dill. Fruits, vegetables, and grains all originally came from the ground, although now some are grown hydroponically. Unfortunately, the idea that food comes from the grocery store is widely pervasive today — people have lost touch with where their food really comes from . Backyard gardening has experienced a renaissance, as more consumers realize they want to not only know exactly how their produce was produced, but also control most of the process. At high altitudes and northern latitudes, growing seasons are shortened by cold weather, and it’s awfully tough to grow basil underneath a foot of snow. Simple: anyone can make a greenhouse out of their own home with an indoor herb garden.