Grow your favorite herbs at home—start from seeds or seedlings
Growing herbs is also possible at home. When you cultivate your own herbs, your favorite flavors will be within arm’s reach at the table.
Growing herbs has become increasingly popular in Finnish home kitchens and gardens. Pick your favorites from these easy-to-grow herbs and enjoy the harvest!
Growing herbs: try these varieties
Basil
There are dozens of different varieties, including some with dark leaves, each with its own distinct aroma.
Usage: Best when fresh. Add the leaves to salads, on pizzas and pies, in soups, pasta dishes, and herb oils. Freeze chopped or whole leaves.
Thyme
Thyme thrives in dry conditions and adds wonderful flavor to many dishes.
Usage: Use fresh leaves in salads, grilled dishes, and stews. Add sprigs to soups and stews, removing them once the dish is done. Preserve thyme by drying.
Mint
There are countless varieties of mint, each with its own aroma. Spearmint and peppermint are among the most frequently used culinary herbs in the world.
Usage: Freshly chopped leaves bring flavor to both cold and hot drinks. Use the leaves in salads, vegetable dishes, dessert sauces, and jellies. Preserve by drying or freezing.
Cilantro
One of the oldest known herbs. The entire plant can be used.
Usage: Best when fresh. Chopped leaves are great in Thai dishes, especially in soups or sprinkled over rice or noodle dishes. Coriander seeds can be used to season meat dishes, soups, and pickles.
Growing and caring for coriander
Sage
Common sage has been cultivated for thousands of years, used both as a medicine and a seasoning.
Usage: Use young leaves fresh and in moderation. Add them to meat and stew dishes early in the cooking process or fry them in butter on their own. Preserve by freezing or in oil.
Rosemary
Its needle-like leaves have a strong, slightly piney flavor.
Usage: A perfect match for grilled meat or fish, and it also works well in stews. Rosemary oil adds flavor when brushed on bread or used in salad dressings. Preserve by drying, freezing, or in oil.
Growing and caring for rosemary
Parsley
Curly and flat-leaf parsley are suitable for seasoning almost any dish.
Usage: Add whole sprigs during the simmering stage of stews and soups. Freshly chopped leaves are ideal in salads or sprinkled on top of soups and stews. Preserve by freezing.
