Living in a loft downtown has many advantages, including the closeness of professional sports, entertainment, great restaurants, and the always fantastic nightlife. However, if your find your green thumb is missing the pleasant feeling of dirt and picking your own oregano for your signature Italian dish, there is no need to be dismayed. Just because you live downtown doesn’t mean you have to forego your own herb garden; you just have to create one that fits your space.
Find the Right Spot
Most herbs grow great indoors and require just as much work as most traditional indoor plants. They just need water, sunlight and good soil. The ideal spot would give your plants sunlight for at least eight hours of day. If your loft has less light than this, you can look into purchasing a grow light for your plants. This will also give you more flexibility in the house.
Pick Your Flavor
With so many great tasting herbs out there, it is often hard to know which to choose. Here are a few of my favorites.
- Chives: this is an awesome herb and has a mild onion flavor that is a great for almost any dish. It is easy to grow, and all you have to do is snip off a bit at the top any time you need something extra. Hint: great in omelets.
- Tarragon: this is an extremely versatile herb. It is great in breakfast dishes with eggs and adds great flavors to soup and stews in the colder months in Denver.
- Oregano: this is a staple in most great Italian dishes. It is hearty and can be used in anything to add a little zing. The other benefit is it can be easily dried and saved for use later.
- Cilantro: for me, this is a must have when making tacos, nachos or an exquisite sandwich for an afternoon snack. Grows well in our climate and you would be amazed how great it tastes right off the plant.
Of course, parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme are also great herbs to include in your indoor garden, as they add excellent flavor to meats, poultry, and fish. There are thousands of options out there you just have to taste and see which you like best.
Go Organic
Denver is replete with organic options for dirt, pest control and soil nutrients. If you are going to grow your own food at home, you should make it as safe and as tasty as it can be. At times it might be a little more difficult, but in the end the results are amazing. Denver is full of great organic nurseries and gardening centers.
Come On, Get Your Hands Dirty
If you’re ready to start your own indoor herb garden this is a great time of year. If you do, you’ll be ready to make some extraordinary dishes as the colder weather approaches. Just think what you could do with a crock pot!
If you are looking for lofts or condos with city gardens nearby or wondering if the loft you want will have enough light, just give us a call. We will be glad to talk with you and even share a few favorite recipes.
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