Essential Herbs You Can Grow on the Patio or Balcony at Your Apartment in Gainesville

Fresh herbs are an important part of many different recipes and it’s impossible to get herbs any fresher than those you grow yourself. However, Florida’s unique hot and stormy climate means that the herbs you plan to grow should be carefully selected to ensure that they thrive. With thorough research and a good plan, you can start adding tasty homegrown herbs to your meals in no time.

To help you get a head start, here are a few popular herbs that you may want to consider growing at your apartment in Gainesville:

• Basil – Both sweet and purple varieties grow well in heat.
• Parsley – Italian or flat-leaf cultivars grow much better in hot, sunny environments than the curly varieties.
• Cilantro – The leaves of the plant are a common part of many cultures’ cuisine while the dried fruit and seeds (known as coriander) can be collected and are a used in many Indian recipes and Belgian-style beers.
• Oregano – Be careful to get a European variety, not “Mexican Oregano,” which is a similar tasting but unrelated species of plant that requires an even hotter climate than Florida’s to flourish.
• Sage – There are many species of plants in this family but Common sage or Greek sage are the best for cooking with and will grow well in the Florida climate.
• Dill – This popular pickling spice thrives in hot climates, making it a perfect choice for Florida herb gardens.

So, take a look at what you’ve been cooking and if you see any of these herbs as ingredients, consider setting up a small patio or balcony herb garden. You’ll find more advice on how to set up an apartment-friendly herb garden among the other articles on our site. If you’re looking for information on joining our apartment community, contact our main office and schedule a tour today.