Nothing is more frustrating than preparing a meal only to discover that you need fresh basil or parsley. Running to the store to purchase some fresh herbs is inconvenient and dried herbs just don't provide the same sharp, fresh flavor. Not only is growing plants indoors easy and delicious, these plant won't take up too much space and will improve the air quality of your home or apartment. In addition to being aesthetically pleasing, plants increase oxygen and humidity in your living space while reducing carbon dioxide levels and other pollutants. Try growing these 5 edible plants for your apartment to improve your food and your living space.

Planting

Follow these instructions for all the plants below:

1. Fill a pot 8 inches in diameter with potting soil (use a smaller pot for basil). Don't pack the soil, otherwise, it won't drain well.
2. Add water to dampen the soil.
3. Add the seeds, spacing them one to two inches apart
4. Cover them with ¼ inch of soil.
5. Remove the smaller plants to create space for the larger, healthier ones once the plants are two or more inches tall and have fully developed leaves.

Daily Care

1. Keep the soil damp but not soaking wet.
2. Place plants near an east facing window that receives direct sun during the morning.

[Note: Keep lettuce cool. If it gets too hot the leaves will wilt.]

Basil

Basil Recipes

Common Uses

• Fresh Salad
• Marinara sauce
• Pesto
• Pizza
• Soup
• Garnish

Harvesting

When you're ready to cook, just cut or pinch off single leaves as you need them.

Pinch any flower buds off the top to encourage more leaf growth.

Cilantro

Cilantro Recipes

Common Uses

• Salsa
• Guacamole
• Fresh Salad
• Pasta

Harvesting

When the plants are over 4 inches tall, cut them near the ground.

Cut and toss out any stems that are thicker and feel woodier than others. These stalks tend to be bitter.

Dill

Dill Recipes

Common Uses

• Bread
• Soup
• Fresh Salad
• Potato Salad
• Garnish

Harvesting

• Leaves: When the first leaves are ready, cut near the base of the stem to encourage new growth. If you want to keep harvesting the leaves, cut the flower buds before they bloom.
• Seeds: Allow to grow until the flowers bloom (6-8 weeks). After blooming, seeds will form and ripen. Cut the stalks before the seeds fully ripen and hang upside down with a plastic bag tied around the top of the plants. Poke small holes in the bag for air flow and wait for the seeds to fall into the bag.

Lettuce

Lettuce Recipes

Common Uses

• Salad
• Sandwiches
• Wraps

Harvesting

Cut leaves near the ground as you need them.

Don't let the lettuce go to seed because this will stunt its growth. Cut any stalks with seeds on them.

Parsley

Parsley Recipes

Common Uses

• Salad
• Soup
• Pasta
• Garnish

Harvesting

When the plants are over 4 inches tall and the leaves are fully developed. Be sure to cut them near the ground to encourage new stalks to grow.

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These 5 edible plants for your apartment are easy to grow and will improve your food and the atmosphere of your home. Be comforted knowing that your produce is fresh while adding life and freshness to your home.