Kitchen plants, also known as culinary plants, refer to the various herbs, vegetables, fruits and ornamental plants that people choose to grow inside their kitchens. Having plants in the kitchen brings many advantages beyond simply decorating the space. Kitchen plants can purify indoor air, reduce stress, provide fresh ingredients for cooking, and even improve overall health and wellbeing.
Surrounding oneself with greenery and nature has long been believed to lift the human spirit. The kitchen is often referred to as the “heart of the home”, so filling this essential space with living plants brings a vibrant, rejuvenating energy. This article will explore the diverse merits of keeping plants in the kitchen and provide useful tips for successfully incorporating kitchen plants into this busy domestic environment.
Benefits of Kitchen Plants
Air Purification and Improved Indoor Air Quality
One of the best reasons to keep kitchen plants is that they naturally filter and refresh indoor air. As plants carry out photosynthesis, they absorb carbon dioxide from the environment and release oxygen. They also remove traces of harmful volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like formaldehyde and benzene from the air through their leaves and root systems.
Having plants in the kitchen combats the effects of cooking fumes, chemical cleaners and other pollution sources. Their cleansing presence creates a healthier indoor air quality for both people and even household pets spending time in this space.
Stress Reduction and Mental Well-Being
It has also been scientifically demonstrated that nurturing plants and spending time around vegetation is beneficial for mental health. The bright colors and pleasant natural smells emanating from kitchen gardens lift moods and lower anxiety.
The active process of watering, pruning and tending to kitchen plants reduces day-to-day stress. Greenery softens hard interior surfaces and brings a calming, peaceful ambiance into kitchen environments. Having living plants around can increase feelings of happiness, attentiveness and overall psychological wellness.
Aesthetic Enhancement of the Kitchen
In addition to the functional benefits, one of the most obvious merits of kitchen plants is that they simply look lovely. Whether hung from macramé holders, grouped into a bright window box or artfully arranged in pots on open shelves, plants lend warmth, vibrancy and character to kitchen spaces.
Their presence offsets sterile countertops, sharp edges and the abundance of hard surfaces. The organic shapes, captivating textures and spectrum of enlivening colors from kitchen gardens cannot be replicated by any other decorative items. Kitchen plants infuse coziness, create a multisensory experience and give this gathering place its soul.
Popular Kitchen Plants
Herbs: Parsley, Basil, Mint, etc.
No kitchen would be complete without a selection of flavor-boosting herbs. Many culinary staples like parsley, basil, oregano, cilantro, rosemary and mint thrive indoors on sunny windowsills. Beyond seasoning dishes as they cook, having fresh herbs on hand inspires spontaneous creative cooking.
These plants release their signature scents as they grow, infusing the whole kitchen with mouthwatering aromas. Snipping sprigs just before use maximizes the herbs’ flavors and nutritional qualities as well. Easy-grow kitchen plants like chives can simply be snipped directly above the soil line for a renewable supply.
Succulents: Aloe Vera, Echeveria, Haworthia, etc.
Succulents make excellent low-maintenance additions to kitchens thanks to their ability to store water in their fleshy leaves, stems and roots. These plants tolerate periods of neglect and thrive in a variety of lighting conditions, although bright light is preferred.
Varieties like aloe vera offer the homegrown benefit of soothing gel directly from the plant, perfect for treating minor kitchen burns. Others like hen and chicks (echeveria) and haworthia add unique and eye-catching shapes that spark decor inspiration.
Flowering Plants: Orchids, African Violets, Peace Lilies, etc.
Lovely flowering species bring bursts of color along with their air-cleansing talents. Cheerful African violets and floriferous orchids give the gift of blossoms year-round. The elegant white blooms of peace lilies complement both traditional and modern decors.
Choose flowering kitchen plants whose care needs match the usual conditions of the space. For instance, African violets and certain orchids prefer consistent moisture and humidity. They thrive in east or west-facing windows out of direct afternoon sun in average room temperatures.
Meanwhile, plants like bromeliads handle dry indoor air better. Their colorful leaves alone lend vibrancy without the need for flashy blooms. Prioritizing the right plants for the location helps make their upkeep easy and sustainable.
Choosing the Right Plants for the Kitchen
Considerations of Natural Light and Space
The two most essential considerations when selecting kitchen plants should be the amount of natural light the area receives and the physical space available for the plants. Most culinary herbs and plants prefer several hours of direct sunlight daily. East, west and even north-facing windows may suffice if they are unobstructed.
If the only windows are small or shaded, focus on shade-loving and low-light varieties instead. These include pothos, Chinese evergreen, cast iron plant and bromeliads. Their graceful leaves and hues still enliven dim corners beautifully.
Evaluate open spaces that could accommodate plant stands, hanging baskets and wall-mounted planters. Multi-tiered displays effectively maximize vertical areas in cramped kitchens. Also consider the style and mood desired for the space when planning arrangements.
Low-Maintenance Plants for Busy Individuals
Active kitchen environments call for hardy, unfussy plants able to withstand occasional neglect. Succulents like jade and echeveria thrive on just weekly watering and occasional feeding. Spider plants also tolerate stretched-out care, and even propagate easily when overcrowded or root-bound.
Prolific herbs like mint, chives and lemon balm grow aggressively enough to forgive neglect. Just keep them contained within pots to prevent takeover. For windowsill gardens, self-watering planters simplify maintenance greatly. Look for handy designs with built-in water reservoirs that require refilling only once a week or so.
Pet-Friendly and Non-Toxic Plant Options
For households with curious pets, stick to non-toxic varieties to prevent accidental poisoning. Cats tend to chew on leafy greens, so keep fragile plants safely out of paw’s reach. Pet-safe picks include spider plants, African violets, Boston ferns, Christmas cacti, basil and lemon balm.
Always research a new plant’s toxicity before introducing it. Resources like the ASPCA’s list detail which parts of common houseplants are poisonous to cats and dogs when ingested. Fortunately there are many safe, pet-friendly options to green up kitchens inhabited by animal companions.
Plant Care and Maintenance
Caring for kitchen plants differs somewhat from tending ornamental houseplants. The extra foot traffic, food odors, temperature fluctuations and potential for splashing water demand some specific adjustments. Applying these simple tips keeps culinary plants looking and tasting their best.
Watering and Drainage Tips
Kitchen herbs and plants use water readily, so establish a consistent watering rhythm to keep soil evenly moist but not wet. Most appreciate a thorough soak whenever the top inch becomes dry. Provide good drainage by situating plants over drip trays and poking drainage holes in vessel bottoms.
Let excess moisture flow out freely after watering. This prevents harmful root rot issues. Also monitor for standing water collecting in outer pots or trays after irrigation. For prolific drinkers like basil and mint, consider self-watering pots to simplify maintenance.
Fertilization and Repotting Guidelines
Feeding with a balanced liquid fertilizer every 2-3 weeks during the growing season keeps kitchen plants lush and productive. Reduce applications in winter when growth naturally slows. Repot root-bound plants in early spring before active growth resumes.
Choose containers at least 2 inches wider than the current pots so roots have room to spread. Use a general potting mix amended with compost or worm castings to nourish from within. Take divisions from overgrown herbs like oregano and mint to propagate more plants easily.
Common Pests and How to Deal With Them
Kitchen plants fall prey to common houseplant pests like spider mites, mealybugs and fungus gnats. Isolate and treat afflicted plants immediately to prevent spreading issues. Remove the pests manually first if possible, then apply an appropriate organic insecticidal soap as needed per label instructions.
Improve growing conditions to strengthen plants against future attacks. This includes allowing soil to dry adequately between waterings, feeding appropriately and pruning for better air circulation within the canopy. Discard unsalvageable plants promptly and thoroughly sanitize containers before replanting.
Creative Ways to Display Kitchen Plants
Once the perfect culinary plants are selected, displaying them creatively showcases their charm while also solving storage dilemmas. Beyond basic pots and planters, numerous display strategies make efficient use of kitchen space.
Hanging Baskets and Macramé Hangers
Install hooks along walls or ceilings to hang containers via macramé, rope or chain. Hanging plants vertically opens up precious counter and tabletop space below to stash small appliances or barware. Visually, suspended greenery draws the eye up and lends height to otherwise flat spaces.
For herbs like tangy strawberries or versatile nasturtiums, try lining a basic hanging basket with coco liner. The trailing foliage cascades beautifully while the edible flowers and fruit remain within easy picking range.
Do-It-Yourself Plant Shelves and Stands
Take advantage of vertical nooks by installing custom floor-to-ceiling shelving units to display a mix of greens. Affix wooden boards across a narrow wall to hold assorted potted plants or shallow trays filled with loose herbs or microgreens.
Spice up plain wire storage units with hooks to hang flowering trailers or small trellised vines nearby. Repurpose old furniture like dressers and bookshelves into makeshift plant stands. Doing so adds storage while showcasing cherished plants and beloved collectibles.
Windowsills and Wall-Mounted Planters
Maximize windowsills, ledges and other bright spaces with an array of potted herbs and compact greens. Use wall-mounted planter racks, corner shelves and other hardware to take advantage of awkward empty spaces often wasted.
Choose drainage trays sized perfectly for setting under specific windows to catch excess moisture. Take cues from the kitchen’s existing style when picking planters. Complement French Country charm with rustic wooden boxes or sleek modern high rise with contemporary cylindrical pots.
Incorporating Kitchen Plants into Recipes
Aside from their obvious decorative talents, one of the best assets culinary plants provide is their flavor and food producing abilities. Kitchen gardens lead cooks to improvise and discover new taste combinations. They also add nutrition and freshness to homemade meals.
Cooking with Fresh Herbs
Nothing beats the bright, vibrant taste of just-picked parsley, basil, cilantro or other herbs. Harvest homegrown herbs minutes before adding them to recipes to maximize both flavor and nutrients. Snip herbs directly into salad dressings, dipping sauces, marinades and beverages for instant freshness.
Ring grilled meat, fish or vegetables with whole herb sprigs while cooking so their essential oils infuse the surrounding food. Mix torn herbs into grain and pasta salads, omelets, soups and wraps. Afterwards, allow leftover stems to flavor simmering stocks and sauces.
Edible Flowers and Their Uses
Vibrant nasturtiums, pansies, marigolds and other flowering culinary plants also brighten up homemade dishes. Use their petals to garnish desserts, salads, appetizers and cocktails for a festive touch. Stuff larger blooms like squash blossoms with savory fillings before frying or baking.
Certain mild-tasting flowers even work well in composed dishes. Try steeping the blue flowers from borage into lemonade. Float pretty pink begonia petals atop fruit-laden summer sangria for whimsy. Experiment with crystallizing or sugaring edible blooms to use creatively.
Unique Ways to Include Homegrown Produce
Beyond snacking on sweet cherry tomatoes right off the vine, incorporate kitchen garden fruits and vegetables into entrées, sides and snacks. Stir just-pulled carrots, radishes and peppers into curries, stir fries and slaws minutes before serving.
Use vertical space to train dwarf tomato vines or pole bean teepees. Train compact cucumber vines across the backs of lower cabinets. Tuck shallow self-watering planters filled with nutrient-rich microgreens like kale onto limited counter space. Then snip the leaves directly into sandwiches and smoothies.
Greenery for Small Kitchens
Limited room poses no obstacle to enjoying culinary plants thanks to an array of space-saving solutions. Use vertical space efficiently, prioritize compact varieties and employ creative organization ideas even tiny kitchens can accommodate greens.
Vertical Gardening Ideas
Install pegboard or mesh panels on bare walls to arrange hanging baskets at various heights. Train vining cherry tomato plants up window frames using thin metal wires for support. Use over-the-cabinet planter racks to display an array of petite potted herbs out of the way.
Position narrow shelves above sinks or stoves to hold essentials like parsley and basil within easy reach. Use colorful macramé to suspend air plants, succulents and trailing spider plants in unexpected corners. Their low maintenance makes them perfect for cramped environments.
Space-Saving Planters and Containers
Prioritize plants naturally compact in structure like bushy herbs and dwarf tomato cultivars needing less root space to thrive. Choose slim window boxes for lining limited sills and skinny rail planters for hanging across walls.
Use wall-mounted pot displays and corner shelves that do not occupy ground space at all. Repurpose vintage crates, barrels and baskets as charming planters in tight spots. Their drainage holes allow water to flow out readily.
Maximizing Limited Kitchen Space
Get creative organizing available space when room is truly sparse. Mount shallow planter boxes across the backs of lower cabinets to use this easily overlooked area. Utilize a sturdy stool, small bistro table or rolling cart to hold a mini container garden that slides out of the way as needed.
Install bar-height shelving on high walls to display petite indoor citrus trees and flowering orchids where they will not interfere with foot traffic below. Their height instead draws the eye up pleasantly.
Health and Wellness Benefits of Kitchen Plants
Beyond their aesthetic and sensory perks, keeping living plants in kitchen environments also impacts overall health and wellbeing in measurable physiological ways. Their restorative qualities make for healthier, more vibrant lifestyles.
Nutritional Advantages of Homegrown Herbs and Produce
Including freshly harvested components from indoor edible gardens enhances homemade meals nutritionally. Picking crisp greens like micro basil minutes before eating preserves more vitamins and antioxidants compared to store bought produce trucked long distances.
Homegrown plants also provide safer, chemical-free additions to snacks and dishes since their growth is closely monitored. Kids tend to embrace healthier eating habits when allowed to pluck sweet peas, berries or tiny tomatoes themselves.
Psychological Benefits of Interacting with Plants
Studies demonstrate that nurturing plants and spending time in natural environments lowers blood pressure, reduces anxiety and boosts overall mood considerably. The kitchen serves as the heart of homes and the hub of activity within households.
Bringing living plants into this vital space amplifies their stress-relieving qualities. Caring for kitchen plants by tending, pruning and watering them forms a mindful, centering ritual that promotes mindfulness and contentment. The visual presence of flourishing gardens also lifts spirits.
Creating a Healthy, Vibrant Kitchen Environment
Finally, verdant indoor gardens boost general wellness by their sheer ability to cleanse and refresh indoor air while adding natural humidity. Kitchen plants improve everyday quality of life by making this gathering space healthier to inhabit.
Their presence minimizes airborne pollutants and allergens as greenery replaces drab emptiness. Plants breathe life into kitchen spaces, welcoming inhabitants to enjoy wholesome meals underneath leafy companions. Their graceful beauty inspires more health-conscious behaviors overall.
Conclusion
The popular heart of homes deserve to beat stronger with vitality emanating from lovely living plants. Kitchen gardens boost moods, nourish creativity and promote healthier lifestyles on multiple levels. Kitchen plants filter indoor air, provide homegrown ingredients and brighten once-sterile spaces with their lush foliage and bountiful blooms.
Greenery softens hard angles, mutes loud appliances and adds a lively backdrop for enjoying both casual meals and special gatherings. When thoughtfully incorporated into harmonious displays, plants enhance kitchen spaces beyond imagination with their playful shapes, comforting scents and enlivening presence.
Embrace the diverse wellness benefits unique to kitchen plants. Their nourishing qualities enhance not just food, but also the souls dwelling within each home. A touch of nature truly makes the kitchen healthier, tastier and much more welcoming overall.
Frequent Asked Questions
What are the most reasonable kitchen plants for adding a new look?
Consider consolidating sweet-smelling spices (basil and mint), low-support succulents, or little-pruned plants like pothos or snake plants. These choices flourish inside and mix your kitchen with energetic vegetation, making a reviving air.
How do indeed kitchen plants emphatically influence indoor air quality?
Kitchen plants are typical air purifiers, retaining unsafe toxins and delivering oxygen through photosynthesis. Thus, they further develop indoor air quality, making your kitchen a better and more lovely space.
Where is the best area to put kitchen plants to guarantee their ideal growth?
Place your kitchen plants in regions with roundabout daylight, as most indoor plants lean toward separated light. Keep away from direct openness to brutal daylight or vicinity to warm sources, as these circumstances can pressure the plants. Also, it guarantees appropriate seepage to forestall waterlogging, cultivating sound development.
What is the suggested watering routine for kitchen plants?
The watering recurrence changes given elements like plant type, pot size, and ecological circumstances. By and large, it’s ideal to water kitchen plants when the dirt feels dry to the touch. Routinely check the dampness level and change your watering plan appropriately to forestall overwatering, which can prompt root decay.
Can kitchen plants fill double needs, improving style and culinary experiences?
Absolutely. Many kitchen plants offer a great mix of visual allure and commonsense use. Fragrant spices like basil, rosemary, and thyme not only add a tasteful touch to your kitchen but also act as new elements for cooking. This double usefulness improves your culinary space and upgrades your cooking attempts.
