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How to Grow a Functional Kitchen Herb Garden on a Small Windowsill

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For years, I stared at the cramped ledge above my sink and saw nothing but a spot for a drying rack and a stray bottle of dish soap.

I hated grocery trips, overpaying for nyanyas and vitunguus that I have never bothered to know the standard price of. One afternoon, while making instant noodles, I realised that my kitchen was lacking something; it needed a life. I decided to make that windowsill a beautiful, vibrant, aromatic escape.

If you’ve ever felt like your culinary dreams were limited by your floor plan, I’m here to show you exactly how I turned my small space into a functional herb garden.

Assess your windowsill

Before buying a single seed, evaluate your spot:

  • Sunlight: Most culinary herbs crave sunlight. At least four to six hours of direct sun per day. If your light is limited, consider a grow light.

  • Space: Measure the length and width of your windowsill. This will dictate how many pots you can fit and their size.

  • Temperature: Ensure the windowsill isn’t drafty or directly above a heat vent, which can stress plants.

Choose your herbs wisely

For a small windowsill, focus on herbs that thrive in pots and are frequently used in your cooking. Start with three to five varieties that fit your light conditions and culinary habits.

  • High-sun herbs:

    • Basil: Loves warmth and sun. Pinch off flowers to encourage leaf growth.

    • Rosemary: Aromatic and woody. Prefers drier soil once established.

    • Thyme: Drought-tolerant and low-growing.

    • Oregano: Sprawling, but can be pruned to stay compact.

  • Moderate-sun herbs:

    • Mint: Very vigorous! Grow in its own pot to prevent it from taking over.

    • Chives: Onion-like flavour, easy to grow.

    • Parsley: Prefers consistent moisture.

Buy small starter plants from a nursery rather than seeds for quicker gratification and a higher success rate, especially for beginners.

Select the right pots and soil

  • Pots:

    • Drainage is key: Each pot must have drainage holes to prevent root rot. If your decorative pots don’t, use them as cachepots (a larger, decorative pot that holds a smaller, functional pot with drainage).

    • Size: Aim for pots at least six inches in diameter for most herbs. Larger pots mean less frequent watering. Terracotta pots look classic and allow soil to breathe, but plastic retains moisture better.

    • Window boxes/trays: If your windowsill is long enough, a shallow window box can hold multiple herbs, but ensure it still has drainage holes and a tray underneath.

  • Soil: Use a good quality, well-draining potting mix. Do not use garden soil, as it compacts too easily in pots and can harbour pests.

Planting your herbs

  • Gently remove your herb plant from its nursery pot.

  • Loosen any circling roots at the bottom.

  • Place a small amount of potting mix in the bottom of your new pot, centre the plant, and fill with soil, leaving about an inch of space from the rim.

  • Water thoroughly until water drains from the bottom.

Essential care for a thriving garden

  • Watering: This is what most people mess up.

    • Feel the soil: Stick your finger about an inch deep into the soil. If it feels dry, it’s time to water.

    • Water thoroughly: Water until you see it draining from the bottom.

    • Empty saucers: Don’t let pots sit in standing water. Empty saucers after 15-30 minutes to prevent root rot.

  • Harvesting: The more you snip, the bushier your herbs will become!

    • Pinch back: Regularly pinch off the top sets of leaves to encourage side growth rather than vertical growth.

    • Don’t over-harvest: Never remove more than about one-third of the plant at once.

  • Fertilising: Herbs generally don’t need much fertiliser. A diluted liquid organic fertiliser every four to six weeks during the growing season is usually sufficient.

  • Pest Control: Keep an eye out for common houseplant pests like aphids or spider mites. A gentle spray of insecticidal soap can usually handle them.

  • Rotate Pots: Turn your pots every few days to ensure all sides of the plant get adequate sunlight.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

  • Yellowing leaves: Often indicates overwatering or insufficient light.

  • Leggy growth: Usually a sign that the plant isn’t getting enough light and is stretching towards it.

  • Wilting: Can be from underwatering (soil very dry) or overwatering (roots rotting). Check the soil moisture.

With a little attention and the right conditions, your windowsill can become a productive mini-farm, providing you with fresh, aromatic herbs year-round.

Happy growing!

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Easy Kenyan recipes to try for lunch

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Mokimo/Mashed potatoes and greens

Ingredients

  • 9 potatoes
  • 3 garlic cloves
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2-3 cups chopped spinach
  • Swiss chard or pumpkin leaves
  • 1 cup corn or peas

Instructions

Peel your potatoes and cut them into cubes

Put the cubes in a pot and add water. Make sure the water is not too much or too little.

Over medium heat bring the cubed potatoes to  a boil.

Add the garlic and greens. You can opt to cook these separately, blend then add to the potatoes later.

In a separate pot boil the peas until tender.

Once the potatoes are done drain the excess water. You can check if the potatoes are ready using a fork or knife.

If you boiled your greens together with the potatoes, add the peas and proceed to mash until everything is mixed up and there are no lumps.

If you boiled your greens separately add them and mix in the peas, then mash.Add salt and pepper to tasteServe with your veggies of choice

ALSO READ: 7 benefits of eating with your family

Mixed matoke and beef

Ingredients 4 servings

A bunch of bananas

Several stalks of dhaniaa

Pinch of salt

1 large onion

2 small carrotscooking oil

500 g beef

Chopped 3 tomatoes

Instructions

Chop your onions, carrots, tomatoes and dhania

Peel your bananas. You can use paper gloves or you can smear oil on your hands to prevent matoke sap from sticking on your hands.

Add in the beef, increase the heat and let it cook till brown.

Add in the beef, increase the heat and let it cook till brown.

Add the chopped carrots and tomatoes and cook for a few minutes.

Add the bananas to beef and stir and then add beef broth for stock

Add salt, dhania and curry powder then cover and let the mixture simmer for  a few minutes until the bananas are soft. Remove from heat and serve.

You can add your favorite greens on the side.

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Easy Kenyan recipes to try for lunch

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Mokimo/Mashed potatoes and greens

Ingredients

  • 9 potatoes
  • 3 garlic cloves
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2-3 cups chopped spinach
  • Swiss chard or pumpkin leaves
  • 1 cup corn or peas

Instructions

Peel your potatoes and cut them into cubes

Put the cubes in a pot and add water. Make sure the water is not too much or too little.

Over medium heat bring the cubed potatoes to  a boil.

Add the garlic and greens. You can opt to cook these separately, blend then add to the potatoes later.

In a separate pot boil the peas until tender.

Once the potatoes are done drain the excess water. You can check if the potatoes are ready using a fork or knife.

If you boiled your greens together with the potatoes, add the peas and proceed to mash until everything is mixed up and there are no lumps.

If you boiled your greens separately add them and mix in the peas, then mash.Add salt and pepper to tasteServe with your veggies of choice

ALSO READ: 7 benefits of eating with your family

Mixed matoke and beef

Ingredients 4 servings

A bunch of bananas

Several stalks of dhaniaa

Pinch of salt

1 large onion

2 small carrotscooking oil

500 g beef

Chopped 3 tomatoes

Instructions

Chop your onions, carrots, tomatoes and dhania

Peel your bananas. You can use paper gloves or you can smear oil on your hands to prevent matoke sap from sticking on your hands.

Add in the beef, increase the heat and let it cook till brown.

Add in the beef, increase the heat and let it cook till brown.

Add the chopped carrots and tomatoes and cook for a few minutes.

Add the bananas to beef and stir and then add beef broth for stock

Add salt, dhania and curry powder then cover and let the mixture simmer for  a few minutes until the bananas are soft. Remove from heat and serve.

You can add your favorite greens on the side.

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Simple Kenyan Fish and Ugali Recipe

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Fish and ugali is a beloved Kenyan meal enjoyed across many households. Not only is it delicious, but it also provides a nutritious balance of proteins and carbohydrates, making it perfect for family mealtimes.

Here’s a simple yet authentic way to prepare this dish:

Ingredients for Fish

– 1 whole tilapia (or any other fish of your choice)

– 2 large ripe tomatoes, chopped

– 1 medium onion, chopped

– 2 cloves garlic, minced

– 1 teaspoon ginger, grated

– 1 tablespoon cooking oil

– Salt to taste

– 1 teaspoon curry powder

– 1 teaspoon paprika (optional)

– 1 lemon (for cleaning the fish)

– Fresh coriander for garnish

Ingredients for Ugali

– 2 cups maize flour

– 4 cups water

Instructions

Step 1: Clean the fish

Begin by cleaning the fish.

Rub the lemon over the fish and rinse it well with water to remove any fishy smell.

Once clean, pat the fish dry using a kitchen towel and sprinkle salt over it.

 

Step 2: Fry the fish

Heat the cooking oil in a large pan over medium heat.

Gently place the fish in the pan and fry both sides until golden brown and crispy.

Once done, remove the fish and set it aside.

 

Step 3: Prepare the fish stew

In the same pan, add the chopped onions and sauté them until they are soft and golden.

Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for another minute.

Next, add the chopped tomatoes and let them simmer until they soften into a thick sauce.

Stir in the curry powder, paprika, and salt, allowing the flavours to blend.

Return the fried fish to the pan, adding a little water to create a stew-like consistency.

Cover the pan and allow the fish to simmer for 10 to 15 minutes, ensuring it absorbs the sauce.

Garnish with fresh coriander before serving.

 

Step 4: Cook the Ugali

 

 

 

 

 

 

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In a separate pot, bring the water to a boil.

Gradually add the maize flour while stirring continuously to avoid lumps.

Keep stirring until the mixture thickens.

Lower the heat and press the ugali with a flat wooden spoon until it is firm.

Let it cook for about 5 minutes, ensuring it is well done.

Once cooked, transfer the ugali onto a plate and shape it into a round mound.

 

Step 5: Serve

Serve the fish stew with a generous portion of ugali and enjoy this wholesome Kenyan meal with your family.

This traditional meal is not only tasty but also rich in nutrients.

Fish is a great source of Omega-3 fatty acids, while ugali provides essential energy for the day. Your family will love this meal, and it’s easy to prepare for any occasion.

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Easy Kenyan recipes to try for lunch

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