If you don't have the space, the garden or simply the desire to handle soil, there's an ideal solution: grow your herbs without soil. Yes, some plants can thrive perfectly well in water or in an above-ground growing system, without losing any of their flavour or benefits. Perfect for windowsills, bright kitchens or small urban spaces!
💧 Why grow without soil?
Growing plants in water (also known as passive hydroponics) is an ancient practice being brought back into fashion. It allows you to:
- Save space (no need for soil or heavy pots),
- Avoid certain soil diseases,
- Better control of moisture and nutrients,
- And above all: always have fresh herbs to hand!
Now for a list of the easiest aromatic herbs to grow without soil.
🌱 1. Basil
Cut off a few healthy 10 cm stems, remove the bottom leaves and plunge them into a glass of water. Change the water every other day. In less than a week, you'll see roots appear. Basil can live in water for several weeks, or even longer, if well cared for.
🌱 2. Mint
This is undoubtedly the easiest plant to grow in water. It adapts very well to hydroponics. Simply place a few stems in a glass of water in indirect light, and you'll be able to harvest for weeks.
🌱 3. Rosemary
Slower to root, rosemary requires a little patience. Use fresh young stems, place them in a jar of water and make sure they get plenty of light. In a few weeks, fine roots should appear.
🌱 4. Oregano
Less well-known for this method of cultivation, oregano can flourish very well in water. All you have to do is take a young stem and plunge it into a jar of water. When roots appear, you can continue growing in water or transplant it.
🌱 5. Thyme
Like rosemary, it requires a little more care but adapts well to growing in water. Favour young shoots and take care not to immerse the leaves to avoid rotting.
🌱 6. Sage
More robust, sage can also be grown in water. Take a fresh 8-10 cm cutting, remove the bottom leaves, and place it in a glass of water. Soft light and clean water are enough to keep it in shape.
🌱 7. Coriander
More fragile but possible! Coriander can grow in water from sprouted seeds or young rooted stems. You'll need plenty of light, but the result is satisfactory, especially for a short supplementary crop.
🌱 8. Chives
Chives can grow back if you put the bulb or white base of the stems in water. In just a few days, new shoots will appear. Perfect for cooking!
🌱 9. Celery stalks
This isn't strictly speaking an aromatic herb, but it's an excellent plant for growing in water. Keep the base of the celery (the white part), place it in a bowl with a little water, and you'll see leaves grow back very quickly!
🧪 Tips for growing successfully in water
- Use filtered or rested water (non-chlorinated if possible).
- Change the water every 2 to 3 days.
- Avoid direct sunlight so as not to cook the stems.
- Clean the container regularly.
- You can add a drop of diluted organic liquid fertiliser from time to time to prolong the life of the plants.
🌿 A simple, clean and sustainable solution
Growing aromatic herbs without soil is economical, practical and beautiful. Whether it's for the taste, the freshness or simply the pleasure of seeing your plants grow in a glass or transparent jar, this method has it all. 🌱
And as a bonus? No need to get your hands dirty or have a green thumb!