How Growing Culinary Herbs at Home Elevates Your Holiday Cooking
There’s something special about holiday cooking that just hits different - the warmth, the gathering, the heirloom recipes dusted off for another delicious round. But what if we told you the secret to really unforgettable meals isn’t just what’s in the oven, but what’s growing on your windowsill?
At Planted Wellness Co., we believe the best meals start with the best ingredients - and you just can’t beat the aroma, flavor, and satisfaction of snipping your own herbs, fresh from the pot, right into the pan.
This holiday season, let your garden (even your indoor one!) be your secret ingredient.
Why Indoor Culinary Herbs are the Unsung Heroes of Holiday Meals
Whether you're prepping a feast for twelve or hosting an intimate Friendsgiving, here’s why growing your own herbs at home is a game-changer:
Fresh flavor on demand – No wilted store-bought bundles in plastic sleeves
Saves you money – One plant = a season of flavor
Cuts down on waste – Harvest only what you need
Gives your kitchen cozy, cottagecore energy – And yes, they smell amazing
Connects you to your food – Which is what the season’s all about
Herbs We Love for Holiday Cooking (and Growing Indoors!)
Here are some of our favorite culinary plants that thrive in containers and cozy kitchens:
Cilantro (Coriandrum sativum)
Fresh, citrusy, and perfect for brightening up heavier dishes. Add it to cranberry salsas, top roasted carrots, or toss into stuffing for an unexpected twist. Cool weather-loving, so it’s thriving this season.
Common Chives & Garlic Chives (Allium schoenoprasum + Allium tuberosum)
Chives bring mild oniony flavor, while garlic chives add that garlicky zing. Snip onto mashed potatoes, baked brie, deviled eggs, or homemade herb butters. Bonus: they’re super easy to grow indoors!
Italian Parsley & Curly Parsley (Petroselinum crispum var. neapolitanum + crispum)
Don’t sleep on parsley! Italian is flat-leaf and flavorful — ideal for tabbouleh, herby sauces, and garnishes. Curly is perfect for presentation - those gorgeous little green curls make any plate holiday-party ready.
Dill (Anethum graveolens)
Adds brightness and freshness to rich foods. Use in compound butters, roasted veggie dishes, or mix with yogurt and lemon for a quick dip. It’s also the perfect touch on smoked salmon or latkes.
Oregano (Origanum vulgare)
Robust and earthy, oregano shines in hearty, savory dishes - think roast meats, homemade gravies, and herbed bread stuffings. Snip and use fresh or dry it for a stronger punch.
Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)
The scent alone feels like Thanksgiving. A few sprigs in roasted potatoes or turkey brine? Chef’s kiss. Plus, rosemary can act as a festive garnish or a bundled “bouquet garni” for soups and stocks.
Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)
The backbone of fall cooking. Earthy, subtle, and oh-so-versatile. Use it in stuffing, on roasted squash, or to infuse cream sauces and gravies. Bonus: it thrives in small pots with plenty of sun.
Easy Ways to Use These Herbs This Season
Here are a few festive ideas you can try with your homegrown herbs:
Make your own herb butter with parsley, rosemary, and thyme, slather on rolls or melt into mashed potatoes
Infuse oil or vinegar with garlic chives + oregano for hostess gifts
Steep rosemary + thyme in broth for rich, herbal gravies
Top desserts with curly parsley or herb sugar (hello, rosemary shortbread!)
Mix herbs into dips, sauces, or stuffing for fresher, fuller flavor
Bonus: These Herbs Make Thoughtful Gifts, Too
Each culinary plant is a gift that keeps on giving, literally. Wrap up a few potted herbs with a recipe card, bundle a trio in a basket with some tea towels, or pair them with PW’s dried herbal blends for the perfect hostess or holiday gift.
Because what says “I love you” more than a plant you can eat?
Ready to Grow (and Cook) with Us?
You can find all these herbs (and more) online or visit us at the Marietta Square Farmers Market on Saturdays. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your chosen family, or the whole neighborhood, let’s make it fresh, fragrant, and full of flavor this year.
