I wanted to first share with you some tips on how to propagate supermarket herbs, this is something that I am doing more and more and is a great starting point to growing your own fresh herbs at home before we even get to sowing seeds.

Propagating herbs is a simple and cost-effective way to enjoy fresh herbs without having to buy them from the supermarket every time you need them. All you need is a healthy herb plant from the supermarket and some basic gardening supplies.

To get started, simply cut a stem of the herb plant and place it in a jar of water until roots start to grow. Then, transfer the cutting to a pot of soil and watch it grow into a healthy herb plant.

I’ve included the step-by-step process below for your convenience:

Choose a healthy herb plant from the supermarket that you want to propagate.
Cut a healthy stem of the herb plant, approximately 4-6 inches long, just below a leaf node.
Place the stem in a jar or glass filled with water, making sure that the bottom of the stem is submerged in the water.
Change the water every few days to prevent bacteria growth.
After a few weeks, you should start to see roots growing from the bottom of the stem. Once the roots are at least 1-2 inches long, you can transfer the cutting to a pot filled with well-draining soil.
Keep the newly planted herb in a warm and bright location, but out of direct sunlight. Water the herb regularly, but make sure the soil is not too moist.
After a few weeks, your new herb plant should start to grow new leaves and become established in its new home.

There are several herb plants that you can propagate from the supermarket, but some of the best ones include:

Mint: Mint is one of the easiest herbs to propagate as it grows vigorously and spreads rapidly. Simply cut a stem of the plant, strip the lower leaves, and place it in water or soil. In no time, it will root and start growing.
Basil: Basil is a versatile herb that can be used in a variety of dishes. You can propagate basil by cutting a stem that has at least four leaves and placing it in water or soil. Keep it in a warm and bright spot, and it will grow roots within a week or two.
Rosemary: Rosemary is a hardy herb that can thrive in both indoor and outdoor settings. You can propagate rosemary by taking a stem cutting that is at least three inches long, removing the lower leaves, and planting it in soil. Keep the soil moist, and within a few weeks, you’ll have a new rosemary plant.
Thyme: Thyme is a fragrant herb that is often used in Mediterranean cuisine. You can propagate thyme by taking a stem cutting that is at least two inches long, stripping the lower leaves, and planting it in soil. Thyme takes a bit longer to root compared to other herbs, but with patience, you’ll have a healthy plant in no time.

The best thing about propagating these herbs is that they are readily available at most supermarkets, and you can easily grow them at home without spending a lot of money. Additionally, you’ll have fresh herbs on hand to use in your cooking, which can elevate the flavors of your dishes.

Here are four unusual herbs that you can propagate:

Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis): Lemon balm is a herb that is known for its lemony scent and taste. It is easy to propagate by taking stem cuttings in the spring, and rooting them in water or soil.
Stevia (Stevia rebaudiana): Stevia is a natural sweetener that is often used as a sugar substitute. You can propagate stevia by taking stem cuttings and rooting them in soil. It prefers well-draining soil and partial shade.
Pineapple Sage (Salvia elegans): Pineapple sage is a herb that has a sweet and fruity flavor with a hint of pineapple. It can be propagated by taking stem cuttings and rooting them in water or soil. Pineapple sage prefers full sun and well-draining soil.
Sorrel (Rumex acetosa): Sorrel is a herb that has a tangy and lemony taste. It can be propagated by taking root cuttings in the fall and planting them in soil. Sorrel prefers well-draining soil and partial shade.

Here are some examples of how to use the herbs mentioned earlier in cooking or medically:

Lemon Balm: Lemon balm is often used in tea to soothe anxiety and promote relaxation. It can also be used in cooking to add a lemony flavor to dishes, such as fish, salads, and desserts.
Stevia: Stevia is a natural sweetener that can be used to replace sugar in recipes. It is often used in baking, smoothies, and coffee or tea.
Pineapple Sage: Pineapple sage is a flavorful herb that can be used in a variety of dishes, such as fruit salads, marinades, and desserts. It can also be brewed as a tea to aid digestion and reduce inflammation.
Sorrel: Sorrel has a tangy and lemony taste that can be used to add flavor to soups, sauces, and salads. It is also a good source of vitamin C and can be used to treat scurvy, a condition caused by vitamin C deficiency.

Note: Please consult a healthcare professional before using any herbs for medicinal purposes.

I hope you find these tips helpful and enjoy propagating your own herbs! Let me know if you have any questions or if there’s anything else I can assist you with

Happy gardening and money-saving!

Best, Gardening Together

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