Welcome to SV Jewel
This site is dedicated to growing culinary herbs, spices, and aromatics at home. We call them the "jewel" crops — the fragrant plants that transform everyday cooking into something memorable. Whether you have a backyard plot, a few containers on a patio, or a sunny windowsill, you can grow many of the herbs and spices you usually buy at the grocery store.
Here you will find detailed growing guides for individual plants, practical advice on garden setup methods, seasonal planting calendars, and ideas for using your harvest in the kitchen.
Grow Guides
In-depth growing instructions for each herb and spice, from planting through harvest.
Curry Leaves
The aromatic backbone of South Indian cooking. Surprisingly easy to grow in a pot.
Basil
Sweet basil, Thai basil, holy basil — the most popular herb in the kitchen garden.
Cilantro
Fast-growing and bolt-prone, but totally worth the effort for fresh leaves and coriander seed.
Rosemary
A hardy Mediterranean perennial that thrives on neglect once established.
Turmeric
Grow your own golden rhizomes — a tropical plant that does well in containers.
Ginger
Fresh ginger root from your own garden is leagues beyond the store-bought kind.
Mint
Vigorous and nearly indestructible. Best grown in containers to prevent takeover.
Lemongrass
Tall, citrusy stalks perfect for Southeast Asian dishes and herbal teas.
More guides: Thai Chili Peppers · Chives · Dill · Oregano · Sage · Parsley · Bay Laurel
Growing Methods
Different ways to set up and maintain your herb garden, no matter your space or budget.
- Raised Garden Bed Guide — build, fill, and plant a raised bed specifically for herbs
- Container Herb Garden — the most flexible option for patios and decks
- Indoor Herb Garden — keep fresh herbs going year-round under lights or near windows
- Windowsill Herbs — the simplest setup for a few essential plants
- What to Do with Old Straw Bales — repurpose spent bales as mulch, compost, or growing medium
- Straw Bale Herb Garden — an unconventional and effective growing method
- Companion Planting with Herbs
- Soil Mix for Herbs
Seasonal Planning
- Spring Herb Planting Guide
- Fall Herb Garden Prep
- Overwintering Herbs
- Herb Garden Layout Plans
- Harvesting and Drying Herbs
- Seed Starting Herbs Indoors