With dinner soon approaching, it is finally time to indulge in the meal spent simmering all afternoon in the slow cooker. After a quick taste test, there seems to be just something missing. In times like these, wouldn't it be nice to have fresh herbs available on demand? Fresh herbs can provide delicate yet intense flavor blends that are superior to dried herbs and are higher in nutritional value as well.

Gardening can be a wonderful way to grow a variety of foods that can add unique diversity to homemade meals. Herbs particularly can grow rather easily and perfectly complement favorite dishes. The best part is that herbs can be grown without an elaborate garden. They can grow anywhere there is sun and a pot of soil. Since this is the time of year when overnight freezes still occur, why not plant an indoor garden? An indoor herb garden is a great introduction to growing food yourself, no green thumb required! They can grow year-round, and be used anytime. Just pick a few leaves and it will continue to grow. It is no more difficult than growing a house plants, but brings the awareness and confidence of growing your own food.

Herbs such as thyme, basil, oregano, and mint are easy to grow and can add fresh flavors to countless meals. To get started, simply grab a pot, some soil, and some seeds. Potting soil is the easiest way to start, if organic-rich topsoil is not available outside. Pots can be placed on tabletops and windowsills, or they can be hung to provide a decorative atmosphere.

To grow well indoors, herbs will need at least four to five hours of sunlight daily. South-facing windows are ideal. Pots should be well drained to avoid drowning the roots. Some herbs such as basil do not like cool temperatures so it is best to keep the temperature above 65 degrees throughout the day.

Herbs can always be started from seed, but it may be easier to start with pre-planted seeds available at a local nursery or gardening shop. Water plants regularly, simply ensuring the soil is moist to the touch. Fertilizing is optional if potting soil is used, but can help them more quickly. Fertilize about once a month using a conventional or organic fertilizer mix, following proper dilution instructions to avoid burning the plants.

As the herbs grow, you can add creativity and diversity to your indoor garden by adding pots wherever there is sun. Think about the look that you are going for, thyme produces a nice low plant, sage is aromatic and offers a pretty color with a large leaf and rosemary will add height. Some herbs flower, such as chives, chamomile and lavender. Add shelves and hangers to use more of the available space around the house. Plant additional crops, including parsley, dill, garlic, broccoli and bean sprouts, scallions, chives, wheatgrass, chamomile, lettuce and other greens.

An indoor garden can provide all the flavors needed to create amazing homemade meals that are sure to impress. Whether or not it progresses to an outdoor garden, the versatility an indoor garden can provide is an easy way to bring an added source of flavor and fulfillment to your cooking and to your life.

Jeremiah Dubie is a University of Idaho dietetics student.