If you’re looking for a simple way to save money on groceries and add more flavour to your family meals, growing your own herbs is a fantastic place to start.
Why grow herbs?
At the supermarket, fresh herbs usually cost between $3–$4 for a small bunch. They’re often wrapped in plastic, don’t last long in the fridge, and many of us end up throwing half of them away.
When you grow herbs at home, you plant once and enjoy fresh flavour again and again, for months, sometimes years. A $5 plant can easily replace dozens of supermarket bunches, saving you hundreds of dollars over time!
The best herbs to grow in New Brighton
Vegetables can be tricky to grow in our poor soil, but many herbs thrive here! Our coastal Christchurch climate is well-suited for hardy, easy-to-grow herbs. You don’t need a big garden either, most will thrive in pots, buckets, or small patches of soil.
Here are some great options:
🌿 Parsley
Adds freshness to soups, pasta, and salads. Perfect for stretching meals and making them more filling.
🌿 Rosemary
Drought-hardy and long-lived. A sprig can transform roasted veggies or cheaper cuts of meat into something special.
🌿 Thyme
Loves sandy soils and adds depth to stews, soups, and casseroles.
🌿 Chives
Perfect for sprinkling on eggs, noodles, or potatoes. Easy to grow back again and again.
🌿 Mint and Lemon Balm
Spreads easily and is great for teas, fruit salads, or refreshing summer drinks.
🌿 Coriander
Can seem fussy, but plant it from seed, and forget about it! Packs serious flavour for most Asian and Mexican dishes.
Everyday meal benefits
For families on a budget, herbs are more than just a garnish – they can make basic, affordable ingredients feel exciting. And don't forget they count towards eating your greens!
Potatoes + chives = an easy, filling side that feels like a treat.
Rice + parsley = turns plain rice into something fresh and tasty.
Beans or lentils + thyme/rosemary = rich, comforting meals with simple ingredients.
Mint tea = a free, healthy drink straight from your garden.
Getting started
The best way to begin is to pick one or two herbs your whānau uses most often. Start small – a pot of parsley by the kitchen door or a rosemary plant in the garden. Before long, you’ll have fresh, homegrown flavour ready to pick whenever you need it, and one less item to buy at the supermarket.
Growing herbs at home is a simple step towards saving money, eating well, and enjoying the freshness of kai straight from your garden.