Fast Growing Herbs – Fresh Flavor For Your Campsite & Homestead
Picture this: you’re miles from the nearest grocery store, deep in the backcountry or parked at a remote boondocking spot. Dinner is cooking over the campfire or on your RV stove, and it tastes good, but something’s missing. That vibrant, fresh flavor that only comes from just-picked herbs.
Many outdoor enthusiasts agree that accessing fresh produce can be a real challenge when you’re living on the road or off-grid. But what if you could cultivate your own supply, even in compact spaces?
The good news is, you absolutely can. Growing your own fast growing herbs allows you to elevate your outdoor cooking, enjoy natural remedies, and add a touch of green to your mobile or static homestead.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll show you how to choose, grow, and care for a variety of herbs that thrive quickly, perfect for campers, vanlifers, and homesteaders alike. Get ready to transform your outdoor culinary experience and embrace a more self-sufficient lifestyle.
Table of Contents
Why Cultivate Fast Growing Herbs on the Go?
Bringing fresh flavors to your outdoor kitchen isn’t just about taste; it’s about enhancing your entire experience. Imagine garnishing a freshly caught trout with dill or adding fragrant basil to your camp pasta.
Having a small herb garden, whether in an RV, a tent camp, or a developing homestead, offers numerous advantages beyond just culinary delights.
Boost Your Outdoor Cuisine
Fresh herbs provide a flavor profile that dried herbs simply can’t match. They can turn a simple meal into something extraordinary, making your outdoor dining feel more gourmet.
Think about adding freshly chopped chives to scrambled eggs cooked over a propane stove or mint to your evening tea around the campfire.
Embrace Self-Sufficiency and Sustainability
Growing your own food, even small amounts, is a fundamental step toward a more self-reliant lifestyle. It reduces your reliance on grocery stores, especially in remote areas.
For homesteaders, it’s a natural extension of building a resilient food system. For travelers, it means fewer trips to town and a smaller carbon footprint.
Natural Remedies and Wellness
Many herbs offer medicinal properties that can be invaluable in an outdoor setting. For instance, peppermint can soothe an upset stomach, while lavender can help with relaxation or minor skin irritations.
Having these natural aids readily available can be a game-changer when you’re far from conventional pharmacies or first aid kits.
Connect with Nature
Tending to plants fosters a deeper connection with the natural world. It’s a calming, meditative activity that aligns perfectly with the outdoor lifestyle.
Watching a seed sprout and grow into a usable plant is incredibly rewarding, offering a sense of accomplishment and grounding.
Top Picks: The Best Fast Growing Herbs for Outdoor Living
When selecting herbs for your mobile or compact garden, focus on varieties known for their rapid growth, resilience, and adaptability to container life. These are the champions among fast growing herbs.
Chives (Allium schoenoprasum)
Chives are incredibly easy to grow and regrow quickly after harvesting. They have a mild oniony flavor, perfect for eggs, salads, potatoes, and soups.
They thrive in full sun but can tolerate partial shade, making them versatile for various outdoor setups. Plant from seed or a small nursery start.
Cilantro (Coriandrum sativum)
A staple in many cuisines, cilantro grows rapidly from seed. It prefers cooler temperatures and can bolt (go to seed) quickly in hot weather, but its fast growth means you can succession plant for a continuous supply.
Use it fresh in tacos, salsas, and curries. The seeds are coriander, offering a bonus spice.
Dill (Anethum graveolens)
Dill is another quick grower, often ready for harvest in just a few weeks. It’s fantastic with fish, potatoes, pickles, and in fresh salads.
It prefers full sun and well-draining soil. Dill can attract beneficial insects, which is a plus for any garden, mobile or otherwise.
Mint (Mentha spp.)
Mint is notoriously vigorous and grows very quickly. It’s best grown in its own container to prevent it from taking over other plants.
There are many varieties, including peppermint and spearmint, excellent for teas, desserts, and refreshing drinks. Mint can tolerate some shade.
Parsley (Petroselinum crispum)
Both flat-leaf and curly parsley are relatively fast-growing and provide a fresh, earthy flavor. They are biennial, meaning they grow for two years, but you’ll get plenty of harvests in the first year.
Parsley is a versatile garnish and a key ingredient in many dishes, from stews to tabbouleh.
Radish Greens (Raphanus sativus)
While technically a vegetable, radish greens are incredibly fast-growing and offer a peppery, slightly spicy kick. You can harvest the young leaves long before the radish root fully develops.
They are excellent in salads or lightly sautéed, providing fresh greens in a hurry.
Arugula (Eruca vesicaria)
Similar to radish greens, arugula is a peppery leafy green that grows exceptionally fast from seed. You can harvest its tender leaves in as little as two to three weeks.
It adds a gourmet touch to salads, sandwiches, and even as a topping for campfire pizzas.
Essential Gear for Container Herb Gardening
Setting up a mobile herb garden requires a few key pieces of equipment. Choosing the right gear ensures your herbs thrive and are easy to manage, whether you’re in a campervan or settling into a new homestead plot.
Containers and Planters
Lightweight pots: Opt for plastic or fabric grow bags (like Smart Pots) which are lighter than ceramic and less prone to breaking during transit. Fabric pots also offer excellent drainage and aeration.
Self-watering planters: These are fantastic for travelers, as they extend the time between waterings. Look for options with a reservoir at the bottom. Vertical planters: Space-saving solutions like tiered planters or wall-mounted pockets are ideal for RVs, vans, or small balconies.
Potting Mix and Amendments
High-quality potting mix: Use a light, well-draining organic potting mix. Avoid heavy garden soil, which can compact in containers.
Compost or worm castings: Mix in a small amount of organic compost or worm castings for a slow-release nutrient boost. This is particularly helpful for herbs that will be harvested frequently.
Watering Tools
Small watering can: Essential for precise watering without over-saturating the soil. Spray bottle: Useful for misting leaves, especially in dry climates, or for applying diluted liquid fertilizers.
Other Useful Tools
Hand trowel: For planting and transplanting. Small pruning shears or scissors: For clean harvesting, which encourages regrowth. Plant labels: Helps keep track of what you’ve planted, especially important if you’re growing from seed.
Setting Up Your Mobile Herb Garden: RVs, Vans, & Campsites
The beauty of growing fast growing herbs is their adaptability. You can cultivate them in surprisingly small spaces, making them perfect companions for your outdoor adventures.
For RV and Van Life
Window sills and dashboard: Maximize natural light by placing small pots on window sills or securing them on your dashboard when parked. Ensure they won’t become projectiles during travel. Suction cup shelves: These can attach to windows or smooth interior walls, holding lightweight pots. Hanging planters: Utilize vertical space with hanging planters from ceiling hooks or mounted on walls. Make sure they are securely fastened for travel.
Outdoor racks: When stationary, consider a small folding rack or shelf that can sit outside your RV door, bringing plants outdoors for maximum sun exposure.
For Tent Campers and Overland Expeditions
Portable grow bags: Fabric grow bags are lightweight and can be easily packed. You can grow herbs at your campsite and even bring them indoors if temperatures drop. Small, sturdy containers: Choose pots that won’t easily tip over. Consider placing them within a larger, shallow tray to catch any overflow and provide stability.
Designated “kitchen” area: Set up a small, shaded area near your camp kitchen for your herbs. This makes them easily accessible for cooking and protects them from harsh sun or wind.
For Homesteading Starters
Raised garden beds: If you’re establishing a homestead, start with small raised beds for herbs. They offer better drainage and soil control than in-ground planting. Container clusters: Group several herb pots together in a sunny spot. This creates a microclimate that can benefit all plants and makes watering more efficient.
Pro Tip for Travel: Before moving your vehicle, secure all pots. Place them in a designated box or bin, or use non-slip mats and bungee cords to prevent them from sliding or tipping during transit.
Caring for Your Herbs: Watering, Sunlight, & Harvesting
Proper care is crucial for healthy, productive herbs. Understanding their basic needs will ensure a continuous supply of fresh flavor.
Watering Wisely
Most herbs prefer consistently moist, but not waterlogged, soil. Check the soil moisture daily by sticking your finger about an inch deep.
Water thoroughly until you see drainage from the bottom of the pot. In hot, dry climates or full sun, plants may need watering twice a day.
Reduce watering in cooler weather or if plants are in partial shade. Overwatering is a common killer of container herbs.
Sunlight Requirements
The majority of culinary herbs thrive in full sun, meaning at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day. Position your pots accordingly.
If you’re in an RV or van, move your plants to follow the sun. If direct sunlight is scarce, consider a small, portable LED grow light for a few hours a day, especially during seed starting.
Some herbs, like mint and parsley, can tolerate partial shade, which is useful in very hot climates to prevent scorching.
Harvesting for Growth
Harvesting your herbs correctly encourages bushier growth and prevents them from flowering too early (which can change their flavor).
Use clean shears or scissors to snip off outer leaves or stems. For basil, pinch off the top set of leaves just above a node to encourage branching.
Never take more than one-third of the plant at once, allowing it to recover and continue growing. Regular harvesting is key to a continuous supply of fast growing herbs.
From Seed to Plate: Culinary Uses and Preservation
Once you’ve successfully grown your herbs, the real fun begins: enjoying them! Fresh herbs are incredibly versatile in outdoor cooking, and knowing how to preserve them ensures no harvest goes to waste.
Elevating Campfire and RV Meals
Chives: Sprinkle over eggs, baked potatoes (cooked in foil over coals), or campfire chili. Cilantro: Essential for fresh salsas, guacamole, and garnishing any Mexican or Thai-inspired dish. Dill: Perfect with grilled fish, roasted vegetables, or mixed into yogurt-based sauces for dips.
Mint: Brew fresh mint tea, add to fruit salads, or muddle for refreshing drinks. A sprig in your water bottle adds a burst of flavor. Parsley: A universal garnish, excellent in salads, soups, and marinades for grilled meats or veggies. Arugula/Radish Greens: Toss into salads, use as a peppery topping for sandwiches, or lightly wilt them into a stir-fry.
Simple Preservation Methods for Travelers
Even though these are fast growers, sometimes you’ll have an abundance. Preservation extends their usability. Drying: Tie small bundles of herbs (like dill, parsley, or mint) and hang them in a dry, airy spot. Once brittle, crumble and store in airtight containers. This works well in dry climates. Freezing in oil: Chop herbs finely, pack them into ice cube trays, and cover with olive oil. Freeze, then pop out the cubes and store them in a freezer bag. These are perfect for starting soups or sauces.
Freezing in water: For herbs like chives or parsley, simply chop and freeze in ice cube trays with a little water. Great for adding to cooked dishes. Make herb butter: Mix finely chopped herbs into softened butter, then roll into a log, wrap in parchment paper, and freeze. Slice off discs to melt over grilled meats, vegetables, or fresh bread.
Troubleshooting Common Herb Growing Challenges
Even experienced growers encounter issues. Knowing how to diagnose and address common problems will keep your herb garden thriving, even in dynamic outdoor environments.
Yellowing Leaves
Cause: Often a sign of overwatering or nutrient deficiency. Can also indicate too little light.
Solution: Check soil moisture; ensure good drainage. If consistently wet, repot with fresh, well-draining soil. If dry, water thoroughly. Consider a balanced liquid organic fertilizer at half strength. Move to a sunnier spot.
Leggy Growth (Tall and Sparse)
Cause: Insufficient light. Plants are stretching to find more sun.
Solution: Move your plants to a location with more direct sunlight. If natural light is limited (e.g., inside an RV), supplement with a small LED grow light. Regular harvesting also encourages bushier growth.
Pests (Aphids, Spider Mites)
Cause: Pests are common, especially in warm, humid conditions or when plants are stressed. Solution: Inspect plants regularly. For minor infestations, spray with a strong stream of water. For more persistent issues, use an organic insecticidal soap (diluted according to instructions). Neem oil can also be effective. Isolate affected plants to prevent spread.
Bolting (Going to Seed Prematurely)
Cause: High temperatures, stress, or inconsistent watering can cause herbs like cilantro and basil to “bolt,” where they produce flowers and seeds quickly. Solution: Harvest frequently to delay bolting. Provide some afternoon shade during hot spells. Ensure consistent watering. For herbs like cilantro, succession planting (sowing new seeds every few weeks) ensures a continuous supply of fresh leaves.
Wilting Plants
Cause: Can be either severe underwatering or root rot from overwatering. Also, extreme heat.
Solution: Check soil moisture. If dry, water immediately and thoroughly. If wet and soggy, allow to dry out or repot. Provide shade during the hottest part of the day if extreme temperatures are a factor. Ensure good air circulation around the plants.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fast Growing Herbs
How often should I fertilize my container herbs?
For most fast growing herbs in containers, a light feeding every 2-4 weeks with a balanced, organic liquid fertilizer (diluted to half strength) is usually sufficient. Over-fertilizing can lead to excessive leafy growth with less flavor, so err on the side of caution.
Can I grow herbs from kitchen scraps?
Yes, some herbs can be regrown from cuttings. Mint, basil, and cilantro stems can often root in a glass of water, then be transplanted into soil. This is a great way to extend your harvest and reduce waste.
What’s the best way to keep my herbs from drying out while I’m away?
For short trips, self-watering planters are excellent. For longer absences, consider a drip irrigation system with a timer, or ask a fellow camper or homesteader to water them for you. Grouping pots together can also help retain moisture.
Are there any herbs I should avoid growing together?
Generally, most culinary herbs can be grown in proximity, but some have different water needs. For example, rosemary and lavender prefer drier conditions, while mint and basil like more moisture. It’s often best to give vigorous growers like mint their own container.
How do I protect my herbs from cold weather when traveling?
If temperatures drop, bring your pots inside your RV or van overnight. For homesteaders, use frost cloths or move containers to a sheltered area. Some hardy herbs like chives can tolerate light frost, but most prefer warmer conditions.
Embracing the world of fast growing herbs is a simple yet powerful way to enrich your outdoor adventures. Whether you’re a seasoned overlander, a weekend camper, or building a self-sufficient homestead, a small herb garden brings fresh flavors, natural remedies, and a deeper connection to nature right to your fingertips.
Start small, experiment with different varieties, and enjoy the delicious rewards of your efforts. Happy growing, and may your outdoor meals always be fresh and flavorful!
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