What aromatic plants are ideal for college dorm-dwellers who are lacking "green thumbs"?

Basil was actually going to be one of my suggestions. Can't get much harder to kill then that.

I also would suggest mint. Aromatic and hard to kill.

A cactus can go pretty long without getting watered. Some can last a month.

Jade plants are tough and can go a long time without water.

Detergent is actually a pretty powerful fertilizer. Too much could burn a plant, but tiny traces could make some plants grow like wild. Bleach probably isn't good for them. If your clothes got axle grease or something on them, that probably wouldn't be good for the plants.

Green thumb is the way to go!

Personally I would not use the water from the washer, but you can call the detergent company and ask about your idea. Hopefully you are using organic detergent, otherwise please do not even consider this idea.

These are the regular choices; check though fertilization, water, sun, and even indoor growing conditions.

Geranium

Lavender

Basil

Thyme

Chive

Peppermint

Spearmint

Lemon Balm

Oregano

Rosemary

Others

Also now many nurseries came with dwarf plants, some have great aromas, and some don’t. Again, check about fertilization, water, sun, and even indoor growing conditions.

Citrus (I have citrus plants on my balcony, they can be trimmed as needed and you can have a great looking plant with fruit, it grows also indoors)

Pomegranate

Jasmine

Pasiflora

Frangipani Plumeria

I love self watering pots, but never used ikea's. Try them, It will save you a few watering's.

Good luck, enjoy.

Come visit us at www.mixaroma.com

I wouldn't re-use the drain water; not all plants like how our socks taste. They might gang up on you some dark night.

Creeping in slowly...

Leaving trails of potting soil...

(((O.O)))

As for my favorite plants, there's no way you'd get sassafras trees in your dorm; even the little ones would be too much.

And so would honeysuckle, which could end up taking over everything, anyway; they do like to grow and climb.

You'd end up having to knock and see if they wanted you to come in, and they'd always be looking over your shoulder.

Watching.

And waiting...

I think basil and mint might be better choices, and of those two I'd pick the Jubel one.

And maybe some green nail polish.

It would depend on the detergent you are using. You can use the detergent water but I wouldn't do it for a long time because it can still damage the soil. It's true that phosphates foster plant growth but you also have to watch out for the other stuff besides the phosphate, like bleach and other chemicals.

What about a jade plant? It is not aromatic, but it is nice and I think easy to keep alive in the right conditions. I water about once a week and keep it in a sunny window and it has done great.

Try common thyme. It's not unkillable but it will survive with minimal care. I have no experience with the self-watering plants, but if you suspect you may have to leave for an extended period, then they might be a good choice.

But please, don't water your plants with the discharge from the washing machine. The detergent will not be good for them.

Try a narcissus. Kits are coming into stores now. They have everything you need. They are so easy to grow, practically unkillable, and smeel so good.