Delicious Winter Herbs

To expand my green horizons I have decided to embark upon the messy but satisfying task of gardening. Like my cooking, this is a trial and error process that will assuredly end in some pitiful wilting, but what better way to toil the day away than to coax a beautiful bounty from the Jersey soil?

My head-first jump into the garden is more of a toe-wetting. I am planning a small backyard box garden to experiment with some veggies and flowers. Some cherry tomatoes, arugula, chard, possibly a zucchini (just to see if I can do it!) and some hanging peas all lined with some lavender and pansies. I know, I know, how big will this box be, you ask, won't you be overcrowding? Well, yes, but this first garden is an experiment, a little test to see what grows in this earth as well as a huge test of patience for me! If all goes well, I may try some daring plants in the fall! I will update you on my progress. Next up: building a box frame, a task that promises to be dangerous (when did I last use a hammer?) and informative (about what NOT to do!)

In the meantime, to combat the dreariness of this snowy winter, I have planted some simple indoor herbs. This is a perfect winter hobby and the tiny green tendrils peeking out of the pots are so cheery that even another nor'easter couldn't bring me down!


Winter Herb Garden

Needed: Seeds, potting soil, some rocks, small pots

• Again, I admit that I really don't know what I am doing, but that is what makes it fun and surprising! So, on the advice of some websites I soaked my seeds overnight before planting.
• In the morning I filled my pots first with some rocks to help with drainage, and then potting soil. I used simple old potting soil, but I am sure that there is something fancy for growing indoors.
  
• I sowed the seeds according to the instructions, but need to warn you that soaked basil seeds are not easy to work with. The next time around I will pull those little suckers out for the pre-soak!
• Then I lightly covered them over with soil and easily watered them.
  
• Next I covered each pot with plastic wrap, but later found that sandwich bags work better. It forms a tiny greenhouse!
• Put them near warmth and sun.
• And low and behold, THEY GROW!
  
  
  
  I chose to plant basil, cilantro, parsley and chives. I literally threw these babies into the soil without any expectations. There are probably a bit too many sprouts and I and most definitely watering them too much, but it is such a pleasure to wake up each morning to a tiny new great shoot with my morning coffee!