Herbs, Herbs, Herbs.......
I went shopping yesterday and decided it was time to pick up some potting soil and some Herb Seeds. i also picked up a book from the Library about Companion Planting in Container's. So I am again looking forward to spring.
I had picked up the cutest little stainless metal oval pots from the Dollar store about a month ago and have been waiting paitently to plant some seeds in them. So I bought some Basil, Thyme, Rosemary and Parsley seed. I loved having my hands in the potting soil, I find it so very therapeutic. I cannot wait for spring this year!!!!!!
Now, I am hoping to find a spot or a pot of some kind to plant some chives. I know they spread so I don't want to put them in the ground, but am wondering how well they will grow in a container, so will need to do some more research. Also, If I plant them in the ground, they are fair game for the cat to spray on them and who want's cat sprayed chives....oooooh
Also, the Basil is an annual but Rosemary and Thyme are both perennials. They are both supposed to be difficult to start from seed, so if I am able to grow them from seed, that will be that much more of an accomplishment. Rosemary can grow into a bush and it does well to be Pot Bound to strengthen the root system. It needs good drainage, so as not to get root rot and it also doesn't like to be too dry, so I am thinking Mel's Mix will do well, if I add a bit more vermiculite, but again, will have to do some more research.
The Basil I will also Plant OUtside due to it being an Annual, not sure If I will purchase plants or whether I will grow my own in Jiffy Pots, I haven't planned that out yet, that's what I will be doing this weekend, planning out my Square foot garden and find out what I need to start as seedlings and what I can sow right into the ground and what will go where. The basil will be used in cooking that I start in these pots, as it will be ready and it won't be touched by the cat, which will be a problem outside, which brings me to It will probably be growing in a pot out on the front step, that way the cat can't spray the Basil and as it is an annual, at the end of the season, I can clean out the pot and take it in inside over the winter, or rearrange the front yard to store the pot outside over the winter.
I can't wait to make my first Garlic Pesto with my own homegrown Basil. I'll post the recipe at a later time and I will also give you a great recipe for Bruschetta, which used my Garlic Pesto in it.......mmmmmmm I can't wait for spring!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!