Citygirl's Garden Journal

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!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 

MANURE TEA!!!!!!!!!!

I have done a wee bit of research and have discovered a new fertilizer plan, which is both organic and economical.  Thought I would pass it along.

Supposedly, you can buy these "Manure Tea Bags" at gardening supply stores and I believe "Lee Valley" has them, but I wanted to save myself some money, so I dug a little deeper into the Interweb and found out an easier way of making manure tea to water my outdoor plants with.

Get a five gallon pail and a dried out "Cow Flop".  *****Hope you have a farmer friend or family member with cows********  You have to know the cow has either been grain fed or grass fed, so that you know it is as organic as possible.  If they have been feed commercial feed, more likely than not they have been feed some kind of chemical or hormone to make them grow, but if it's someone you know, you can easily ask them what they have been eating.  The "Cow Flop" must be dry, just for your ease and also so that it will rehydrate in the water, much like a tea bag.  Now, cover the cow flop in water and place pail in a sunny dry place, cover if you have a lid, but make sure you leave some space, do not cover tightly and let "Brew" for 24 hours.   Then you can sieve off the top or dip in container so that you can continue to use the same "Cow Flop". 

I haven't read anything as far as smell or problems with this method yet, so I will keep you informed.  I'm thinking it would be easier if I had a larger container rather than a five gallon pail, I'm thinking of using an outdoor plastic garbage can and that way it has a built in lid and would be easier to dip my watering can in.

If anyone has any knowledge to pass on regarding Manure tea, please feel free to contac me at my hotmail account Citygirl68@live.com.

Happy Growing

Starting to Plan new Front and Back Garden........

 I moved recently, just as the snow hit....but am excited because I have a new, bigger back yard and a new front yard to plan.  I have decided to do a "Square Foot Garden" or two in the back yard and then do either a raised container herb planter in the front, or a step shelf in front of the window with various containers in the front.  I also want to try some container gardening in the back yard also.  Perhaps a few tomato plants and pepper plants.  

I have a beagle and a cat so I must have things either fenced or raised so the dog doesn't dig and the cat doesn't pee. 

I will post pictures as I get things together and have things to show, but right now, it's just a wash of white to see, so no pics yet.