Indoor Gardening Update

According to the packages of my basil and parsley seeds, I should be seeing seed germination right about now. It seems the seeds may have missed the memo. I've dutifully watered them, kept them in a warm windowsill full of sunshine, and talked to them while I washed dishes. They refuse to emerge.

Wretched, stubborn seeds!

I recently read an article which suggested I place the containers in a plastic bag that will act like a greenhouse. I will give them another day or two before progressing to this. Then it's time to play dirty. I need herbs.

On the bright side, the basil I bought last week is still alive. It's the North Shore Greenhouse Living Herbs variety that's commonly available at grocery stores. The plant is sold with root ball intact; I transplanted it to a large pot full of organic potting mix and have been watering it daily. It looks a bit sparse since I used some the leaves in a recipe earlier this week. I hope it continues to live- the company's website doesn't seem particularly optimistic about replanting it. Statements like "You may certainly try to replant the herbs; just make sure to leave a few leaves on the plant to keep it alive," and "Some of our Herb varieties will be more successful than others," aren't very encouraging. Fingers crossed.

grow little basil, grow!

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Planting Herbs

I've been wanting to start an herb garden for ages, but have been limited by a number of factors in previous residences. Lack of appropriate window sills, presence of rowdy cats, presence of rowdy roommates. As a result, I've been buying fresh herbs from the grocery store, which gets expensive once one gets away from parsley and cilantro.

I bought seeds, potting mix, and pots a few weeks ago, and finally took the time to get everything together today. I located an empty egg carton, filled the divets with Miracle-Gro organic potting mix, and gently planted a few seeds in each. After watering and labeling each divet with a toothpick-and-tape flag, I placed them in the kitchen windowsill.

Future tastiness

The basil and parsley should germinate within 5-10 days, while the rosemary will take a bit longer at 12-15 days. Once the plants are a couple of inches tall, I'll move them to their new homes- a few freshly painted ceramic pots.

Pretty pots

I'm excited to have fresh herbs soon! I use them frequently in cooking; plus, they'll really brighten up that windowsill.

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