Tag: Fresh Greens

3 Easy-to-Grow Herbs

If you want to try your hand at growing herbs this season but aren’t sure which to try, read on.

When it comes to herb gardening, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, herbs need at least six hours of sunlight per day. They also prefer well-draining soil with a neutral pH. However, perhaps the most important factor is choosing the right herb for your level of experience. If you’re a beginner, it’s best to start with an herb that is easy to grow. Some good options include basil, oregano, and chives. These herbs are relatively tolerant of different conditions and can be easily propagated from cuttings. With a little care and attention, you can soon be enjoying fresh herbs straight from your own garden.

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Basil

Basil is a popular herb that is commonly used in Italian cooking. It has a strong, unique flavor that can add depth to any dish. Best of all, basil is relatively easy to grow, making it a great choice for anyone who wants to start their own herb garden. It requires little maintenance and can be grown indoors or outdoors. It prefers warm weather and plenty of sunlight, but as long as these basic needs are met, basil will thrive. Additionally, basil is not particularly susceptible to pests or diseases, so it can be left largely unattended. With just a little bit of effort, basil can provide fresh herbs for your kitchen all year round.

Image by monicore from Pixabay
Oregano

Oregano is a hardy herb that can tolerate a wide range of growing conditions. It is a versatile herb that can be used in many different dishes, and it is easy to dry for later use. Oregano can be planted in the spring or autumn, and it does not require much care once it is established. It will tolerate partial shade, but will produce more leaves if it is grown in full sun. Oregano is a drought-tolerant plant, so it does not need to be watered often. When oregano is grown in containers, it should be fertilized every few weeks. It can be propagated by seed, cuttings, or division. Oregano is susceptible to root rot, so it is important to make sure that the soil drains well. It’s an easy herb to grow and can be a valuable addition to the garden.

Image by Hans Linde from Pixabay
Chives

Chives are a versatile herb that can be used in a variety of dishes, from salads to soups. They have a mild onion flavor and are often used as a garnish or seasoning. Chives are also very easy to grow, making them a great option for beginner gardeners. They require very little maintenance and can be grown in both sun and shade, and tolerate being allowed to dry out. Chives are also resistant to pests and diseases, which further reduces the amount of work required to keep them healthy. As a result, chives are an ideal herb for anyone looking for an easy-to-grow plant that will provide them with ample harvest.

Image by Bek Greenwood from Pixabay
Conclusion

Basil, oregano and chives are all easy to grow herbs that can be added to your garden or balcony. They’re perfect for beginner gardeners because they don’t require a lot of maintenance and they add a pop of color and flavour to any dish. Have you grown any of these herbs before? If so, tell me about your experience in the comments below. I’d love to hear from you!

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They’re Here!

It seems like it has taken forever, but in all honesty it’s only been a few days.

My sprout seeds arrived and I couldn’t wait to get some started. The lids came with two packages of seeds, plus I ordered a separate package of seeds for more selection. And with the temperatures quickly dropping to minus 30 degrees Celsius, a taste of spring will be welcome.

Two packages came with the lids and the other six were in another package.

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The lids out of the package so you can see what they look like.

When I took the Sprouting Workshop I bought seeds from the same company as above and they had an excellent germination rate. The lids are a little (okay, a lot) different from the one I bought at the workshop but they seem to work well. I like the ease in which the water can be added and drained, and the jars don’t want to roll away because of the flat design on the lids.

I put the seeds (1 tbsp of alfalfa in one jar and 4 tbsp of Crunchy Bean Mix in another) in water and let them soak while I was at work. Each seed type has a different recommendation on the package which I suggest you follow, at least until you know how much room they’ll take up in the jar.

Alfalfa seeds in water.
Crunchy Bean Mix in water.

After soaking all day, I drained the water and laid the jars on their sides. I’m anticipating some sprouting by morning. The trick is to keep them moist, so I’ll rinse them again before I go to work.

Soaked alfalfa seeds.
Crunchy Bean Mix after the water was drained.

Last time I sprouted seeds the beans were ready in a matter of a few days. They were crunchy and had a somewhat nutty flavour. I can hardly wait for these to be big enough to eat.

I love sprouts in salad, on a sandwich or just by themselves. Adding some fresh greens to our diet will be a good mid-winter boost.

The package of alfalfa seeds is supposed to yield at least 30 cups of sprouts. If I remember I should measure each batch I do so I can see just how much I get. It will be interesting to know.

It’s easy to get started with sprouting, and no specialized equipment is needed. I have had success with a plastic mesh as well as the stainless steel screen I bought at the workshop. I plan on buying a few different types of lids as well as an actual sprouting tray just to see how each works. I just have to be careful not to get ahead of myself, or I’ll have more sprouts than we can eat in a week.

Stay tuned to see how they turn out. I’ll be posting pictures so you can see the progress.

Have you tried to grow sprouts? If so, did you enjoy the process and the tasty reward?