It is funny how one thing leads to another. Did you ever notice when you paint one room, it makes the next room look dismal? Much like that, I have recently paid much more attention to the foods I eat. Research has led me to some common good health habits I am in the process of instilling. I am noticing the use of seasonings as key; similar seasonings in these healthy choices. That led me to thinking about an herb garden for growing and harvesting some of these seasonings rather than buying them at grocery stores. Gardening, for me, has always been to weed out the beds and water the foliage. Another life time ago, I did have an outside vegetable garden but somehow those squirrels knew better than me when to harvest.

An herb garden. Size? Indoors or outdoors? Greenhouse, cold frame, grow lights, raised beds? These are concepts I am running into. What is the purpose of each of these tools, what is the difference? What of these things will I need? I am not qualified to answer any of these questions but am interested in learning more. Then, there is the continued thinking . . . seeds versus seedlings?

After much contemplation, I I have decided to start small. Yeah, right. Ever step into Home Depot’s Garden Center or a well established nursery? So luscious in nature’s glory. I asked myself again, what is my interest or intent for this project? Well first let’s face it. Greenery is gorgeous. I definitely wanted herbs for my ever-changing healthy diet. I wanted the challenge of growing my own herbs from seed and be able to harvest for as many months as possible living in a 4 season climate. I also decided I wanted it indoors. Now, I am learning about the mental health benefits of plants in the home.

Research has linked houseplants to reduced stress, lower blood pressure, and an improved state of mind. And office environments with plants have been associated with higher job satisfaction and reduced health complaints.

SIDE NOTE: I always did love my classroom during the Plant Unit.

All of this led me to my first effort which I affectionately call, Attempt #1.

This is a self-monitoring indoor garden. I thought PERFECT! Nice and tidy and I will have all the spices I want. Just set this up, and watch it grow.

Well, grow it indeed did! Too much. If possible, too fast. In no time, I had a jungle. The containers were so close to one another and I planted WAY too many seeds into each little pocket. I’m sure there was a way to harvest that I didn’t know or do. The plants entangled, became stringy due to my negligence. ugh.

It is like me to have a go-around a time or two (or more) when I want to achieve something. So, I took to heart what went right and what went wrong and here is my second attempt. I guess she will be called Attempt #2.

Individual little pots for plucking strong vs. weak, much more space for each individual spice, a little greenhouse that didn’t need to be too sturdy since it was going to be in my sunroom. Bottom shelves remain available. Yeah! Room for ?

Also, labels.

Parsley, basil, and thyme are now planted. This planting was done about 5 days, ago. I do not see any evidence of success as of yet but could be too early. I also planted mint as the aroma of mint leaves brings me back to my mother’s backyard where it was growing fastidiously without a care in the world.

Now, remember I said I was going to start slow? See the size difference between Attempt #1 and #2? Chuckling.

Of course, while I’m at it . . .Just learned the key phrase for filling a pot, “fill, thrill, spill.” Fill with a filler, thrill goes in the middle to be dramatic-like, and spill is like an ivy-type that as it grows will spill over the side.

Do I really need a hook?

planters that needs attention . . .

a froggy planter that was here when I moved in that I have moved into a garden closer to my home

Flower boxes were also here. Wished I had lined them with sod (is that what it is called?) Next year. I just learned about soaking hoses. I will be placing one in the very long garden way in the back.

And, so it goes . . . Happy lovely Spring to all of you!