Herbs and Veggies

Growing up, I remember planting flowers with my Dad and sister every spring.  I remember having to take turns watering the flowers throughout the summer, sneezing through my allergies, and running from bumblebees.  This year, I decided to pass on some of those memories to my son. Turns out, he loves being outdoors and using his play gardening tool set like it’s real.  

Herbs

First we grew parsley from seed.  It’s currently growing on top of each other because I used all the seeds in one planter (not recommended).  We also planted some cilantro from seed and I think we over watered it because it never really grew. Trial and error, folks!   We’ve maintained a purchased basil plant from Trader Joe’s.  I tried to keep basil from Trader Joe’s last year and failed so this is progress for me.  

We also grew Zinnias from seed, but I definitely messed up by planting ALL the seeds from the packet in one planter (again, not recommended).   I’m tossing the thinner stems that aren’t surviving.  For the thicker stems that are multiplying, I’ve been cutting them and placing them in water until they grow roots (known as propagation) and repotting them in their own space once they have roots.   One success and working on another.  

We also have an unknown plant gifted that was gifted from my realtor nearly three years ago. I likely removed the tag, but let’s not live in the past.   When I tell you that plant has more lives than a cat!   Well, this year, I finally repotted, added some quality soil and have been consistent with watering it.  It has flourished and is really filling out.  We’re quite a ways from a garden bed, but I’m pretty satisfied with our somewhat flourishing herbs, flowers, and plants.  

Beginner tips and lessons learned the hard way:

• Follow the direction on the packets of seeds. No, really

• If you have an unknown plant, trial and error until you figure out what it needs (sunlight and water frequency)

• Find plant friends that are willing to help.  

• Get some gnat traps  

• Plant food was a game changer; I use Scott’s 

If you’re looking for more information and resources, here are some people that were very helpful...you know, after I messed up lol

Happy planting y’all!