homegrown herbs

In honor of Earth Day, I have decided to post things this week that we can all do to help the planet a little while we cook up amazing dishes for our families. I am starting this series off with a little project me and the carnivore took on this weekend. Thanks to a Home Depot giftcard from the in-laws for Easter, we were able to start our own little herb garden this Spring. I am dying to start growing a few vegetables in the backyard, but the carnivore wants to make sure I can keep something alive first. So, we decided to plant some herbs in a pot on our back porch. It was really simple. Even if you don't have a green thumb, you should give this green project a try. Now, I am by no means an expert gardener, and I may soon learn that these herbs each need their own pot, but this starter garden is good enough for now. And here is how the carnivore and I did it -


First, we stocked up on a few supplies - a large planter, some organic potting soil and 8 different herbs. Once we got home we put most of the soil in our new pretty red planter. We then began planting our herbs. We bought ones that came in their own peat pots which meant less trash in the landfills and less transplant shock (at least that is what the label said). After removing the bottom of the peat pots and loosening the roots we placed them in the soil. We arranged the plants in the pot so that the larger plants could hang over the side. We then added a bit more soil and a generous amount of water. It really was that easy!

Just like that we now have fresh herbs - mint, rosemary, dill, thyme, basil, cilantro, parsley, and oregano to be exact - to make everything from mojitos to marinara.When they get bigger they may be moved to my larger garden (keep your fingers crossed for me), but for now it is perfect to have them on hand whenever my recipe calls for fresh herbs. Not only are we being green but we are also saving green. Each plant costs about what a small pack of the herbs costs at the grocery store. Plus, by having them outside my door I save the planet by reducing the packaging and shipping. It is a win-win!
Stay tuned all week for more green living ideas from me and the carnivore...