Herb Watch 2009: Dare I Say... Success

Though I feel a little superstitious just typing the word 'success,' I can use no other term. I've got a planter full of growing herbs!

I shared with you the planting, and their slow progress. They're still very small--not big enough to harvest, but I'm well on the way to mature herb plants. The only drawback is that the seeds were disturbed by an unknown outdoor digger (I suspect a squirrel or bird), so they're quite mixed up. Otherwise, all is well--basil, sage, garlic chives and dill are sprouting up beautifully. I should be able to use some in a few more weeks.

Even though I dared not hope to have a window full of herbs because of my poor gardening skills, I've managed to make it happen this year. It appears, too, that Thundercat has matured enough to leave them alone--she occasionally looks at the pot hanging at the kitchen window, but manages to leave it alone.

The other tray of seeds that I planted have not even sprouted. I'm thinking that recycling the egg tray for seed-starting was a bad idea. The paper seems to wick away moisture too quickly. Plus I left those outside--and there have been numerous frosts since they were planted. *sigh*

Hey, I definitely am not claiming a green thumb. Perhaps I'll allow myself the status of brown instead of black.

Herb Watch 2009

Remember the seeds I planted a few weeks ago?

The watermelon, bell pepper and pumpkin seeds are not yet sprouted, by my herb planter has lots of seedlings!



Mind you this container has had quite a go of it. I placed it outside during a warm, sunny stretch and some critter kept digging up the tiny basil plant in the center. The dirt got all mussed up and I had to re-arrange things at least three times to repair what the animal (or bird?) had destroyed.

It appears that it all survived anyway--we have seedlings! Even some of the sprouts are carrying the seed up with them into the air. What is that all about? Are those doomed, or is it normal? Are those growing upside-down?

Mr.W was kind enough to put in a ceiling hook next to my sunny kitchen window so these little fellers seem to be happy. I hope they'll live!

Any suggestions from you seasoned gardeners out there?



This is a scheduled post; I am unavailable from Tuesday, May 12 through Friday, May 15, but will respond to your comments and emails as quickly as possible. Thanks in advance for your patience.

Earth Day 2009

For me, Earth Day is more about devotion--a special remembrance to my Creator who formed the planet. And it's a poignant reminder to be a good steward of all the things that have been entrusted to my care, including the land.

To celebrate the day, I decided it was a good time to start my seeds. I headed outside first thing this morning to do the job. I'd rather spill dirt outside, after all! Besides, the sun was shining, the rain has gone, and I assumed that meant the weather would be relatively warm.

Though it turned out to be chillier than I had expected outside, I pressed onward. This year I'm hoping to build a small vegetable garden outside, along with a hanging herb planter indoors at my sunny kitchen window. In order for it to be there, it has to hang and not sit on the shelves currently there. My attempt at herbs last year failed miserably because of one and one thing only: Thundercat. After all, how can a kitty resist a pot of dirt just sitting there, waiting for her paws?


It took a bit of time, but with my trusty bag o' dirt, a paper egg carton, a spoon and chopstick, a small basil plant given me by my bank (an Earth Day gift--how nice!), and several seed envelopes, I got to work.



I planted watermelon, bell pepper and pumpkin seeds in a paper egg carton rescued from the recycle bin.



I also used a coconut-lined hanging basket to hold my small basil plant in the center, surrounded by garlic chives, dill and sage.

Both containers are now safely ensconsed indoors, away from the crazy weather we're still having... one day lots of sun and warmth, the next day dipping around freezing temps with gusty wind and rain. Here they are in my dining room next to a sunny window until (a) Mr.W puts a good hook up at my kitchen window for the herb pot and (b) it's nice enough outdoors to put the egg carton out.

Now I just have to keep Thundercat away.

Happy Earth Day to all!
How are you celebrating the day?