Monday, April 6, 2009

Our Indoor Herb Garden

We were in Home Depot on Saturday to pick up a few things for a project that Kevin was working on. While walking around, we were talking about how nice it would be if we had a garden. We could BBQ as well as plant our own vegetables. I commented that it would also be nice to grow a herb garden, so that I can cook with fresh herbs everyday. Kevin said that we do not need a garden to have a herb garden. We can have our own indoor herb garden! So, we went to the Garden Center and looked for stuff to grow our indoor herb garden. Kevin actually loves gardening and plants (he enjoys taking care of our rubber plant as well as some other potted plant in our apartment), so he was very gung-ho about this project.

We went around looking for the pots, seeds, soil, rocks as well as plant food. Look at how happy he was! This is what we bought. Four Terracotta/clay pots with a dish each, potting mix, small river stones, Miracle Gro plant food as well as Oregano, Sweet Basil, Rosemary and Parsley seeds.

The first thing Kevin did was to fill the bottom of the Terracotta pots with small river stones. This is to make sure that the water is not clogged up in the pot but has room to flow out of the hole in the bottom of the pot. Terracotta or clay pots are the best type of pots to use when you want to start an indoor garden. It's because it allows air and water to circulate. Small pots with a diameter of 6" at the top would be an ideal size as it's small enough to compact the plant but large enough to allow the plant to grow.

Next, he filled the pots with potting mix. Just fill it to the top.

He then used a toothpick to make tiny holes in the potting mix.

Once he was done making holes in the potting mix, he sprinkled the seeds into the holes.

We then moved all the pots into the kitchen. It's time to make some plant food to water the seeds for the first time.

Using the measuring spoon that comes with the plant food, he measured out the amount needed in a plastic container. Just follow the directions on the box.

He then filled it with water.

We placed all the pots in the sink. This is to prevent water from spilling everywhere (since there is a hole at the bottom of the pot). Once that is done, he slowly watered each pot with the plant food.

Once most of the excess water has drained out from the pots, Kevin moved it to the window sill of the kitchen window. This will be the location of our new indoor herb garden!! The best place for the plants is next to a large window where they can get at least 5 hours of sun everyday. Also, keep it away from the kitchen stove or anything that will cause the plants to experience extreme temperature change.

We are supposed to mist the soil every day to keep it moist. We should be able to see some growth in about 10 - 14 days. I am really looking forward to this and hope that they will grow well. Isn't Kevin the best husband in the whole wide world??? Just mention "oh I wish I had a herb garden" and POOF! Suddenly I am on my way to having one!! I'll post more pictures once they have started growing. I really hope they do. For now, I'll just keep my fingers and toes crossed!

2 comments:

aahhh-CHEW!!! said...

You guys will soon be like the 'herb king' Jamie Oliver ... ahahaha ...

Charlene n Kevin said...

Hahahahaha! I just hope that it grows! :P