I have a black thumb. If you don't believe me, ask the aloe plant that I killed. Aloe plants are supposed to be very easy to care for. From now on, I can only keep the absolutely easiest-to-care-for plants in my house. Like bamboo. No one can kill bamboo. I think.
But I grew herbs. Okay, so I didn't start them from seeds (well, I did but those died), but it still counts...right?  |
| Rosemary, Basil, Chives, Mint |
If you love herbs as much as I do and want to try to grow your own, especially if you have limited space or a black thumb, this is the way to go. This idea came from Pinterest, although I'm not sure of the original source. I don't have a personal Pinterest account (and I just joined for my blog - join me here), but a friend told me about this so I wanted to try it out. I don't take credit for this idea, so if this was your idea, thank you. I'm guessing it was probably Martha Stewart. (Kidding!)
Now I'm not sure if rocks were added, but I figure it will help with drainage, so we're going to do that here. Mine have been holding strong for a few weeks now and I have great hope they will live long lives. Well, until I eat them. (Full disclosure: my cilantro died. Supposedly it doesn't transplant well. I did successfully grow some from seed outside.
What you need:
Mason jars (I used these wide mouth quart size ones.)
Organic potting soil
Choice of herbs (I found potted organic herbs in the grocery store.)
Small rocks/pebbles (I bought mine at World Market, but you can also find them on Amazon or in maybe even in your yard.)
How to make:
Fill bottom of mason jars with rocks or pebbles, allowing at least an inch or two of rocks for water drainage. Optional: add a layer of activated charcoal to prevent mold growth. Add soil, leaving room for herb roots. Remove herbs from container. With your hand, gently loosen the soil surrounding the roots and place in the jar, adding more soil as necessary to cover the roots. Do not pack the soil. (You could also try planting seedlings or seeds directly in the jars.) You can also use some tape or other material to label the herbs if you'd like.Water lightly and place in a sunny window or other sunny location.
Update: Add a layer of activated charcoal after adding the rocks/pebbles to prevent mold growth. You can find it here or a pet store or possibly a health food store. I will be trying this and will update post with the results.
Now don't ask me about trimming and keeping these herbs growing. Go here and here for more on that.
And if you don't want to plant herbs, did you know that you can regrow certain vegetables like carrots and green onions? Check it out HERE. (I've tried the green onions, but not the others yet.)
Keep your herbs fresh longer: For when you buy bunches of herbs (that you aren't planting), go HERE for a tip on keeping them fresh longer. It really works. I always keep a bunch of parsley and cilantro in my fridge and they last almost a month this way.
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| Yes, they are propped up on a Vitacost box -- for now. I had to get them in the sun somehow. |
Shared at: Natural Living Monday
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You are very welcome.
ReplyDeleteHow are your herbs now?
ReplyDeleteHi Talitha! Mine lasted about 3 months, but I'm very bad at growing things and I think I over-watered. However, I did replant some basil a few months ago and it's still going strong. I recently learned that adding a layer of charcoal above the rocks helps with mold prevention so I plan to try that. I updated the post with the info. If you decide to plant some, just be careful with watering. There is not much drainage so you don't need to water often. Thanks for stopping by!
ReplyDeleteI have killed a bamboo!!! Look at it - there. I have killed a bamboo. As well as mint - 3 different plants, thyme - 2 times, 2 cilantros grown from scraps on different occasions, mini roses - 2 plants, a kalanchoe, a most beautiful jade tree and the list goes on, I am afraid... And I managed to destroy all those plants living in Las Vegas, NV, where there is plenty of sunshine throughout the year... They must have died of over-caring... It is my DREAM to have an herb garden!!! I love the idea of herbs in mason jars! I saw it in Pinterest, as well. However, I read that successful gardeners suggest drilling holes in the bottom for better drainage. Although I hardly imagine drilling holes in a glass jar without breaking it. Thank you for your post! and good luck!!!
ReplyDeleteOh gosh, Elena! I'm so sorry for laughing at your poor bamboo! :) That is me -- I can't keep anything alive! I try so hard to grow things...I even tried a small garden last summer and it was a disaster. I wasted a lot of time and seeds and I think I ate 2 small lettuce leaves. My cilantro actually did well though! But...I'm there with you! My first batch of herbs died (I think I over-watered), so I'm trying again. I have basil that's been going strong for a few months now, but I recently read about adding charcoal to the bottom (above the rocks) to help with mold issues. I think with that maybe the drilling of holes won't be necessary (I'm not trying that!). I plan to try charcoal with the next ones I plant (not giving up) and I'll update the post. Good luck to you too! Don't give up. :)
ReplyDeletethe basil that's going strong was that the first herb you tried with the charcoal?
ReplyDeleteI've been concerned about there not being holes in the bottom and been hesitant to do this. seeing how i don't have very much room for bigger pots. i might just go for it...
i'm looking to plant from seed.
thanks for the trial and error advice!
Hi there! The basil didn't have charcoal (I learned of it after the
ReplyDeletefact), but I plan on trying it soon! My basil died recently, but it was
during a few week period of cold and it didn't get any sun. So...I will
try again. :) I'll update the post once I try the charcoal out, but I've heard of good results using it. If you are concerned, maybe try one at
first and see it how it goes. I haven't tried to plant from seed with
this method, but I think it's worth a try. Don't wait too long to thin the seedlings and be careful with watering. I think my problem with my first ones was over-watering. I hope you try it out and let us know if it works out for you!
You are welcome and thanks for stopping by! :)
It is possible to buy this growing herbs ?
ReplyDeleteCristiana
Hi Cristiana! I'm a little unsure what you mean...if you mean buying the herbs to plant in jars, I find them at the grocery store in small containers or pots. If you mean buying these pictured in mason jars...I do not sell them and do not know if you can buy them from anywhere. If you can find small containers of potted herbs (from grocery store or possibly a farmers market) and mason or other glass jars, this are very simple to put together. If I didn't answer your question or if you need clarification on something, please let me know. Thanks for stopping by!
ReplyDelete