Last year about this time, we were getting into the swing of things to put a bona fide garden in our back yard. I hadn't tried any gardening for a long, long time, and I thought it would be a good science project for our younger son. We spaded, we planted we watered, we waited ... and we had the hottest, driest, scorchiest summer in ages! Temps over 100 constantly, no rain (after a dry winter as well), just overall a big FLOP in my opinion. BUT, we did enjoy some sweet peas early on, and it was interesting to watch things grow as much as they did. Our son did learn a lot from this project.
NOW, considering how irritated I got and that I don't have a green thumb (yet do like plants), I decided to just have TWO THINGS going around this here hometead this time around. The following pictures show the first of two projects, which is half of this year's "garden." >ha ha< A small pot of basil. I think I can handle that. Climate controlled environment, water's handy, and I don't have to go outside. :)
First, the supplies - bag of potting soil, small pot and saucer, and a packet of basil seeds.
I went out to our driveway and found several rocks to put in the bottom to help with drainage.
Next step, fill "mostly" with soil.
Then, sow the seeds. They were dark, tiny little buggars, I put about half the packet over the soil. Trust me, they're there!
Then a thin layer of soil to cover them.
And a good drink.
I set them by my awesome African Violet a lady gave me last year - once it started blooming, it hasn't stopped! It has sure cheered up the drab winter scene.
Now we'll wait and see how this basil gets going, and hopefully enjoy eating some! I LOVE Italian food, so this may be fun. As soon as wallyworld gets in the particular flower I'm waiting for, I'll show the other "half" of this year's garden. :)
I so do not have a green thumb . . . a bit jealous I am. And your puppy is absolutely adorable!
ReplyDeleteRhonda, I think you should sure try that garden again during a normal season!! Because I know pro-gardeners that struggled last year. Most of the plants I planted in my new bed last year I know are not going to come back. =( It was just a bad year to plant ANYTHING. Try again sometime!
ReplyDeleteYour little pot of basil will be wonderful!! Yummm
I have never had trouble with basil sprouting!! I would advise that you might put a little piece of plastic wrap over the top. .it helps preserve humidity. .and will make your job easier. .just be sure to take it off as the seedlings emerge, or they could rot. Good luck. .I also agree with Becky. .last year was NOT a good time to judge your gardening skills. .and my last piece of advice. .You are not a good gardener until you have killed a LOT of stuff! It's a live and learn process, like everything else. .and after 17 years of gardening. .I have killed a LOOOOOT of stuff. .and still have much to learn!
ReplyDeleteWe're on the same path...you're just ahead of me!! I've got the seeds for basil and cilantro...I need to get them planted. I'm going to do this just like you are; in pots and in the house. We'll see what happens!
ReplyDeleteYes, do your garden again. Maybe you can even do a small bed along the side of your house or a shed where the intense, hot afternoon sun won't bother the plants. I'm lucky that the 100 foot rock rim behind the house provides shade in the late afternoon.
Good luck!
Thanks everyone, and I appreciate the advice! I'll just lay off this year and "regroup," then perhaps we can do this again, and concentrate on just a few things, like peas, tomatoes and potatoes, or something. :)
ReplyDeleteShelly, our pup found a new home, but she was a lot of fun while we had her! I just couldn't keep up with the constant care, I was (and still am) exhausted! She went to a good home, so that helps. :)