DIY Herb Garden

Pickles, Salsa, and Marinara … these are what inspired me to start an herb garden! Dill for my pickles (and ranch dressing), cilantro for mouthwatering fresh salsa, and basil for some homemade marinara that I hope to get canned this year.

I’ve been saving these 105 oz. tomato sauce cans (tomato sauce from Sams … about $3 each) from the freezer meal day I did with some of my dear friends last fall and I am SO excited to finally be putting them to use {as is the Mr., he’s only slightly annoyed with my recycling and repurposing tendencies ; -p}. Any size would really do the trick but bigger is always better right?!? After a little black spray paint I already had on hand and some chalk {which I really need to use some paint or sharpies since the chalk risings off when watered}, these little darlings are going to be absolutely dreamy when they are full grown and hanging just outside our kitchen window. And of course I am already trying to decide what herbs I would like to add to this for next year. 

In addition to the herb garden, we’ve been anxiously watching our garden starter plants grow {which by the way we have an abundance of … so if you are local, check with me for extra seeds or starter plants BEFORE going out and getting your own!}. Over the past couple weeks, I have gradually be working to get everything planted as starters and some of them are really taking off. It truly amazes me how plants grow! Every few days when I go to water them, I love to take notice how they all are growing towards the light coming from the window they sit by. I give them their drink and a quick turn and like magic the next day they have readjusted themselves so they can see the light again.

I find it so intriguing how something that starts so small transforms into a food-bearing plant with a splash of water every now and again, some sunshine, and a little bit of TLC. More often than not as I tend to these fragile starters, I cannot help but think about the similarities between growing them and raising children. They both start so small and rely fully on someone else to help them develop. Soon enough it will be time to transplant them outdoors, but first they need to be hardened to the outside environment. It’ll be a gradual process of introducing them to the wind that could cause them to bend, to the harsh sun that might burn their tender surface, and to the rain that may at times be too heavy to withstand. Yet after slowing transitioning them into the world outdoors they will be ready to fend for themselves against all the elements and eventually bear fruit themselves.

The more I watch our garden starters (and our children) it really makes me challenge myself to be sure I am doing my absolute best to prepare them for the outdoors. And on the days I forget to water them, I must remember … they are tough and will survive … add a little grace and make tomorrow better than today!