my mom gave me exactly what I asked for for my bday: a herb garden that I start from seed. I planted the seeds as soon as I got home on sunday and am eagerly waiting for it to grow. Now, of course, I seem to have caught the plant growing bug. I want to have herbs available, especially basil, mint, lavender, rosemary, thyme, and sage. Mom got me most of these plus some, and now I’m looking online for organic or heirloom seeds so I can plant the lavender, rosemary, mint, and also nasturtiums. One thing leads to another and the list of what I want is copied below.
here’s the problem: I only have 5 windows from which to grow things! I don’t have a porch or a back yard to put pots in. I need to get window boxes and pots and hope they don’t launch from my windowsill onto the superintendent’s unsuspecting children while I’m at work. and the bigger issue is always what to do with these after the summer! can I maintain them during the fall and winter? Will I need grow lights? how can I maximize window space when all but 1 window is also home to a very hot, very noisy, VERY HOT radiator?
#HR 22 – LAVENDER, ENGLISH (Lavandula angustifolia) – The wonderful aroma of this plant has long been valued in its ability to scent soaps, sachets, and perfume linen. Miniature pillows stuffed with dried lavender flowers may help with insomnia and restlessness. If started indoors, the seeds need to be stratified before sowing; otherwise, directly plant in the garden late summer or early fall. Prefers a sunny, well drained, sandy location in the garden. Height -30 inches. Perennial.
PKT. – 50 seeds – $1.25
#HR 25 – ROSEMARY (Rosmarinus officinalis) – The leaves of the rosemary plant have long been savored in its ability to flavor meats, potatoes, and other dishes, but it also makes wonderfully fragrant sachets! Start the seeds indoors, noting that rosemary can be erratic in sprouting. Best germination occurs when the soil temperature is maintained at 72 degrees or higher, and often takes 3 weeks to sprout. Transplant outside to a sunny location, with protection from cold winds. Height -36 inches. Perennial.
PKT. – 25 seeds – $1.25
#HR 14 – PEPPERMINT ( Mentha silvestis crispa) – The leaves of the peppermint plant are often used to flavor iced drinks, giving them a cool, refreshing taste, while the oil from the plant can be used to flavor candy and cakes. It is best to start the seeds inside, since the seeds are so tiny and may get washed away in the garden. In rich, moist soil, the plants spread rapidly from underground stems, so you may want to grow them in a container. Place in a sunny or lightly shaded location. Height – 2 feet. Hardy perennial.
Pkt. – 100 seeds – $1.25
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#HR 17 – SPEARMINT (Mentha spicata) – The fresh or dried leaves of the spearmint plant add a pleasant flavor to iced drinks, as well as making a delicious herbal tea. It is used quite often as a flavoring for candies, or with chocolate in rich deserts. It’s best to start the seeds inside, since they are quite small and may get washed away in the garden. In rich, moist soil, the plants spread rapidly from underground stems, so you may want to grow them in a container. Place in a sunny or a lightly shaded location. Height – 2 feet. Hardy perennial.
Pkt. – 100 seeds – $1.25
#HR 47 – LEMON BALM (Melissa officinalis) – Lemon balm is an easy to grow member of the mint family. The leaves are delicious in salads, on fish, in jellies, or pleasant in either hot or cool tea. A potpourri made from the leaves helps freshen your home, while a tea steeped with lemon balm may help treat colds and headaches. Prefers a sunny location with moist soil. Height – 18-24 inches. Perennial.
PKT. – 50 seeds – $1.25
#FL 14 – NASTURTIUM (Tropaeolum minus) – This old time favorite has fragrant red, gold and salmon colored flowers, and grows to a height of 12 inches. The flowers and leaves make a delightful addition to salads. May be started inside 6 to 8 weeks before the last spring frost, or sow directly into the garden after the last spring frost. Annual.
PKT. – 35 seeds – $1.25 (picture)
#FL 21 – COSMOS (Cosmos bipinnatus) – Single flowers, 3 to 4 inches across, on 36 inch stems. The blooms resemble daisies in lovely shades of red, pink, rose and white, with fern-like foliage. Makes an excellent cut flower. Very easy to grow! Annual.
PKT. – 30 seeds – $1.25 (picture)
#FL 115 – MUSIC BOX – Variety is the spice of life! The lovely flowers are delightful in their varying shades of off-white, golden yellow, and deep crimson, with many blooms having two-tones. The rich, chocolatey center contrasts nicely with the colorful petals on this 2-2 ½ foot plant. Annual.
PKT. – 15 seeds – $1.25 (picture)
#FL 24 – ORNAMENTAL PEPPERS (THAI HOT) (Capsicum annuum) – Very hot, small edible peppers that grow on compact, 8 inch plants. Start inside 8 to 9 weeks before the last spring frost, transplanting outside after the last spring frost. This delightful addition to the garden starts out green, with the peppers turning a brilliant red as they mature. Great for container gardening. Annual.
PKT. – 20 seeds – $1.25 (picture)
