Friday, May 16, 2014

MODify: From Mid Century Modern Basket to Herb Planter + Herb Growing Tips

"Go outside and pick me some basil for dinner," mom would often say throughout childhood. I have fond memories of shrimp scampi with freshly chopped flat leaf parsley or caprese salad with basil! Delicious dishes are heightened to Godly status with the addition of fresh herbs. There's absolutely no reason to buy them from the store when you can buy starter herbs for the same price and grow them prolifically. There are some rules to heed, but I know you can do it!


(1) Line your planter with garbage bags. I used plastic bags I save from thrifting...they're free!
(2) Add a layer of packing peanuts. This "reservoir" will keep your herbs from getting waterlogged.
(3) Add your potting soil mix. Soil from outside won't do; it will get impacted, damaging the herb's’ roots.
(4) Now, add your plants! The soil shouldn't cover the stem unless you're working with basil or tomatoes; in that case, dig deep. This will encourage strong root growth because these plants will sprout roots from the stem.


I filled mine with catnip (good for people-tea and cat-teasing), chives and culantro (like cilantro but it won't bolt in the summer heat if I move it outside). I'm excited to make tea and herbalize my meals. I'm in full-on gardening mode again, so be on the lookout for gardening posts.

Pro Tip: I know my arrangement isn't photogenic but it's important not to overload your planter. Leave room for your plants to grow.

What's your favorite herb to use in cooking? Any tips or planting ideas to share? My Mexican culinary background and childhood in Italy make basil, flat leaf parsley and cilantro my hands-down favorites.
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13 comments:

  1. I love basil. Love to make pesto with it. I also always have chives. I've got them outside and they come back every year (I live in Wisconsin so we have a winter). I also love lavender and rosemary both for their scent and cooking. You don't think of lavender so much as a cooking herb but it's great used in tiny amounts. I made shortbread with lavender and it was great. Also love to sprinkle fresh herbs in scrambled eggs.

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    1. Baaaasil is my life-blood. I need it to live. Really. And pesto. Mmmmm :) And herbs in eggs is delicious. A liiiiittle lavender goes a long way for sure! Otherwise I associate it with soap.

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  2. this looks great, love how you used this particular vintage object! i'm hoping to have some mint and chives and parsley growing on the balcony soon. (it's still rather cold here, cannot believe!)

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    1. I wish I had a balcony to grow on it would be a lush plant garden :D ! haha I didn't think this arrangement is very pretty but it's all arranged to grow nicely into the future. Should add a note about not overloading your planter now that I think about it...

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  3. Absolutely adorable and practical idea! I have one of these but I use it for my crafting supplies, so now I gotta find another. They are hard to find though. I've really enjoyed this weeks posts, BTW. But you and your comments off.....SHAKES FIST..Just kiddin. Either way I'm a readin.

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    1. Thanks Kari, yeah I think I'll put an end to that ;D People have been messaging..but I do like how it encourages e-mails and some nice one-on-one convo. Thanks for the kind words on the posts, trying to be more thoughtful with them and I found two kind people to volunteer as editors so it's likely helping the flow/typos a bit. They will be introduced next week :D

      And yep, they are certainly hard to find. Mine was empty in the closet and my herbs needed a home...

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  4. Spearmint and chives are practically impossible to kill. They do very well here in Florida! I agree that basil is a staple. Our blackberry bush is quite sturdy. We have started an avocado tree. Its about 3 feet tall right now and is doing well, although I waaaay prefer Haas avocados better, they are so pricey. I end up making my guacamole with half Haas and half florida avocado. Love what you used as a planter!

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    1. For some reason I've never had luck with chives from seed so I got starters this time. I do reaallly well with basil babies so I hope to plant a ton of it :D Jealous of your avocado tree! I'd love my own orchard someday, haha

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  5. Well, I think your photos look great. I know nothing about gardening or planting and I'm not sure if it's something I'll ever get into, but I definitely love when you talk about things like this :)

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  6. I know tons about and do looots of gardening, been doing it lifelong :D Maaany more posts to come on the subject and all personal/whole living stuff in general. Glad you like it. I encourage everyone to try even if it's one of your favorite herbs, it's very rewarding.

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  7. this looks really good - I love that basket! so nice to have fresh herbs :-)

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    1. It is! This tutorial will help turn anything around the house into a herb garden, haha

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  8. It looks good! I don't think you can plan something like that. Hope it's still fresh. It seems that you have a lot of idea for decoration. Love it!

    Sarah
    from MN Design

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I love reading your comments. Thank you for adding to the discussion! I always reply to any and all questions.

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