I have always wanted to have my own garden and harvest everything I could. One of the easiest things to grow and harvest (in my opinion) is herbs and if you cook a lot its probably something everyone in your house eats whether they know it or not.
So let’s start with the herb garden. I’m sure you have seen a ton of different ideas if you’ve ever spent any amount of time on Pinterest. I wanted something close to my kitchen so when I’m cooking and the fresh herbs are blooming I can just step outside and collect what I need. After some consideration, I decide to go with a galvanized stock tank for my herb garden. First, I took the plug out so it would have drainage. I filled the bottom with rocks, then a layer of sticks, twigs, and old firewood, until it was 3/4 full. Then I filled it to the top with top soil. This year I planted Basil, Parsley, Mint, Sage, Cilantro, Thyme, Rosemary, and Oregano. Drying herbs is super easy and a great way to keep them longer.
So how long does this take?
Every herb is going to vary. Temperature and humidity level is a big factor but also the type and thickness of the herb. For example, parsley and cilantro are going to dry out way faster than Basil. For this method it will usually take 7 to 10 days. Start with a small bundle ( just a few stems), wash, DRY them ( this is pretty important) and then I put them together with a rubber band and labeled them. I used a piece of twin and a few thumb tacks to hang it on the wall. You want an area that is the darkest in your house but also has good air flow. This helps dry them out. I actually waited 2 weeks before I crushed mine and put them in jars.
Overall, the process is really simple and way less intimidating that some might think. Did I mention how rewarding it is to grow something and then harvest it. I know that herbs aren’t that expensive and definitely aren’t going to feed my family, but it will surely season their food. Ha! I’m hoping to try my hand at Blueberry- Muscadine jelly or syrup this year, if I can get to them before the birds and deer do. If you are interested in trying your hand at gardening and never have before I highly recommend a raised bed garden. In this past I have had regular garden and a raised bed. I prefer the raised bed for a planting small amounts of veggies. They are so much easier and are not so overwhelming. Can can see how we did our garden here.
