Gardening: Herb Gathering

Gardening: Herb Gathering

Photos by Beverly Demafiles Photography

TERRI JACKSON

As the fear of frost fades and the winter blues go with them, I begin itching for my spring garden. One of the first things I start planning is where I am going to place my herbs. This year, as I thought about all things herbs, I imagined preparing for spring with my friends, and an Herb Gathering was born.

I posted on social media for people to join me at my home to plant some herb seed starters. I had a great response, but, in the end, only a handful of people could be

there. Don’t be discouraged if you end up with an intimate group. It gave us more time to catch up and really talk about gardening. This would be a great way to connect with neighbors (or get to know them) or to hang out with people from a group you are involved with. If you have a Turquoise Table, this would be the perfect spot to host this gathering. That was the plan for mine, but the weather did not cooperate. It was very easy to move to plan B on my porch, though!

Herb seed starters

Here is what you need to host your own Herb

Gathering. Ours was mid-morning, so I providedlight snacks, flavored water, and mimosas. Youcould provide anything you like, or you couldopen it up for everyone to bring a dish to share.

Supplies: Variety of herb seeds - You can find these at local nurseries and home improvement stores and often at grocery stores or dollar stores. You can also order online and have them shipped to you. (We used basil,thyme, sage, oregano, parsley, and lavender.)

Containers - I used a month's worth of cleaned out K-cups, as well as 6-pack seed starter greenhouses, biodegradable pots, and terra cotta pots.

Starter soil

Water source

Sharpened pencils

Permanent markers

Labels - I provided writable stick labels but you can use popsicle sticks or anything else you think up.

Gardening gloves - I gave each guest a pair as a gift, but you could note on your invite to bring gloves.

Steps: Fill your container with starter soil, watering thoroughly with lukewarm water. Next, press a hole in the center using your sharpened pencil, and sow two seeds per hole. Cover the hole lightly with soil.

Start herb seeds indoors for four to five weeks before planting outside. Gently water using a fine, lukewarm spray. Keep seeds constantly moist duringgermination.

Once your seeds sprout, make sure to give them sunlight and fresh air near a window. You can plant the seedlings in your garden or move them into a bigger container indoors or outdoors.

Herbs are versatile and make great companion plants in a garden, as well as excellent potted

plants. One of my favorite things to do is add mint to my geranium and petunia pots by my front door. They smell so good as you brush past

them, and this provides a quick way to pinch some off to add to a beverage. Basil is an excellent companion plant to tomatoes in your

garden. Lavender makes a wonderful bed plant or potted plant at your entrance to welcome people into your home.

Having fresh herbs on hand really boosts your culinary skills to another level. Compliments are through the roof when I add a sprig of thyme,

sage, or rosemary to anything. Basil is my favorite, though, to use in dishes for added flavor.

We had a fabulous time chatting, snacking, andgetting our hands dirty. I hope this article getsyou excited about your spring herb garden. Evenpeople who tell me their thumbs are the polaropposite of green have had success with herbs.

Give herbs a try, and don't be afraid of starting from seed.

TERRI JACKSON Terri Jackson is a wife, mom of two boys, professional florist, Disney World trip enthusiast, coconut sparkling water junkie, backyard party hostess extraordinaire, and all-around craft genius in Buda, Texas. You can find her at TheInspiredHaus.com