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Herb gardens

post #1 of 36
7/10/10 at 1:43pm
Thread Starter 
I've been working on growing herbs pretty extensively this year. I have a nice sized balcony on the south side of the building, so I have several pots of various plants. I've got lavender, basil, oregano, thyme, rosemary, sage, etc. I was also growing green onions for a while when I had a bag of onions start sprouting. I tried growing Italian parsley, but it died shortly after sprouting.

Some of the sage leaves were looking a little sad, so I harvested them. Wow. . . absolutely delicious. Same with a sprig of thyme added to some lamb. It is absolutely amazing how different the quality is between store bought herbs and herbs grown at home and harvested 5 minutes before use.

I'm also trying to grow some hot peppers. They have sprouted and have leaves but are still quite small. I wonder if they will actually produce fruit this year. I grew them from seed and have a lot of plants. If they do fruit, I'll have to make hot sauce or something so I don't waste all the peppers. I think next year I'll try to grow some of the Thai peppers that are really tiny.

Anyone else grow culinary herbs? Any tips and tricks for apartment dwellers growing herbs? I've been thinking of keeping a flower pot full of organics to make small quantities of compost, but I'm worried it will smell.
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post #2 of 36
7/10/10 at 1:48pm
Mint is a very easy plant to grow, but if you decide to do it, be careful. It will literally take over your entire gardening area. Best to keep it in a separated soil area like a pot or closed off section of the garden.

Also, tomatoes are an easy and very rewarding plant to grow if it gets hot enough where you are. You can get a hanging basket and they will grow downwards, or you could set up a small sectional pot w/ a tomato cage on it. It isn't too late yet.
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post #3 of 36
7/10/10 at 1:53pm
^^Surround mint with concrete or face the consequences.
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post #4 of 36
7/10/10 at 1:53pm
Hanging tomato plants promotes sun scorch and lost fruit, and cages are dreadful. Find a stick, place it upright into the ground, and tie the main stem of the tomato plant to it; nothing more is needed.
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post #5 of 36
7/10/10 at 1:55pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by philosophe View Post
^^Surround mint with concrete or face the consequences.

I just make sure I have enough bourbon.

I also use mint in omelettes and on pasta, so it never outgrows its use.
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post #6 of 36
7/10/10 at 2:08pm
Thread Starter 
I do have a spearmint plant actually. I was told spearmint prefers partial shade, which I don't really have, so I have it closer to the building. It isn't nearly as happy looking as the sage or oregano for example.

Also it is by itself due to concerns that it would spread into the other pots.
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post #7 of 36
7/10/10 at 2:11pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by why View Post
I just make sure I have enough bourbon.

I also use mint in omelettes and on pasta, so it never outgrows its use.

Mint in an omelette? That is new for me.
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post #8 of 36
7/10/10 at 2:48pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Milpool View Post
Mint in an omelette? That is new for me.

Mint is a great herb, but many Americans think it has few uses outside of chocolate chips and neon ice cream.

I also use mint on pasta like puttanescna because it brightens the flavor a bit and I have a lot more mint than parsley.
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post #9 of 36
7/10/10 at 2:51pm
I love mint. We use it a lot, and it doesn't seem to take over. I use it in salads most evenings. Just a little. We don't have the sun for tomatoes, unfortunately.
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post #10 of 36
7/10/10 at 3:00pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by why View Post
Mint is a great herb, but many Americans think it has few uses outside of chocolate chips and neon ice cream.

I also use mint on pasta like puttanescna because it brightens the flavor a bit and I have a lot more mint than parsley.

Hey now, most Americans realize mint is also useful for toothpaste flavoring.

I'm not a huge fan of mint, it is good in drinks and tea, but I rarely use it beyond that. I'll try adding some to eggs and salad sometime.
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post #11 of 36
7/10/10 at 3:06pm
The mint at my house is out of control. Literally. I tear it up by the handfuls and use it as mulch around the more useful plants. And still have enough for all the cooking/bourbon needs.

Mint is the only thing I've found that will choke/crowd out bermuda grass.
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post #12 of 36
7/10/10 at 3:14pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by philosophe View Post
^^Surround mint with concrete or face the consequences.



Herb gardens are fantastic; worthy of their own thread.

I've posted here before, if indoor is needed/what's easiest for you, don't overlook the AeroGarden. Highly recommend.

We've got some drip irrigated "grow boxes" (no 420) Mrs. Piob bought and has planted. Mixed results so far.
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post #13 of 36
7/10/10 at 3:21pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by why View Post
Hanging tomato plants promotes sun scorch and lost fruit, and cages are dreadful. Find a stick, place it upright into the ground, and tie the main stem of the tomato plant to it; nothing more is needed.

You are a very strange boy.
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post #14 of 36
7/10/10 at 3:50pm
Thread Starter 
Does anyone grow any more "exotic" or at least less common herbs?

Things I'm interested in would include gentian, rue, hyssop, angelica, lovage, etc. Some of those might be a little huge for a balcony garden. I think a few get to be 4 or 5 feet tall.
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post #15 of 36
7/10/10 at 4:12pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Milpool View Post
Does anyone grow any more "exotic" or at least less common herbs?

Things I'm interested in would include gentian, rue, hyssop, angelica, lovage, etc. Some of those might be a little huge for a balcony garden. I think a few get to be 4 or 5 feet tall.

i've grown hyssop, lovage, sorrel ... lovage is a great herb, but it sprawls like a mother, too. tastes a lot like celery, but in a more gentle way. i've always had sorrel ... just a little tossed in a salad is great, also nice in soups and braised and added to omelets.
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