City Gardening with The Garden Apt.

I've tried raising herbs before. Last summer I grew several herbs and they did OK. I tried to bring them in for the winter and they just became twigs.

I can't decide if I am a glutton for punishment or eternally hopeful that my green thumb will prevail but I've planted several herbs, a few vegetables and a strawberry plant this year! I wouldn't have had the guts if Lindsay from The Garden Apt. hadn't come along to help me shop and plant.

We picked up the plants from Whole Foods Lincoln Park and they had a wide selection! I had a few pots left over from last year, Lindsay brought an adorable coffee tin and we up-cycled a beverage tub for the herb planter. One qt of organic soil did the trick for all our planting and we lined the bottom of the pots with river rocks to help with draining.

My herbs are lemon thyme, mojito mint, greek oregano and rosemary. For the first time I've planted lettuce and some red kale. The lettuce should be ready to harvest in a few weeks but the kale will take most of the summer to grow and peak. I've also planted a cherry tomato plant so I'm on the hunt for a small tomato cage or an easy DIY solution. The pencil and twist tie will do for now but not for long!

Finally there is a little strawberry plant. I'm hopeful that she produces delightful little berries! There were also lime and lemon trees available and a wide selection of peppers which I decided to pass on. If this year's garden goes well I'll do them next year! Baby steps.

images via Lindsay of The Garden Apt. and White Oak Creative