Starting Your Herb Garden
Welcome back to Sage Space, where we're shaking things up—quite literally—for our East Coast readers! If your Friday morning started with a house that seemed to suddenly develop a dance routine for about 10-15 seconds, you weren't alone… “did we just have an earthquake”??? And no, it wasn't the construction crews outside. We experienced a rare earthquake complete with aftershocks. And nature’s party continued this week with the solar eclipse!
Thank you for the great feedback and positive comments on our garden edition last week. We're digging a little deeper this week with some practical advice on how to get started on your own herb garden with just a few pots, a little dirt, water and sunlight. It’s a great feeling to grab a handful of fresh herbs to make any dish a little brighter.
And good news, my past crisis of an overabundant harvest of jalapeno peppers has been heroically resolved by one of our Sage Space readers. A big shoutout to Missy who led me to this recipe! https://peppergeek.com/jalapeno-hot-sauce-recipe/
Have a great week.
Cathy Minter
Co-founder and CEO – Wisdom.io
cathy@mywisdom.io
Healthy Aging Tips - Week 5 | 04.10.24
The Joy of Growing Herbs
Herbs are among the most rewarding plants to grow. They require minimal space, can thrive indoors with adequate light, and offer fresh flavors for your culinary experiments. Plus, many herbs are noted for their health benefits, ranging from improved digestion to stress relief.
Starting Your Herb Garden
To begin, choose a sunny spot on your deck or a south-facing windowsill for your garden. Most herbs thrive in well-drained soil need about and with at l 6-8 hours of sunlight daily. For indoor gardens, pots with drainage holes are essential to prevent waterlogged roots.
Easiest Herbs to Grow
Basil: A must-have in any herb garden, basil is not just for pesto. It has properties that may help reduce stress and promote cardiovascular health.
Mint: Perfect for teas and adding a fresh touch to summer drinks, mint is also known for its digestive benefits.
Parsley: Beyond garnish, parsley is packed with vitamins and antioxidants, supporting bone health and boosting immunity.
Parsley Fun Fact!
Move over neglected plate garnish, Ancient Greeks revered parsley for its medicinal properties. Hippocrates, the” Father of Medicine” prescribed parsley as a diuretic for kidney issues and treatment for rheumatism. It was consumed in various forms, like tea from its leaves or applied externally, showcasing its versatility.
How to Plant (here’s a helpful video to start from the gardening channel) https://www.gardeningchannel.com/container-herb-gardening-top-9-herbs/
Containers: Any container with drainage holes will do. Recycled containers can be a sustainable option.
Soil: Use a high-quality potting mix to ensure your herbs get the right nutrients and drainage. You can order online to your door e if transporting the bags may be difficult.
Planting: Plant seeds according to the packet’s instructions or transplant small plants into your containers. Make sure not to overcrowd them to allow for growth.
Watering: Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Herbs like basil are particularly thirsty, while others like rosemary prefer drier conditions.
Quote of the Day
“To plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow.” - Audrey Hepburn
We would love to hear about your herb gardening experiences and tips. What’s your favorite herb to grow and why?
Ask Puddy:
Bonus recipe: Wisdom Pesto!
Wisdom Pesto
Be wise and use all your herbs to the bitter end. Pesto is not just basil. Just about any leafy herb works, and you can add spinach or kale for added flavor and nutrients:
Place basil, cilantro, chive, parsley or other herbs in a blender. Add spinach and kale if you like. Use 3-4 cups of greens in total.
Add in 3/4 cut of nuts such as pine, cashew, almonds, walnuts or hazelnuts. Use up whatever you have around.
Add in 2 large cloves of peeled garlic (more if you like)
Add in 1/2 cup of olive oil and a big pinch of salt
Optional squeeze of lemon and parmesan cheese!
Blend. Add some water if needed, or more nuts if it seems too thin.
Pour it over practically anything...pasta, vegetables, bread