I've been wanting to grow my own culinary and medicinal herbs for a few years, but due to lack of motivation on my part and a little bit of fear of the unknown, I put it off. So, finally, today, on my fifth day with no husband around (he has been working on an out of town job), I decided to just go for it.
I've been reading about planting seeds vs. transplanting, sunlight exposure, types of soil, watering methods, fertilization (pre-made vs. home-made with compost), and all those other hundreds of things that you need to know before you start trying out your green thumb. I came to the conclusion that since we are in an apartment situation at this juncture, I'd do the transplanting. I went to Armstrong Garden Center which is a California chain of nurseries/supply stores since their website had the most info and the best selection (that I could find online without having to drag a ton of other nurseries in the valley).
I picked out German Chamomile, Peppermint, Upright Rosemary, Fern Leaf Dill, Sweet Italian Big Leaf Basil, Onion Chives, Super Chili Pepper, and Hungarian Hot Wax Pepper.
I know to experts out there, this pot probably
looks really retarded and poorly planned out.
I also picked up an aloe vera plant to pot separately due to the fact that I've lost my Solarcaine, and recently got a leeeeetle too much sun last weekend at the beach. Plus the alcohol content in most commercial sunburn reliefs dry me out more than help the burn. Sidenote: I was introduced to a great organic moisturizing Aloe Vera gel by J/Ā/S/Ö/N by a friend, and while I like fresh aloe vera, straight from the plant, this seemed to be not as messy and more portable than carrying around squishy aloe vera leaves in my purse!
Anyway, as I do with most first-time endeavors, I kind of rush into them head on, but at the same time, I'm anal retentive about everything! If that makes any sense... Our balcony and apartment in general is not the sunniest of places since the recording studio that is next door nearly butts up against our balcony. This is great for us, since our place stays in the shade almost the whole of the day and therefore our electricity bill stays fairly low, and I don't have to lie on the kitchen floor naked in an attempt to stop burning up (which is a true story from our previous residence here in California since our studio guesthouse had no insulation and one wall unit A/C that put out probably an eighth of the necessary BTU for the whole entire place!!!). June through August is no longer a nightmare for humans in our abode.
However, most plants need full sun. And if you know anything about the plants I listed, you'll know that most of them need full sun... soooo I'm taking a little bit of a gamble. I'm hoping that in monitoring the sun exposure on the balcony tomorrow I can figure out the best spot to place my pot so that the plants get a good 4-6 hours of sun at the very least. Watering shouldn't be a problem... and I did read enough to know that if my strawberry pot did not have a drain hole (which it didn't because it's from yuppie Crate & Barrel, who I love, but they tend to make things for aesthetics and not complete functionality), I needed to fill the bottom inch or two with either crock (broken terra cotta from what I saw online?) course gravel/sand, or stones so that the soil would drain and not drown the herbs. I know to set my pitcher of tap water out overnight so the chlorine can "gas off." We don't have access to a hose spout... boo. But I'm a little worried about the sun exposure. I will carry on though, and just keep an eye on things.
Should I fail in this endeavor, well then I'll just keep my planting to a low/partial sun exposure requirement. It's just that all of my favorite herbs (Rosemary, Basil, Oregano, etc.) usually require 6+ hours of sun. Boo. I know I could just get a grow light, but that would be a bigger investment than I'm willing to make at this point, especially not knowing if my "wing it" approach just might actually work!
It would really be great if I had a way to hang the pot off of the balcony railing since that's where the most sun is during the day (it's just past the overhang, so the sunlight isn't blocked as well). But I can't seem to find an adequate railing bracket for planters of that size that work with round, metal railing that's around 8" circumference. I thought about building my own balcony box, but I have no shop and I'm really quite rusty at the whole wood working thing these days.
All in all though, for now, I am quite happy when I step out onto the porch and see my green pot with all the green herbs that look nice and fresh and happy. If this venture works, I might just look into building that box so I can plant a little bit more. I know my husband is going to come back tomorrow and think I've lost my mind. Starting projects like this runs in my family and he doesn't exactly understand the desire to try all these new and crazy things (making necklaces, making soap, making blankets- which I have yet to start, and growing herbs). I guess I just feel like if I never try it, I'm less of a complete person. Now, that sentiment doesn't apply to everything, i.e. drugs and other dangerous activities, but it definitely applies to activities and endeavors that contribute to a full and well-rounded existence.
I think I'm gonna go draw up a schematic for that box. It's on my brain.
