One of my ambitions in our new home is to cook at home more often. I would like to make it more of a hobby since we both really enjoy trying new recipes. We've often talked about how it would be convenient (and fun) to grow our own herbs. This weekend I started a small indoor herb garden along our windowsill, where they will get plenty of light. I thought it would be fun to use chalkboard paint on the planters and label each one. I got this idea from Martha Stewart! So far we have two different types of basil and parsley. I want to get a few more mint plants and we also have a lavender plant that is already too large for these tiny pots. I posted info about how to use Pebeo chalkboard paint here if you are interested in creating something similar.
Have you tried growing your own herbs? Any recommendations or favorite recipes? xoxo. Elsie
If you eat a lot of Mexican food dishes, I definitely think having cilantro available is a huge plus! My favorite basil is lemon basil, its kind of hard to find, but it tastes amazing.
Posted by: kristy | October 28, 2012 at 12:12 PM
Those are darling. Thank you SO much for the info on the paint. I have been wanting to try it on mugs and plates but the paint I have on hand isn't suitable for those surfaces. Thank you!!!
Posted by: Gina | October 28, 2012 at 12:13 PM
Oh this is such a lovely idea! So simple too.
Posted by: winnie | October 28, 2012 at 12:16 PM
You can start herbs or even veggies in a plastic baggie with some water and cotton balls! Just make sure once they'vfe sprouted a bit you transplant them, and don't keep the room too hot (I've had some pretty gross results with a too-warm baggie)
Good luck with your new garden!
jayaanonymous@blogspot.com xo
Posted by: Jay | October 28, 2012 at 12:17 PM
I keep trying to have a basil plant but I must have a black thumb or something. It stays alive for a while and then one day it all goes downhill. That being said, my favorite thing to cook lately has become just throwing a bunch of veggies and basil into a pan and then adding chicken and tomato sauce after. Delicious.
Posted by: Kimberly Grace | October 28, 2012 at 12:19 PM
i need to do this! it feels so gratifying im sure
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Posted by: MONEASYWARDROBE.COM | October 28, 2012 at 12:21 PM
Pineapple basil is my favorite. Lime basil is also awesome. Use it with yellow pear tomatoes for a twist on caprese salad. I love different mint plants, but chocolate mint is the only one that survives longer than a year.
Lydia N. <3
Posted by: Lydia N. | October 28, 2012 at 12:26 PM
This is a great idea, we have basil, thyme, a pepper and a tomato plant all growing on the windowsill, you can do a lot in a little space
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Posted by: Helen | October 28, 2012 at 12:28 PM
So beautiful! and yeah , i've got my own herbs! :)
xo,
Pili.
http://inavintageworld.blogspot.com.es/2012/10/lovely-sunday.html
Posted by: Pili | October 28, 2012 at 12:33 PM
Great idea!!!
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Posted by: Alessandra | October 28, 2012 at 12:37 PM
I wasted an endless amount of herbs before I heard that you can freeze them! They do wilt when you take them out of the freezer, so aren't great if you need some as a garnish, but as an ingredient, thawing them works wonders and really cuts down on the waste!
http://www.thejoyfulone.com
Posted by: Delaney | October 28, 2012 at 12:37 PM
So cute! I love my indoor herb garden. Cooking with fresh herbs really adds something to each dish!
Posted by: Amber | October 28, 2012 at 12:40 PM
Great idea! I've had a few basil plants, rosmary and lemon balm. Having fresh herbs at hand makes cooking even more fun. Though the lemon balm was purly used for beverages.
xx,
http://www.icouldlivehere.org
Posted by: I Could Live Here | October 28, 2012 at 12:43 PM
This is so cute! I really want to buy a whole bunch of chalkboard paint and make everything chalk-able! ;)
xoxo missdottidee.blogspot.com
Posted by: Sarah | October 28, 2012 at 12:45 PM
when i cook at home i like to make a huge batch and freeze it for other dinners and lunches during the week -- tones down the stress a bit! also i'll make alot of casseroles with a bunch of vegetables in it. you can be creative and try all different kinds!
rachael
Posted by: rachael | October 28, 2012 at 12:45 PM
I have a giant herb garden in my backyard, along with several vegetables. I love growing my own fresh herbs, because it just makes the dish that much better.
http://collegiatelifestyle.wordpress.com/
Posted by: Caity | October 28, 2012 at 12:46 PM
I have tried several times to grow basil at home but it never lasts :(
XX Luba
:: Well Living Blog ::
http://very-well-living.blogspot.com
Posted by: Well Living BLog | October 28, 2012 at 12:49 PM
I have grown basil for a really long time, and now rosemary as well. We're moving countries in a month, so right now there's little on the plant side, but I can't wait till the spring comes and I can start to grow things again! I really want to have a balcony to fill, and a big herbal garden - its such luxury with your own fresh herbs!
Posted by: Stella | October 28, 2012 at 01:14 PM
I've always wanted my own little herb garden & the chalkboard planters are soo cute!
Rachelle x
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Posted by: Rachelle | October 28, 2012 at 01:28 PM
Super cute DIY Elsie!
Posted by: ♥ Bec | October 28, 2012 at 01:48 PM