Say hello to my new friends. Cilantro, Sage and Mint. It is so much fun to have a little garden on the balcony. I love… love fresh herbs!!

Cilantro

Sage

Mint

Do you remember my post about growing basil. It is so big now… Take a look.

]]> http://szynal.com/2009/07/27/my-little-garden-part-2/feed/ 3 http://szynal.com/2009/07/06/my-little-garden/ http://szynal.com/2009/07/06/my-little-garden/#comments Mon, 06 Jul 2009 07:42:44 +0000 Karolina http://szynal.com/?p=329 I love fresh basil. I can’t wait to eat it all…. just kidding…

Basil is a warm weather plant that needs plenty of sunshine and heat. For three months in the summer that may mean planting them in your garden, but if you are looking for basil year round you may try growing the plants indoors. Not only do you get the experience of fresh basil in your meals, you also get a beautiful plant that has a wonderful smell that permeates the house.

Growing basil indoors can be a challenge but it is not as impossible as it may seem. The most important concern you have with planting the basil is what to plant it in. Ideally you should use herb planters that can be found in any garden store, but strawberry pots, and cells are also popular options. The proper soil is very imperative to producing a healthy plant. You need well-drained soil that is very nutrient rich. The pH of the soil should be at least 6.0 and below 7.5. Checking the pH every 4-6 weeks and maintaining the pH with an organic fertilizer will keep it at this level. Normally basil isn’t a fussy plant in regards to the soil composition but container growing needs a little more looking after.

Watering the plant is something you want to pay close attention to. It should be soggy, but not drenched. Any leftover water should be drained immediately through the bottom, so make sure your pot has a hole or saucer underneath the pot. Placing the plant in a south-facing window will give it the sun it needs if you do so for at least 6 hours per day. If that is not available you may consider artificial lamps. Any generic fluorescent light will do, but you should consider buying one that is specially made for herbs. You need 10 to 12 hours of light per day if you are growing the plants strictly by artificial light. If you are using both the window and the natural light, consider putting the basil plant in the window for 3 hours, and under the fluorescent light for 6 hours to have the same effect as the actual sunshine.

With some patience, understanding, and a little bit of luck your basil plant will start to grow in 8 to 14 days. Waiting until the plant has 2 to 4 sets of full leaves before harvesting will ensure you a beautifully gown plant with tasty results.

(via basilguide.com)

What I wore today:

White T-shirt – H&M

Shorts – Old Navy

Hat – Protest

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Where:

- at my balcony – planting basil