While the weather is still cool outside, it is possible to have a lush herb garden indoors. I have always found it challenging to keep plants watered, so I decided to try a self-watering system. There are lots of do it yourself guides for creating kitchen herb gardens. This one is simple and elegant.
You will need:
- Herbs in a 3 1/4″ diameter plastic pot with holes in the bottom (I found several organic varieties at Trader Joes)
- 16 oz (500 ml) wide mouth mason jars
- Black landscape fabric cut into 8 1/2″ diameter rounds
- Black floral wire
Assembly:
- Wrap the pots with the landscape fabric and cinch it together at the top edge with the floral wire. The landscape fabric will help to keep the soil from falling into the water.
- Fill the mason jars with water.
- Place the pots in the mason jar, and voila! your self-watering herb garden is ready!
The water will be taken up into the pot as the roots soak up water. Even if the water level is below the bottom of the pot, the roots will reach down to sip the water. Keep the herbs healthy with organic fertilizer and regular pruning to encourage growth of leafy stems.
Fresh thyme, rosemary, oregano, parsley, sage, basil mint and cilantro are flavorful additions to favorite recipes. A mint plant is really useful to have around for mojitos and other delicious cocktails. Just steps away from the kitchen, these fresh organic herbs are conveniently available for the next tasty meal.