We’ve been talking about gardens this month in the Kitchn and I’m noticing that I’ve been feeling a little green…with envy, that is. As an apartment building dweller, I have no sunny plot to plant my dream garden in, no cute little seedlings to coo over, no arugula plot to tame.
Kathryn’s stoop solution is also out of the picture as my front entrance is neither sunny or a stoop. And the Power Plant Mini's vibe is a little too industrial (and expensive) for my wabi-sabi life. However, that's all about to change...
I’ve been nursing a spindly geranium in my alley-facing window box for several weeks. Just a few days ago it squeezed out a few cheery looking blossoms and this inspired me to impulsively purchase the Italian Herb Garden from Trader Joe’s yesterday. This handy-dandy plastic pot contains three of my most favorite herbs—rosemary, thyme and oregano—already planted and ready for snipping. Not to mention, it was only $7.99!
I’ll admit I’m cautious. I know this can’t last forever. I mean, these plants are going to start to grow, right? But even if I get a few weeks worth of fresh thyme out of the deal it’s worth it. Besides, I swear the geranium perked up a little when Italian Herb Garden moved in. Now, does TJ's also do potted basil plants?
(Images: Flickr member rollerboogie, licensed under Creative Commons; and Dana Velden)
Party Recipe: Creamy Crawfish Dip
Perfect Summer Cocktail Recipe: Honey Bourbon Lemonade
Good Food to Share 
The Big Book of Small, Cool Spaces 
Apartment Therapy Presents 
The Eight-Step Home Cure 
Elizabeth Apron fro...
100 DIY Ideas for the 3-Day Weekend
Danielle's Charming, Classic Walk-Up
Two years ago, I bought a basil plant at Trader Joe's for something like $6. They did it then, maybe they do it now?
This weekend I hit up the Lincoln Park farmers market in Chicago and found a lot of herbs for sale, including 3 organic basil plants for $6.
I know Whole Foods or at least the on by us sells organic herbs. We bought and eight and put them four each in long window boxes. They seem to be doing okay on our apartment balcony.
I just saw basil plants at my Trader Joe's... but I haven't seen that trio or herbs!
I went to my garden store today who told me that it was too late for arugula or spinach?! Im so confused...
Here's some info on how to cut your herbs. Like, oregano, you can cut almost down to the dirt.
As for will they last forever, they might last longer than you think, if you treat them right. When it gets cool outside (overnight lows below 50), bring them in the house. You may or may not have luck over-wintering them - and I'm not sure for how long San Fran goes with overnight lows below 50? They don't like constant temperatures, though, so an unheated entryway might be a good place for the "winter".
Thank you Cara_mia! Rosemary grows in hedges and along the expressway around here, so there must be some compatibility with the climate.