How to Start Your Own Herb Garden

Herbs are easy to grow and a lot cheaper than buying those little packages at the supermarket – not to mention better for the environment. If you’re looking to grow your own herbs, here are some tips:

Find a sunny spot. 

A windowsill in the kitchen will do or a greenhouse in the garden. If you live in a warm climate then a sunny spot on the patio is perfect. You can grow herbs in the ground but many people opt for pots placed in a convenient spot to the kitchen. This makes it easy to use for daily cooking and also means that you control the soil completely and it’s easier to keep bad creepy crawlies away. 

Choose your seeds. 

You can buy little herb plants ready for planting but it’s much more fun to grow your own from seed and a little cheaper too. If organic herbs are important to you then find seeds from organic suppliers. Otherwise, just choose any variety you’d like. 

Basil, parsley, mint, thyme, rosemary, cilantro, bay, and chives are very popular and all easy to grow. Some herbs like thyme, rosemary and bay will thrive anywhere and can grow quite large. Others like basil and mint need a little more sunlight and can be fussier but still aren’t very difficult to grow in the right conditions. 

** Get the Herb Starter Kit: Easily Grow 9 Herb Plants from Scratch

Simply follow the instructions on the packet and you’re set to go. Once your herbs grow it’s important to pick the leaves regularly otherwise the growth may stunt or the leaves may brown. If you see your herbs drying out try keeping them regularly watered. If they are still dry it may be time for a larger container to replant them in. and don’t forget to pick any dry leaves off so that new ones can flourish. 

Image by Jill Wellington from Pixabay 

Use a natural fertilizer. There are several natural organic fertilizers on the market to help you grow bigger, stronger, tastier herbs. You can use any variety that’s used for vegetables such as tomatoes and cucumbers and simply add a little to your herb pots. This and regular watering will give you lush, green herbs you can be proud off. 

** Try this organic and natural fertilizer for herbs

Spice up your cooking. Once you’ve grown a variety of gorgeous herbs, make sure you add them to your dishes. Experiment with new flavors and textures and a little of this and a little of that – who knows you may find a winning combination.  Herbs really make foods taste better and add a dash of flair to the most basic dishes. By growing your own you can get into the habit of using them in your cooking which means you may be able to reduce the amount of salt in your dishes too – great for your health all around. 

And don’t forget that many herbs are packed with nutrients that are fantastic for you and can also be used to make natural home-made teas to cure a host of ailments. Use mint for an upset tummy and to aid with digestion, and parsley as a natural cure to bad breath. 

Herbs are fun and easy to grow a sure winner for any kitchen garden. 

Eco-Friendly Ways to Clean Your Oven

Typical oven cleaners contain multiple chemicals, some quite dangerous, such as sodium hydroxide (commonly known as caustic soda or lye). According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, oven cleaners containing this dangerous chemical can cause burns if they come in contact with skin, and inhalation of them can cause respiratory irritation. And anytime such a cleaner is used, sodium hydroxide and other chemicals get into the environment.

Also, most commercial oven cleaners come in aerosol cans. Environmentalists have been concerned for some time about the ozone depletion caused by pressurized spray cans. Thankfully, there are more eco-friendly ways to clean the tough grease and build-up that ovens can accumulate.

1. Baking Soda (sodium bicarbonate)

Always a favorite for natural cleaning, baking soda can be used for oven cleaning as well. Simply spray the inside of your oven with water, then sprinkle baking soda onto the wet surfaces. Leave it overnight, and in the morning, wipe away the grime. You may have to do some scrubbing (steel wool is effective), but most of the dirt will cling to the baking soda.

2. Washing Soda (sodium carbonate)

Not to be confused with baking soda, washing soda can be found in most stores that sell laundry detergent. Mix one part washing soda with four parts baking soda; add enough water to make a paste, and spread it inside your oven. Leave it overnight, then wipe your oven down the next day. Be sure to rinse.

3. Eco-friendly commercial cleaners

More and more cleaners are becoming available for purchase that do not have the unhealthy chemicals and fumes of traditional oven cleaners. Look for ones that are not packaged in aerosol cans. They may cost a bit more, but with your family's health and the planet to protect, it is a worthy investment.

4. Borax

This is another product found in the laundry detergent aisle. It is typically used in addition to detergent as a "boost" for laundry. But it can also be used in oven cleaning. Mix the following into a spray bottle: two tablespoons liquid soap, 2 teaspoons borax, and 1-2 cups warm water. Spray this on the inside of your oven, then leave it for a few hours and wipe off. 

There are a lot of elaborate substances available to clean your oven effectively. But simple, household items can work nicely, and be eco-friendly.