This past Friday, we had the pleasure of hosting garden coach, Myriam Totta from Raising Gardens, for a basil pop-up at our shop. Myriam brought fresh basil plants and shared her extensive knowledge on plant care, herbs, and more, just in time for planting season here in the Midwest! I’ve gathered some fantastic tips and knowledge from her, which I’m excited to share with you this week! From how to care for basil and other herbs, to harvesting techniques, watering practices, and vegetable gardening tips, Myriam shared advice that is valuable for both novice and experienced gardeners looking to improve their gardening skills. Let’s dive into the wonderful world of herbs and vegetables together!
For Beginners
Myriam recommends starting with herbs for beginning gardeners, not only because they’re easy to grow, but also because they can add so much flavor when you put them to use in the kitchen! Now, before we get into the weeds, let’s clear up a little gardening jargon: annuals are plants that complete their life cycle in one growing season, while perennials are a gift that keeps on giving, coming back year after year. Some herbs are perennials, while others, like basil, are annuals. Plus, lots of herbs repel pests, making them excellent companions for vegetables in the garden.
Basil Gardening Tips
Myriam shared some fantastic tips on how to properly harvest basil. Many people will get a tiny basil plant from a store, then remove all the leaves from the top and bottom, ending up with a long twig that doesn’t perform well at all. The proper way to harvest a basil plant is to cut the head off the branch node, and then you’ll get two new heads as the plant continues to grow. By continuing this process, you create a plant that produces many more leaves and a grows its way into bush, all from a single stem! Basil is usually planted in the warm season, in Kansas City around Mother’s Day, and it stays in the garden until the fall.
Watering Practices
Mediterranean herbs, like basil, come from a drier climate, so they don’t like to have their roots wet for too long. They don’t like to be waterlogged. For Mediterranean herbs, it’s easy to “love them to death” with overwatering. You need to make sure the soil has good drainage, so a raised bed or a container with drainage holes at the bottom is ideal. Water your basil when it’s dry. Some herbs are more forgiving than others. Rosemary, for example, likes to be fully dried before you give it another drink. A deep watering less frequently is better than watering too often but too shallow.
Vegetable Gardening Tips
Often people get stuck on what to grow. A lot of it can be determined by sunlight. If all you have is part shade, you can grow a lot of leafy greens like cabbage, kale, and mint. If you want fruiting vegetables like zucchini, cucumber, tomatoes, and peppers, you need 6-8 hours of sunlight. Container gardening works great for herbs and some root vegetables. If you want to grow tomatoes, you want at least 18 inches of soil depth for your root system to succeed. Containers are great for renters who can’t tear up their yard or for anyone who doesn’t have much space! One thing to keep in mind is that in Kansas City in the month of August, containers can dry out 0faster, so you may need to water them twice a day.
Myriam’s visit was a wonderful opportunity to learn more about herb gardening and basil care and it’s a joy to be able to share it with you! Her tips are sure to help you create a thriving garden, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced gardener. If you want to learn more, head to raisinggardens.com, and if you subscribe to her emails, you’ll receive a delicious e book with a pesto recipe straight to your inbox! It’s also worth mentioning that Myriam can be hired to help coach you through your gardening adventures, whether you need a little handholding or a whole bunch!
Don’t forget – all in-stock furniture in the shop is 20% off through the end of May! Set the scene for summer with fresh pieces that make every moment feel like home. Whether you’re hosting, celebrating, or simply soaking up the season, enjoy 20% off all in-stock furniture through the end of May.
Until next time – Happy Gardening! 😉
