First, can I say how excited I am about my blog? I even have my first follower (Erika, I'll always remember that!)
Yesterday I bought live basil plants at Safeway--they routinely sell them in produce section. I think that's the best deal around for $4. You get plenty of basil for mozzarella, tomato and basil salad and then there are three or four basil plants to put in the garden to boot. I've used "Safeway basil" for my herb collection in the garden for the last two years and have decided that there's really no need to spend more money on basil seedlings at a nursery. This way you alreday get your first harvest and the next one can be done soon after.
"The planting material" does look unusual--their roots are squished together in some weird spongy mold with some substance that I'm sure is some super-duper plant food. I just pull the plants apart and shake off anything that will freely come off. No worries about weak-looking roots. The good thing about basil is that it's one of those plants that will easily root from a cutting. I might even use some of this same basil bunch to cut some stems, put in a water and after a week, when new roots have appeared, put it in a pot with some potting mix and give it to someone to plant in their garden. To my first follower, perhaps...
P.S. I could not help myself and took a picture of my white peony with raindrops on it tonight as well.
Basil is a must in every garden. Scott and I just got back from our lunch where we had pasta with chicken, pine nuts and tasty sauce with bunch of basil in it! Great stuff.
ReplyDeleteYour peony is gorgeous!
I can smell the basil just reading about it!
ReplyDeleteI have a basil plant from Giant (not to be confused with a giant basil plant) sitting on my kitchen windowsill. It's such a good deal, about the same price they have you pay for a little pack of 20 leaves.
ReplyDeleteAnd I have peony envy.
I need to figure out what to plant where in my shady yard.