So, you might be wondering what ever happened to the herbs I planted a while back?
Well, the inevitable happened. I killed them. All of them. Ok, well, not all of them, there are still a few really sad looking chives that refuse to grow any larger than newly planted grass seed. I should have known this would happen. I’ve killed a cactus in the past! It’s impossible to kill a cactus!
I think my problem was that I exposed them to the nasty elements of Oklahoma too soon. They were doing just fine as little sprouts indoor next to the sunshiney window. They were outgrowing their cups, though, so I replanted them in a planter and moved them outside. Apparently 95 degree weather and 50 knot winds are not good for tiny seedlings. They were dead almost overnight. Fail.
On the up side of things, the baby tomato plants that I got seem to be doing well and have more than doubled in size. They’ve even grown flowers, which I think is a good sign that we’ll eventually get fruit.
And the basil that I bought pre-sprouted is going strong. I’ve used it’s leaves in several dishes and they just keep coming back. I’ve also added a mint and parsley plant to my arsenal. The mint is doing great and loves the sun and heat. The parsley has good days and bad days, but it hasn’t died yet.
What I’ve learned:
- I fail at gardening. It’s a good thing my cat and dog are healthy, otherwise I might not have much hope for my future children.
- Don’t be cheap. Always buy pre-sprouted plants. They’re only a couple dollars more than seeds, and much more likely to actually survive.
- Cilantro is the least durable herb when it comes to heat. This makes no sense, as I assume mass quantities are grown in Mexico.
- Tomatoes and mint like heat and sun.
- Basil, parsley and jalapenos do not.
- Cats like to eat jalapeno leaves.
- I need a new hobby.
I love how you just keep trying! When I started gardening, I killed half of the plants I had just bought.. And they were bromeliads I got from a farm that was such a long ride from home. Are tomatoes easy to care for? I’ve always wanted to try!
they need lots of sun and water, but other than that, they seem to be pretty easy so far!
You are not alone! After lots of toiling and making our yard beautiful, it is already a hot mess, and we have to buy new things every other week to replace the poor little plants that I kill with my not-even-remotely-green thumbs. 🙁 The “herb garden” is the saddest part…
Jalapenos love the heat/sun! Just make sure they have enough water and they literally can’t get enough of the sun’s rays! Tomato plants look great!
Definitely right about Cilantro. I’ve got a huge bunch of it, all bolting to seed, leaving me with no leaves right to pick. Looks like I’ll have to continue to go for store bought.