Garden Journal

Today is day 1 of the 2009 Gappa Patio Garden! Yay! Not much to speak of on the patio as of yet. Cleared away some of the dead stuff from the pots with plants I hope will grow back: Tracy's chives and the strawberries. I also gave them a little water. More importantly, however, is that I got my seeds started. They are going to get their start on the window ledge by my side of the bed right above the dog bed.

This year I ordered my seeds from Baker Creek Heirloom Seed Company. No problems with my seed company of last year, I just liked the heirloom seed effort, appreciated knowing they make a point not to sell GMO seeds, and they had most of what I wanted. I did have some seeds left from last year. As far as I'm aware they should all be good for this year as well.

The seeds I started today:
Roma Tomatoes (yes, I'm trying again)
California Wonder Bell Peppers
Mini Red Bell Peppers
Sweet Yellow Stuffing Peppers (I think they are basically mini yellow bell peppers, but I guess I'll find out.)
German Chamomile

I like the story on the Yellow Peppers:

This amazing little pepper comes to us from Amish grower Ester Smucker of Indiana. The seed was passed down to her from her Grandmother, whom she fondly remembers growing these peppers in the 1950s in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. The very productive plants produce the cutest little mini bell-shaped peppers, only 1"-2" across! Ester uses these to make wonderful stuff ed and pickled peppers!

On the indoor gardening front, my AeroGarden herb garden is growing quite nicely. (Thanks Grandma!) The basil is insane, really. The rest of the herbs are catching up now too. I have growing basil, oregano, thyme, dill, mint, and chives. Normally I'm so reluctant to use recipes calling for fresh herbs because they cost so much. Now I'm being pressed to find ways to keep my fresh herbs from going to waste. A much better place to be, I think. A few days ago I tried my hand at making fresh pesto in the food processor. Overall a good and easy experience but I used way too much garlic.