You might notice that it's not green. Unfortunately, I found that out the hard way.
In the past two years, I've tried growing basil, cilantro, parsley, oregano and bell peppers from seeds. (I've also managed to kill two pots of daisies and an orchid, and almost killed a palm that my mom had for years, and some lucky bamboo that came with our apartment, which I've read is very difficult to kill. But back to the seeds...) Each plant grew to be about two inches tall, and then stopped. They didn't die, or even wither; they just refused to grow. I tended to them for weeks, reassuring myself with thoughts like, "Maybe this week they'll sprout a new pair of leaves."
Each time I try to make something grow, my boyfriend does his best to mask his laughter with sympathy, and tolerate the cluttered windowsills. He usually does quite well for about two months. Then, he gives me the look that says, "it's time," and I toss the midget plants.
My last attempt was in the fall. Wherever they are, I'm pretty sure those plants are still alive, but no more than two inches tall.
So, I've decided to take a new approach. I've bought small plants instead of seeds. I figure if they don't shrink overnight, I'm bound to have more success than I've had in the past. Meet my new babies:
From left to right, we have cilantro, bell pepper, oregano and cherry tomatoes. I couldn't resist naming them, so we have: Silo Cilantro, Bella Bellpepper, Oliver Oregano and Charlie Cherry Tomato. Perhaps giving them names will create an emotional attachment that will help ensure my success?
I've created this blog to chronicle my next attempt, but also with the hope that I can get some help from people who actually do have green thumbs. Any guidance you can give would be much appreciated. I bought the plants this evening, gave them some water, and they're currently sitting in my sink. I was planning to buy some much larger pots tomorrow, but I'm really clueless: What should be my next step?
Nice meeting you today. You'll want to get these guys out of their starter (plastic) pots as soon as possible. Purchase some potting soil and a few ceramic pots. The herbs tend to grow to the size of their container, so you get to decide how much (or how big... lets think optimistically)you want them to grow. Break up an older pot and place the shards in the bottom of the pot your transplanting into. Or, you can put some rocks of different sizes into the bottom of pot. This is for drainage. Oh, make sure the pot you are transplanting into has a hole in the bottom. Put enough planting soil into the new pot to get started, then transplant with the bottom of the plant at the soil line. press around the root area gently to anchor the plant, then water well.
ReplyDeleteThe most important thing to remember when growing cilantro is that it does not like hot weather. When the spoil temperature starts getting above 73-77, cilantro will grow tall quickly and go to seed. The ideal cilantro growing conditions are cool but sunny. Cilantro is best grown where it will get early morning or late afternoon sun, but be shaded during the hottest part of the day. If you pinch off the heads/flowers as they develop it will last a bit longer, but even with ideal cilantro growing conditions, this is a short lived herb. Plant new seeds about every 6 weeks to keep a steady supply throughout the growing season. The ground seeds from cilantro are coriander!
The Bell Pepper can stay in it's container for a while longer, but should get in the ground within the next couple of weeks. Make sure to keep the soil moist while it is in it starter container. Once you have it in the ground, water every day for the first week, then once a week should be fine, unless we are experiencing really dry weather. Remember, the Bell Pepper will start green, and will turn red (and develop a wonderful flavor) as it matures.
For the Oregano, it's a pretty tough plant! It is relatively drought tolerant, so only water when the soil is dry to a half inch below the surface. Plant this separately from the cilantro as they require different care. Unlike the cilantro, oregano likes full sun. it will do well in a pot in the sun, in hot weather! Again, don't over water. If you stick your finger into the soil about half an inch and there is no moisture, then water and stop until there is a small bit of water coming out of the bottom of the pot. (make sure you have a saucer or something under the pot if it is on anything you don't want stained). This plant should do well with these conditions. If you want to encourage bunching and intensify the flavor, pinch flower heads off as soon as they begin to bloom.
Your tomato will be fine for a week or so in the container as well, but will eventually want a biger place to grow. You can get a large pot, or plant in the ground. These guys like a lot of sun too, and most types are not afraid of the Texas heat. There is lots of information out there about growing tomatoes. Mostly just give them some good soil and keep them watered and in plenty of sun and you'll be fine. Watch for pests! Various local gardening stores can help you identify and treat pests accordingly.
Hope that helps!
wow! Thanks for all the tips. I'm on my way out to get some pots and soil now, but I've already killed off the oregano. I think I'll stick with the three I have and maybe add more things later.
ReplyDeleteIt was nice meeting you last weekend as well! Sorry it's taken so long to reply. It's been a very busy week. I'm about to post an update on the blog.