This post is sponsored by EcoScraps. All opinions are my own.
If you've been around for awhile and read any of our home posts you probably know that our love for plants and live greenery in general is well established. Just because you live in a a tiny space doesn't mean that gardening and growing your own food is impossible. Sure, you might not have access to backyard space in a city but that doesn't mean you can't get creative with your green thumb. These days there are numerous ways to grow indoors without having to compromise on space . Whether it's your own little herb garden or full on fruits and vegetables, it can be done and in style. Because you shouldn't have to compromise style for functionality. No matter how often David tells me gardening isn't stylish. Ha!
To kick off summer on the right foot I'm teaming up with EcoScraps to help me start a little herb garden of my own in our tiny space and we're giving away a $50 gift card to Walmart so you can start one of your own (enter below)!
Now, one of my favorite things about using EcoScraps soil, aside from it being natural + organic is they use their own compost made from plant materials and food waste to make the soil even more nutrient rich and to avoid wasting food (and reduce landfill waste). Did you know? Americans throw away 30 million tons of food waste a year. YIKES! EcoScraps soils are also sans synthetic chemicals and added poop. I got the EcoScraps Natural and Organic Potting Mix at Walmart and it's great for all types of containers, indoors and outdoors. (EcoScraps story here)
As far as our starter herb garden goes, I decided on a good variety of herbs for summer cooking. I chose a handful of different types that I find myself using a lot during the summer time like Basil, Rosemary, Mojito Mint (because mojitos!), Parsley and Thyme. I bought these already potted so I could test my skills before trying to grow from seeds. We'll try that later if I'm successful.
I bought a few cute planters to help keep things uniform and went to work.
- In each planter we added a small layer of EcoScraps Natural and Organic Potting Mix to the bottom before transitioning the plant to the new pot.
- Next, since the plans usually form a little bit of a root ball, we broke up the roots a little bit so it's easier for them to grow out into the soil before adding them to the planter.
- Fill the rest of the planter with soil, pack gently, and water accordingly.
I personally couldn't wait to put my basil to work, so I immediately made a Watermelon Caprese Salad, perfect for summer get togethers and picnics! Scroll down for recipe.
- Quick Herb Garden Tips -
1. Start with Basil, it grows quickly and the leaves clearly wilt when they're not getting enough water. It's a great starter plant!
2. Read the label. Make sure you're putting your plants in the right kind of light and giving them the correct amount of water. Some need full light and some can thrive in shade, with little water. Read.the.label.
3. When repotting, make sure you're putting them in a pot a little bigger than the plant. Break up the roots a little bit and add a layer of nutrient rich soil in the bottom before adding the plant.
4. Harvesting: Always take the leaves from the top.
- Watermelon Caprese Salad -
1/4 Watermelon, sliced and cut into 2" Stars
Fresh Mozzarella, Sliced
A handful of fresh basil leaves
2 Tsp. Olive Oil
1 Tsp. Basalmic Vinegar
1. On a large plate or dish arrange watermelon slices, mozzarella and basil in a line.
Watermelon, Mozzarella Slice, Basil. Repeat.
2. Drizzle with Olive Oil and Balsamic. Sprinkle with dried oregano and basil.
3. Serve chilled.
(Try my peach version here)
Enter to win $50 to Walmart!
