My Green Thumb

This spring Nick and I found ourselves strolling through the 59th street Home Depot and came across the grow your own basil kits. You know the ones that provide you with the soil, seeds and container? For $6 you can purchase this kit and grow basil all year long (well I hope all year long). The way I see it... Spend $6 and get a constant flow of basil for your recipes. amazing! I was the cook who would buy basil at the supermarket, not use it completely, and have to throw out most of it.

Once we finally planted this bad boy I was like a 4th grader watching their science project grow. As soon as it sprouted I ran through the house skipping. I had successfully GROWN a plant instead of killing it. I may have also done the happy dance.

I keep the pot in our front window that allows for at least 6 hours of direct sun every morning. We also use blackout curtains on our windows, so if I put the pot between the window and the curtains it acts similar to a greenhouse. Occasionally I set the pot on the fire escape to get some fresh air.

After about three weeks I decided that I wasn't going to stop at basil. Off to Home depot I went and picked up potting soil and tomato seeds. I knew I was late in the season to start planting, but I wanted to try it anyway. This too became exciting! I am loving the idea of fresh grape tomatoes and basil.

So far the tomatoes have not produced and I also accidentally planted too many seeds in the pot so it may be overcrowded. Last week I tied a few of the stalks to my wooden dowls but there are a few rouge stalks that may or may not have to go.

For now I've used the basil in two dishes. One night I mixed home made pesto with plain greek yogurt and made potato salad and pork chops with the mixture. Yum! I hope to keep this up. I never knew my black thumb could be green!