Yesterday, I made my very own visit to Gardens of Babylon at the Farmer's Market. This year, I wanted to up my urban gardening ambition. Last year, I grew some basil, some rosemary and some thyme (and killed some dill), and it gave me unrelenting joy. This year, I've signed up for a CSA, so I know I'll need even more bright flavors to pair with my beautiful Delvin Farm veggies.
A couple of weeks ago—before my trip—I stopped by for a scouting mission and they recommended that I try an Earth Box. This self-watering system is supposed to be ideal for balconies and the like. A plastic cover keeps the soil warm and moist while an H2O reservoir makes the plants boyfriend-forgets-to-water-while-I'm-away-proof.
I also wanted to do tomatoes, so I went with two boxes. I picked up two cherry tomato plants (perfect for "grazing," according to my very helpful helper) and went about choosing six herbs for my other box. I ended up with sweet basil, Thai basil, oregano, rosemary, sage and parsley. I also bought a dill seedling and a mint seedling for my leftover pots (they are large, aggressive plants and need individual space).
I spent the afternoon planting and now my babies are hanging out inside with me, staying safe from the evening chill (this weekend they'll move outside for good). If things go half as well as I hope, by summer I'll have a full-blown herb garden and cherry tomatoes for salads and pasta—not too shabby for my little East Nashville balcony.
