This post is by Bernie Carr, apartmentprepper.com
I’ve had a few hits and misses with the apartment balcony garden, but each year, I try to grow at least a few herbs. It takes only a small amount of work, but the rewards are gratifying.
Now more than ever, I recommend trying it out yourself for various reasons:
Food safety
I was thoroughly disgusted by this little piece of news:
FDA bans some Mexican cilantro after feces found in fields
Cilantro is often used raw in salads, guacamole, fresh salsa, and other Mexican dishes such as soft tacos and tostadas. Using it raw increases the risk of food-borne illness.
By growing herbs yourself, you limit your exposure to herbs grown in unsanitary conditions, and potential disease. Here are some tips on how to grow cilantro from Sunset Magazine.
Convenience
It is so easy to just go outside and snip a few leaves, anytime you need herbs for recipes.
Cost-effective
A bundle of herbs can cost $4-$6 at the store; and a lot of it wilts in the refrigerator after you use a small handful. On the other hand, a packet of seeds cost just a few cents; a full grown plant costs $2.99 and you can keep using it over and over.
Gift idea
If your plants prosper, or if you become proficient in growing them, you can give herb plants as gifts. They make great teachers’ gifts, thank you or even get well gifts. Everyone likes them.
Ready to get started? It is not too late – even in the heat of summer, herbs continue to flourish. Here are a few articles to get you going:
Three Herbs Even a Non-Gardener can Grow
4 Tips for Small Space Gardening
Drying Herbs without a Food Dehydrator
© Apartment Prepper 2015
I have an east facing window with no outside access. I have a rosemary plant that is thriving, but had to give all my other herbs-including the mint-to a neighbor across from me with a west facing window. I am not happy. I can still get cuttings from her when I need to but it isn’t the same as having them growing in my own home.
Hi maggi, Sorry you had to give away most of your herbs. Some herbs may thrive indoors-I may have to look into that. Thanks for the comment.
You aren’t kidding on cost. I small jar of rosemary costs about five bucks in my area. A single rosemary plant costs $3.99. With one plant and a dehydrator you can grow enough rosemary to fill 5 or 6 of those jars. And don’t get me started on basil. Basil is one of the easiest herbs to grow. It is criminal what they charge for basil in the store.