This space was between my front door and my garage. It had been previously used for a variety of flowers and shrubs, none of which thrived due to the lack of sunlight. As you look at the picture you are facing South. The sun passed between the house on the left and the garage on the right and only gave an hour's worth of direct sunlight each day. Not enough for the Roses but plenty for herbs. I utilized the space for a variety of herbs which I frequently used in my kitchen. At the extreme top I planted six Basil plants. Just below that were six sets of Chives. Next is a healthy patch of Sage. Below the Sage I planted American Parsley. Next were Radishes which flourished until they fell victim to the hot Summer temperatures of Northern Nevada. At the very bottom is a patch of Italian Parsley. The Sage and the Parsely carried over from year to year but the others had to be replanted each Spring. The spot was handy to a spigot on the front of the house so was easy to water (every other day). When cooking it was a pleasure to just step outside my door with a pair of scissors and snip off whatever I needed for the particular meal. As they grew I wasn't afraid to snip off the leaves close to the stem. It seemed a new burst of growth would result each time I did so.
To initially prepare the spot I removed all other plants and weeds. Then using a shovel I turned the soil over, removing roots, etc, while doing so, to a depth or aorund 12 inches. I then sprinkled the site with 5-5-5 granular fertilizer and worked the site over again with a hoe, breaking up any remaining clumps. The fertilizer has to be repeated each Spring. In the plantings I used both sets and seeds and each was successfull. On another occassion I planted the Basil in full sunlight as well as Parsley. Both grew quite well there also.
Italian pasta sauces were easy to make with the ingredients close to hand. At Thanksgiving the American Parsley was still prolific despite several frosts and added its tangy taste to many traditional dishes.
PESTS: Chester Burley of CT writes that he uses marigolds. 'Plant marigolds thru out your garden.' This is a nice earth friendly way to avoid insects and other pests in your garden.
RECIPES FROM YOUR GARDEN: Click on the recipe below using the above as an ingredient and it will pop up for you.
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