Gardening hacks for home
Springs Advertiser, Green, Gardening, Indoor, Farming, Health, Kea Shilakwe
Children in Grade One are taught the basics of growing things with a petri dish, cotton wool, a bean and a little water. The idea is to show the child that anything can grow anywhere given the right environment.
Having a small veggie/herb garden is not only healthy for you and mentally stimulating but also a way to save money and find new ways to spice up meals while impressing the guests.
Not everyone, however, has the space for their dream garden. Just like children in Grade One, it won’t hurt to start small.
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Vertical farming is the latest trend in leading a “greener” lifestyle in urban areas. It is the function of gardening upwards alongside a wall or a fence instead of on the ground.
Vertical farming is not limited to smaller spaces. All one needs is containers that aren’t in use, compost, and some seedlings.
If the thought of DIY is daunting, you can always plant your little garden on your window sill or countertop. Just make sure you have enough light.
Here is a list of some herbs you can grow in small or confined spaces and their uses:
Basil
This herb is the perfect accompaniment to meals in a basil pesto. Rich in vitamin K, vitamin A, vitamin C, magnesium, iron, potassium, and calcium, the inclusion of basil in food can also help to prevent the harmful effects of ageing and the deterioration of eyesight.
Rosemary
Rosemary, whether fresh or dried, is another beautiful addition to any collection. As it likes to dry out between watering.
It should ideally be given its own space in the pot plant. Ideal on a roasted leg of lamb, it is a woody herb that can withstand high temperatures. Rosemary has also been shown to have antioxidant properties that aid in the fighting of free radicals.
Thyme
Like rosemary, thyme can withstand high temperatures and is a delicious addition to roasted chicken. A good source of vitamins A and C, and copper, this immune-boosting herb is easy on the eyes too.
Beyond this, a healthier way to add flavour to food while decreasing blood pressure is to substitute thyme for salt as one tablespoon of this herb dried contains one milligram of sodium.
