it's fair to say that my mother is a spectacular gardener. she's been blessed with a passion for plants and trees, and it's more like she has green hands than a green thumb. this skill wasn't hereditary, as i really have to work at it. i have enthusiastic phases, comprised of carts full of pots, soil, and an array of small plants with tags saying things like "extremely hearty" or "tolerant to most climates" or "perfect indoors or outdoors." i've brought them home, replanted them in their shiny, new pots lovingly patting down the soil, and telling myself this time will be different. one long weekend here, one cold snap there...or one incredibly hot day in the summer, and they all eventually reach the same fate. if these plants were test children, i would resolve to live my life as a devoted wife and dog mom.
this time around i've tried a different method. firstly, i'm starting from scratch with seeds and soil (perhaps if i'm unsuccessful i won't feel like such a loser, with my plant graveyard). also, my mom helped me setup the pots and plant the seeds at her house; maybe some of the botanical magic rubbed off on me? providing a healthy start, she explained, is key: lining the bottom of the pot with pebbles so that the water can drain properly, rich soil, and not planting the seeds too deep are all crucial. lastly, i chose food plants. specifically basil and red hot peppers--neat!
these little guys will take 5-10 days to germinate, but i'll update on the progress. hopefully homemade caprese salad, white pizza (using the basil), and hot salsa (using the peppers) are all in my near future!
also, when i brought the seedlings home, my mom gave me some cooking pans to transport them in (so that i wouldn't get soil-y water all over the car). apparently these were my grandmothers (who is still with us, so who knows how mom got them out of her kitchen). this may sound crazy, but i think they're beautiful and so well-constructed. i plan to return them with my "trick pony" meal, baked ziti and brownies.
