After much figurative weeping, wailing, and gnashing of teeth, I finally summoned the intestinal fortitude to take a pair of tweezers (as per suggestions I saw on a couple of message boards) and thin my baby herb plants.
Actually, I only tackled the oregano and the sweet basil, as the others still seem (at least to my newbie gardener eyes) relatively uncrowded for their particular stage of growth. And I have no idea if I thinned them enough, or too much… or whether my method was correct or dead wrong… but I suppose we shall see!
After the deed was done, I reminded myself that I am growing these herbs for eating, after all… and so I sampled the thinnings. The sweet basil was just ok – still not mature enough, perhaps, to have achieved full flavour (though the smell is divine) – but the oregano… oh, the oregano! Young as it is, the oregano tastes pungent and earthy and lingering, a promising prelude to some as-yet unconcocted batch of spicy pasta sauce that will simmer on my stovetop in the not-so-distant future.
For those keeping track of my herb garden’s progress, I share with you the latest photos for your perusal, including the results of my thinning bravery. As always, clicking on each photo will take you to the larger version on Flickr.
(Pssst… my sage is now up!)
Chives
Sage
Thyme
Parsley
Oregano (before thinning)
Oregano (after thinning)
Basil (before thinning)
Basil (after thinning)
The results of my bravery
Hopefully now that I’ve committed herbicide for the first time, the discomfiting process of baby plant thinning will get easier. And having had my first taste of the fruits of my labours adds a whole new dimension to this little venture!
So, how is your garden growing?
Twitter: mjmjuneau
May 2, 2012
Looking wonderful. You realize that next time you need to thin you might be able to transpant some of the seedlings if the roots aren’t tangled? AND you can thin as you need them to flavour your food.You are becoming addicted already!!
Twitter: alphabetsalad
May 3, 2012
Great idea! The oregano would have been difficult to transplant at this stage, as it’s so crowded and tiny – but it would probably work with the sweet basil. I’m having a lot of fun with this!
Laurel Regan recently posted… Committing Herbicide
Ouch, that had to hurt, but I can see how it was deemed necessary. I have no herb garden, still.
Megan recently posted… you have no idea: book review + giveaway
Twitter: alphabetsalad
May 3, 2012
I’m just glad the first time is over. 🙂
Laurel Regan recently posted… Committing Herbicide
I’ve not grown herbs before–but it looks good to me 🙂
Cheers, Jenn
Jenn recently posted… A Special Thank You
Twitter: alphabetsalad
May 3, 2012
Thanks, Jenn!
Laurel Regan recently posted… Committing Herbicide
You will be hooked after you eat them. I can’t wait to some soon (too cool here). I have luck with basil (zoo much) and oregano just NEVER dies..I have it for years since in my yard! It just has a mind of its own as does the chives. The only thing that don’t work for me is parsley as it is mild and and the bunnies come and eat it to the ground the day after it sprouts!
Winnie recently posted… Mother’s Day Cards – Part I
Twitter: alphabetsalad
May 3, 2012
Good to know, Winnie – I love that it comes back! I haven’t seen any bunnies around here, but we have a multitude of squirrels – I hope they’re not into herbs!
Laurel Regan recently posted… Committing Herbicide
Twitter: susandusterhoft
May 6, 2012
I’ve never thinned my herbs. What I need to do is remember to what everything! Thanks for sharing your thoughts and photos!
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Twitter: alphabetsalad
May 7, 2012
You’re welcome! I’m having fun with it. 🙂
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