Friday, December 11, 2015

Indoor 'Herb' Garden

In America, Herb is pronounced as 'erb' but the British way of saying 'herb' is still popular in India. I try to blend in but occasionally I stand out ;-)

I remember the things I used to hate the most in my childhood, herbs and few spices. Mint, Fennel seeds and Cardamoms topped my list of 'No No'. Over the years, don't know what changed I'm a total convert now!! Herbs top my list of favorites and Fennel, Mints, Cilantro and Basil's are the ones I love the most. Makes me wonder how and when this transformation happened!!

Four months back when we had to move from CA to OH, I never wanted to part away from my plants that I had grown them over summer. We had around 6 pots/containers full of herbs and I managed to bring them alive and they are flourishing indoors.

I was on a hunting spree looking for Curry Leaf Tree 2 years ago. There was a guy in San Bernardino who used to sell those saplings in LA but I never made it to him. 8 months back I found a person who has Avocado estate in Moorpark, CA also sells saplings of Curry Leaf Trees and Holy Basil. He went looking for Cuban Oregano (sambarballi) plant on my request and managed to get one. I can share his contact details for those who are interested. He does not ship anywhere so only locals get lucky!!









I found out that Logees.com sell Curry Leaf Tree and so ordered one for $25 includes shipping. It came in a small pot and the sapling looked healthy. I immediately re-potted (major mistake which I shouldn't have done) and the plant almost died, they were kind enough to send me another one for free. My first plant survived under my supervision and the second one is doing good. I got them indoors before the first frost weather struck Cincinnati. I water once in two days and feed them diluted buttermilk occasionally.

I also got lot of veggie/green seeds from EdenBrothers.com for half their value during fall. I plan to grow them next spring and they assured that seeds are viable for one year. They also sell Saffron bulbs (10 bulbs for around $12) and I was so delighted when the first flower bloomed after 2 weeks(late October in USDA 6a zone) of planting those bulbs. The 3 red stigmas are the Saffron threads!! Now I know why they are an expensive spice! If you are wondering whats that fork doing in that container, they are to ward off squirrels and moles.




I also got saffron bulbs ($5 for 5 bulbs) from an Etsy store called "simbalovesfriends" and it comes with free shipping world wide. They have some unique seeds plants/trees that are grown in India. I found Malabar Spinach (Basele Soppu) at CAM International Market in Cincinnati in the produce section and managed to grow them from cuttings. 

Especially in winter months when heating system runs continuously to keep the indoor warm which in turn reduces the moisture level, having a indoor plants improves air quality inside your home bringing in some moisture.


2 comments:

  1. Thank you so much for the websites info :) Your dedication is inspiring!

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    1. You are Welcome!! I am happy to have inspired atleast one....you :-)

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