I never thought I had a green thumb (it's more like a "dead thumb"), but I sowed my first seeds ever in the middle of this winter. Yes, that's contrary to what the "experts" advise but I've recently been enjoying fresh parsley and rocket in my salads. Straight from my very own Freedom garden! Just imagine, fresh, organic produce that you don’t have to leave your house to get and that won't cost a cent. All you’ll need are some seeds, ground, water and these three easy steps…

Your best bet against soaring food prices

My freedom garden is a project in progress. I helped a friend move and took some old, unwanted window trays off her hands. Seeing that it was the middle of winter when I started my project, I bought seeds for herbs that grow easily. Now I’m giving my rocket away in handfuls! Your only limitation with growing your own herbs or vegetables is space.

If you live in a flat or cottage, you can still enjoy organic, fresh produce. One option is to grow herbs in pots indoors by the windows or with grow lights. If you have a small balcony you can create vertical gardens, which are started in pots and then trained to grow upwards, using trellises or poles. Here's how to get started:

1. Decide on your herbs
To decide on which herbs to start growing, take a look through your bottled herbs and spices to get an idea for what you use the most. Perhaps you enjoy the Italian tastes of oregano, basil, thyme and sage the most. Some other firm favourites include rosemary, mint, parsley, coriander, lavender and tarragon. I would strongly recommend rocket too, it’s easy to grow and your days of wasted lettuce for salads will be gone.

2. Containers and space
Any container will do and you could get quite creative with your herb receptacles. You could choose one big pot for all your herbs or smaller, different pots for each different herb. The great thing about growing herbs is that they’re rather hardy. Make sure your containers have at least one hole at the bottom to allow for drainage. Most herbs need at least four to seven hours of direct sunlight so make sure your container options can accommodate this.

3. Soil and planting tips
Again, you don’t need an enlarged green thumb to grow great herbs to flavour food, treat illness or decorate and perfume. Just a little bit of TLC will go a long way in ensuring great herbs! The soil you plant your seeds in should be a slightly alkaline potting soil. If you think it’s too acidic, hydrate it with lime water. Till the soil so that there is ample space (50%) for water, air and root growth. Some of the solid soil matter should include organic material such as wood chips, grass clippings, manure or compost. Make sure the soil is well watered and tilled before planting your seeds.

When in doubt, follow the planting directions that accompany your seeds. I have found the best way of planting seeds is to dig straight grooves about five centimetres apart from each other. Then, simply sprinkle the seeds along the grooves and cover. Water with luke warm water, as this speeds up the germination process. Once your seeds have germinated and begun to sprout you should fertilise the soil.

With food prices escalating at such an alarming rate there’s no easier, better way to save money on your groceries. Your herb garden won’t need too much time or effort and with these tips you’re guaranteed to get more out than you put in! If you have a spacious garden or patio, you could even look at expanding your herb garden to include vegetables.

Kind Regards,
 

Pascale Barrow
Managing Editor of Personal & Finance Confidential