Last night we feasted!  Well, maybe not feasted but after some research I figured out that my basil plants were way overdue for some pruning given the small size of the container I’m growing them in.  So, I plucked the leaves off, gave them a quick rinse, and broke out the bread, mozzarella, peppers, and salami.  It made for an excellent light dinner.

Despite the tastyness of this batch of basil, I’m going to have to start over with the herb garden….

There are three reasons for this.  First, even with the anti-fungal baking soda, soap, and oil mixture which seems to have cut down on my fungus and bug problem the basil plant still gets bugs quickly (like, I have to spray everyday or the little critters come back.  They’re harmless but annoying and kind of gross).  I think this is probably the result of using a plastic pot with few drain holes.

Second, the cilantro just didn’t get enough light.  I’m going to move it, probably to our bedroom, where it stays cooler and gets more sun. I wont even show you a picture of the cilantro– that little plant is just too sad for words a picture right now.

Third, none of the plants are able to stand up and I don’t think I’m going to be able to fix that without re-starting.  Their stems at the soil are just to flimsy.  It might be time to take the plants up to the roof.  Surely my landlord wont notice/mind.

I’ll let you know how the second round goes.  Like Ariel, I think I spend more energy and time on this garden than I would buying the basil at the store, but I’m doing it because I want to learn to garden.  Just like I want to learn how to run (more on this soon, FYI).  This summer has been about taking on some things that I want to do but aren’t sure about or will fail at just to prove that it wont really matter if I do fail the first, second, or even third time.