Well, we’ve got three deep beds ready to go, but it’s awkward in-between growing season here in Zone 7 (nearly 6, but we’re a little too warm for that), so I’ve started the porch herb garden for now, as well as a little late seed starting for moonflowers, cherry tomatoes, lemon balm, and marigolds. We’ll see how that goes – it’s the first seed starting I’ve done on my own, and we’ve got a nice south-facing window in one of the spare rooms, as well as extra lamps. Huzzah!

The porch garden is what I’m used to doing, and I’m pretty stoked about this one – not only do we have now have TWO porches/decks, but one of them is enormous. I’m a bit daunted by the size and how to set it up in an aesthetically pleasing manner (I’ve never been much of a decorator, but now’s as good a time as any to try!), but regardless, I’ll have lots of herbs and things to play with. The list:

• arugula
• lettuce mix
• parsley
• cilantro
• catnip
• chocolate mint
• pineapple mint
• basil, basil, and more basil!
• dill
• spicy oregano
• sage
• rosemary
• lavender
• marigolds for pest control

And for your viewing pleasure, you may peek into the “before” shot of what we eventually plan to do (including scraping and refinishing the deck. Ugh):

I’ve still got several empty containers, so I’ll be adding more herbs as needed and at my leisure/as they grow. Oh – and I’ve got strawberries going in the front raised bed (thanks, previous owners)! I’ve never done strawberries, but I’ve gotten plenty of advice. If you’ve got any for any and all of the above, feel free to give it!

Next up, we’re hoping to ask the nearby horse farms what they do with their…waste. For now, we’ll enjoy some herbs while we wait patiently for our last scheduled frost date. Yay!