My new Aerogarden has arrived! My first impression out of the box, is that it is a really simple and yet, ingenious idea. I assembled it with the simple picture instructions, not needing to delve too deeply into what went where. I had it completely assembled and running within 15 minutes of opening the package.
The size is just perfect for my workdesk(although I would love a large 7 plug size-note to any gift buying family members out there), and when I plugged it in, it makes even less noise than the 1 gallon fishtank also housed on my workdesk realestate.
The only bad thing is that they sent me flowers instead of the herbs that I ordered. Before complaining, I went back to the site and it does say(in wee letters at the bottom of the page), that they reserve the right to choose either flowers or herbs. I still feel slightly cheated that they bother to ask which I wanted if they were just going to choose for me.
Being the HERB Garden Guide, the herbs were what I needed for my testdrive. Oh well, now anyone ordering the mini will know that it might be either herbs or flowers.
Overall, I am still thrilled to finally own one of these gems and plan on growing in it for many years to come. When things sprout, I will update you all!
I just received news that Fiskars is offering community gardening groups from the U.S and Canada, $1000 in gardening tools and $1,000 in garden related materials. This is the perfect opportunity to get your local herb garden club off the ground! The deadline to apply is February 19, 2010. Go to the website for all of the information you need, and apply online.
If you wanted to get a predesigned indoor herb garden, but the price put you off, I found out that Aerogarden is having a sale on their micro(three pod) gardens! I am not affiliated with this company in any way, just have coveted a cute little desktop garden for quite a while. I just ordered a black one, with Mediterranean herbs, and will now stalk the mailman until it arrives.
The sale says quantities are limited, but no mention of how limited or how long the promotion will last. They are normally $59.00 for this little one, now on sale for $29.00 plus shipping(seed pods included). My total was $37 dollars and change. If you want to grab a nice little tabletop garden, get on over to Aerogarden and pick one up!
Hope this helps somone with either their own gift list, or for themselves.
Now is the time to start organizing your holiday grocery list. Thanksgiving is fast approaching, and these herbs are must haves for a fabulous meal. Try to find them fresh if possible. Often, you can still find small pots of herbs available in nurseries. These make wonderful hostess gifts, and a row of them on the windowsill, will make a cheery decoration for celebrating our bounty.
Rosemary and Sage - Your turkey can be deliciously flavored using rosemary and sage. Remember the hand rubbed sage powder that you made this summer? Now is the time to use it! Rosemary can be used fresh or dried. Mix these herbs with softened butter. Separate the skin from the turkey gently. Using your fingertips, push the seasoned butter in between the skin and breast of the turkey. Smooth the skin back down over the bird and work the butter around as much as you can. I also like to add some additional rosemary to my potatoes. It ties them in to the flavors of the turkey very nicely. Use your sage in the stuffing mixture. Because I also add it to my turkey preparation, I use a light hand in the stuffing recipe. Sage is fantastic, but can overwhelm a meal if used in too high proportions.
Garlic -My potatoes also get a healthy dose of garlic added to them. Try cooking the garlic along with the potatoes for a rich, garlic flavor without the bitterness that can sometimes result. While you are cooking up the garlic in your potatoes, try placing some an unpeeled garlic bulb onto foil and drizzle with olive oil. Close up the foil around the garlic and bake in the oven, along with your other sides. I try to roast it for about 30 minutes, but test it for doneness depending on the temperature of your oven. The garlic is finished roasting when the cloves feel soft in their skins. Now use these sweet, roasted cloves in any of your Thanksgiving cooking that calls for it.
Chives - Cut your chives back and use them in all your holiday dips. They also taste great in your green bean casserole and sprinkled on the mashed potatoes, just before serving.
These are just a few of the tasty ways you can use some of your herbs this Thanksgiving. There are many other dishes that will benefit from the sparkle of fresh or freshly dried herbs. Make use of what you grew this year and pull out those recipe books! Here are some links for more ways to use herbs in your holiday cooking.
