Urban Farmer

It’s been a while since I’ve posted, but good news!

The last couple of weeks in April was spent working the regular job and then mowing till dark, trying to keep my son’s lawn business going until he could get home and take it over.  Needless to say, I didn’t get much done in the backyard!

However, about a couple weeks ago that all changed and I was able to start gathering the herbs I wanted.  My wife picked some up at Trader Joe’s, and I got those planted.  I went myself to Whole Foods, an organic food store, and got most of the rest I needed, and finally, a few days ago I stopped by a local nursery, Hartke Nursery, and got the last few.  Now the plants are all safely housed in the ground, mulched and growing to their heart’s content.

I basically followed the plan posted earlier except that my space was a little bit smaller.  Divided the circular plot into quadrants by foot paths.  Put the bird bath in the center, parked next to the rose bush that I left from what was there before, then put up some poultry netting to circle the whole bed so the dogs wouldn’t tear it all up.  Finally put some straw mulch over it and there it is.

I have Thyme, Cilantro, Lavender, Lemon Balm, Borage, Tarragon, Chives, Sage, Dill, Oregano, Fennel, Parsley, Chamomile and three varieties of Basil.

Here are some pictures (sorry, the straw is a bit overwhelming in the photo):

Now we’ll watch and enjoy!

See you in the garden!

Jon

So today was the day!  Been planning for weeks now to be there to get some herbs for my garden.  Arranged my schedule to make sure I could get there.

Started at 8:30 AM and was to last till 2:00 PM.  Was held in a church in Webster Groves.

I assumed you could show up, go in, look around, pick out your choices for herbs, pay and leave.

WRONG!

When I got there the line was a city block long, 2 or 3 abreast, of people waiting just to get in the door!

I asked a lady leaving and she said she arrived at 7:30 AM, waited an hour for the doors to open and was just leaving at 9:30.  She said if you wanted specific herbs to be sure to get there early.

I just left.  Had a lawn service appointment at 10:30 and knew I couldn’t wait in line for 1 1/2 hours and make it to the appointment.

Was talking to my lawn customer and he said the same thing happened at another plant sale close to his home.  People lined up for blocks to get to the plants.

So what did I learn??

1)  Want herbs or specialized plants?  Go early and still be prepared to wait.

2)  There must be a HUGE market not being tapped. 

OK, let’s get the greenhouse going and the herbs growing and the marketing in place and let’s fill a need and make some money.

Passion=Income!  (See my BizCard!)

See you in the garden!

Jon

P.S.  Got to find another source for the herbs!