If you love fresh herbs but simply can't handle the mess of potting
soil on your counters - or even worse, under your fingernails - you'll
love this project. Growing herbs in ordinary household sponges - clean
ones, of course - eliminates the need to for soil and provides you with
fresh herbs all winter.
If you are struggling with the
concept, don't feel bad. I'm an avid gardener and I didn't believe it
either - until I saw the pictures of lush green herbs springing from an
ordinary sponge. The trick of course it to keep the sponge wet, but
you've probably figured that out on your own.
Sponges
Some sources recommend that you use recycled sponges, but somehow this
just doesn't set right to me. New sponges are inexpensive and you can be
reasonably sure they are free of bacteria or contaminants that recycled
sponges can hold. I personally prefer sea sponges, mainly because I
like the natural look. You could, of course, choose brightly-colored
kitchen sponges to brighten the décor. If that's your style - go ahead -
I promise, I won't tell a soul.
Containers
Select
a container for your herb garden. Plant pots, window trays or shallow
serving dishes make good choices, but here again; it's totally up to
you. If you want to grow herbs in grandma's old teapot - go ahead. As
long as the container is waterproof and holds the sponge, there are no
rules.
Preparations
Rinse the sponge thoroughly
for several minutes to remove any residue in may contain. If you are
using recycled sponges, soak them in boiling water for 15 minutes to
kill any bacteria.
Place the sponge in your container. A snug
fit works best and prevents accidental spilling. If necessary, cut your
sponge to the shape of the container to get a good fit.
Water to
saturate the sponge. A little water on the bottom of the container is
fine, but more that one half inch of water should be poured off before
planting your herb seeds.
Planting
Sprinkle your
favorite herb seeds over the top of the sponge and press them into the
sponge with your fingers. Most herbs have tiny seeds and easily
penetrate the surface of the sponge. For larger seeds - like chives -
push the seeds into the holes of the sponge until they are secure.
Cover the top of the container with plastic food wrap. Punch several
holes in the plastic with the tip of a pencil to allow air to circulate
and prevent excessive moisture buildup. Place the herb garden in a warm
location until the seeds germinate.
Growing
Remove
the cover once seedlings have emerged and place the herb garden in a
sunny window. If light is limited, place them under a plant light or a
fluorescent light. Herbs prefer bright light and suffer in shaded areas.
Keep the sponge moist at all times to prevent injury to your herb plants.
Harvesting
Begin harvesting fresh herbs when the plants are three to four inches
tall. Harvesting leaves from the growing tip forces new foliage to form
along the stem and creates a bushy plant.
So, go ahead. Enjoy
the flavor of fresh herbs all winter without the mess and fuss of
potting soil by growing your favorite herbs in sponges.
