Want a simple, frugal, and tasty activity?  Start a container garden with herbs-- my daughter and I did these a few weeks ago.  How to start?  Got $10?

Here's what you need:

• 40 lbs. of potting soil $1.97
• 3 packs of seed (Basil, Parsley, and Chives) $3.00
• 1 package of Perlite or Vermiculite $4.00
• 1 box of fertilizer $2.00
• A few old containers with small drainage holes in the bottom
• Plenty of water and light

Here's what to do:

• Start filling the containers with soil and leave about two inches
• Add a few tablespoons of Perlite or Vermiculite and mix
• Add a tablespoon of fertilizer and cover with soil
• Add seed and cover with soil
• Water until water drains out of the bottom

You can start them inside and then move outside after the frost threat passes.  Takes about 30 minutes to start and two minutes watering about every other day.  This project pays big dividends-- a batch of fresh Basil goes for $3-4 in the supermarket.  You will get many fresh "batches" over the course of the season.

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Related posts:
Time to Return to Victory Gardening
What Goes Into My Compost Pile?
My 2009 Gardening Plan
Shared Resources: Gardening Websites
Spring is Coming: A Gardening Recap
Spring is Here: A Gardening Recap (Part II)