I have a not-so-secret desire to be a gardener. (Or at least not kill every single plant I try to raise.) With the fact that I now have two houseplants that are, surprisingly, still alive, I’m gaining more confidence to carry on. One of the two has actually been alive for over a year! So today I bought another basil plant from TJ’s. I realize this makes it my fourth of fifth attempt, but damn it, I’ve got to succeed at some point! Right?

Originally my plan was to start a tomato plant. I’ve been wanting to try container gardening for some time, and I hear that tomatoes are pretty easy for newbies. When I read green LA girl’s recent foray into gardening, who apparently also has a black thumb, I knew that I should just take the plunge. I got up this morning all gung-ho about getting my tomato plant started: looking at what kind of container I should choose, which variety of tomato I should try, and where can I get some good potting soil. Then I started feeling a little overwhelmed at all the different options … I never knew there were THAT many varieties of tomato! Unfortunately, I chickened out and came home with nary a tomato seed.

To help myself feel a little less defeated (and not quite empty-handed), I bought the basil plant. It’s not such a bad consolation prize, and I do love the smell of fresh basil in the kitchen! So while I try to keep this basil plant alive, I’m doing a bit more research on growing tomatoes. Maybe by next weekend I’ll build enough confidence to (finally) get started.

Filed by Maria in garden, home