Are you ready to embark on a day filled with gardening adventures? There’s truly no better way to spend a day than in the garden. Today, I’ll be taking you through my gardening routine, from moving dirt to planting seeds, and even introducing you to my newfound love – herbal tinctures. So, join me as we explore the wonders of the garden.
Our first task involves moving dirt. My husband and I have been transforming parts of our garden to reduce grass, promote native plants, and create a welcoming environment for pollinators and other wildlife. I’ve saved some sandy soil to mix with my enriched beds, enhancing drainage. The focus today is on a bed for sweet potatoes, tomatillos, and tomatoes – all plants that tolerate deeper soil.
After the dirt-moving workout, I take a break in the shade, hydrating and going through my seeds. Yes, it might seem early for summer seeds, but here in Florida, the summer vibe arrives sooner. I’m planting various flowers, milkweeds, and beans, strategically placing them to fill the gaps left by the outgoing warm-season plants.
Next, it’s time for an experiment. In the bed with freshly moved dirt, I’m testing whether zinnias can germinate equally well in both good soil and sandy soil. It’s a curious venture that involves planting these giant zinnias, providing a burst of color to the garden.
Moving on to beans, I plant Jackson Wonder lima beans in one of the beds, spacing them out to allow for bushy growth. Meanwhile, sunflowers, those delightful, non-edible blooms loved by bees, find a spot next to the roselle plants.
With rain in the forecast, I anticipate the seeds sprouting soon. The Thai Soldier beans and zinnias are already making their appearance, promising a vibrant display.
Shifting gears, I focus on greens and herbs. Basil, Ethiopian kale, and Malabar spinach find a home in my Greenstalk vertical planters, where I can keep a close eye on them.
Harvest time arrives as I gather German chamomile and lemon balm. The chamomile will be dried for soothing tea, while lemon balm is destined for a tincture, joining the ranks of other herbal extracts like borage and oregano oil.
Speaking of tinctures, I briefly share my six-week journey of infusing glycerin with herbs for their medicinal properties. The borage tincture aids in relaxation, while oregano oil proves beneficial for colds and coughs.
As the tinctures complete their maturation, I prepare a lemon balm tincture, chopping up the leaves and submerging them in glycerin. This concoction, rich in relaxation-inducing properties, will complement my sleepy time tea.
And that concludes our day in the garden! Thank you for joining me on this diverse gardening adventure. Happy gardening!
