This week I finally planted my modest herb garden. But first a short discussion of whether it matters if I buy organic seedlings…
I shop at Wal-Mart for all my non-food items for many reasons, primarily because we don’t find them as repulsive as some other vendors, and they have incredible prices on many items. I was picking up photos the other day and wandered through the gardening section only to find herbs for $3.33. We had success with our Wal-Mart seedling herbs from last year, so I picked up a few.
At the Garden Center, these same plants would have been twice as expensive. I could go to the garden center and get organic plants for more money and less plant viability (in our veggie garden we used organic seeds but seedlings are often very expensive as organic). Our choice, financially and logically, is to buy the Wal-Mart affordable seedlings and then raise them as pesticide free plants from now on.
In the end, I’ve saved money with little to no ill effect (after all, even it there was some residue on them, you’ll never use more than a few tablespoons). Consider that I could get a package of herbs (non-organic) for the same amount as the plant that will last all year.
Anyway, as you can see I’m still at detente with the mint in the left bed. As we’ve mentioned before (see below photo) mint does not die. It will take over your entire garden, and come back stronger the next year – so, plant wisely! In it’s sister bed, I’ve now planted rosemary, parsley, dill, cilantro, basil, tarragon and sage. I’m quite excited to watch these grow and to add them to my recipes!
