Grow Something. Anything.

This basil was planted over 6 months ago. Pick the flowers off to stop it going to seed!

I know not everyone likes gardening. I know not everyone has room for a garden. But to save money, and to get maximum bang for your buck, grow something to eat. I was inspired by a book I once bought called The Edible Balcony by Australian television presenter/journalist/author, Indira Naidoo.

One of the things that has stuck with me is that you should aim to grow at least something to put into each meal. This doesn’t have to be big things, like growing all your own garlic, or growing watermelons etc. It can be as simple as growing herbs. One leaf of basil is noticeable. One sprig of rosemary is extremely strong flavour. I highly recommend this book as a starting point for getting some fresh home grown products into your cooking.

Currently I’m growing mushrooms in the spare bathroom! I’m not 100% sure this is a cheaper way to get mushrooms, but it does allow me to get some varieties that I can’t buy here. And I know that they’ll be delicious.

I do also have a fairly good vege garden out the front of our house now. We rarely buy herbs and a planted basil for example will last months and months in our climate (Queensland, Australia). In fact I think ours is well over 6 months now.