Herbs at Home

In her new book Gather at Home, Canadian lifestyle blogger Monika Hibbs shares delicious recipes and tips and tricks for creating a beautiful, functional home. We love her idea for an indoor herb garden! “I tend to use a lot of herbs and spices when I cook,” says Monika. The more spice and flavour the better! So why not grow a herb garden in your kitchen to serve your cooking needs? Not only is it convenient, but it will also add a little life to your home.” Gather at Home

(Penguin Canada) by

Monika Hibbs, $35.

MATERIALS

Kraft paper

Galvanized metal garden caddy

Trowel

Potting soil

Fresh herb plants

White card stock

Scissors

Hot glue gun and glue

6-inch (15 cm) bamboo skewers

1. Prepare a work surface by rolling out a large sheet of kraft paper on a table or counter. The paper will catch any soil that spills while you are planting the herbs. 2. Fill the garden caddy with soil. Remove each plant from its plastic pot. Plant the taller herbs, such as chives, rosemary or sage, toward the back of the caddy. Arrange the shorter ones at the front. Pat down the soil after achieving the desired look and add more soil if needed.

3. Make your own herb tags using the card stock or go to monikahibbs.com/booktemplates to print out the tag design we created. Cut out and glue each herb tag to the blunt end of a bamboo skewer using the hot glue gun. Once the glue dries, poke each skewer into the soil beside the appropriate herb.

4. Water the herbs and place the caddy in a sunny spot by a window in your kitchen. Water the herbs whenever the soil feels dry, and mist daily using a spray bottle.