Summer Garden Series: Uses for Herbs, Plants, and Vegetables

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I started my first container garden last season on my balcony and enjoyed it so much I decided to do even more this year. Growing my own food, even a small amount, is not only rewarding it also saves me money and time from shopping. It also sparks creativity as I’m constantly thinking of new ways to use the things growing right outside my door.

I realize that beginning to garden can seem overwhelming. When I think of actual gardening outside I containers, I feel the same way! Growing in containers is a great first step, as is starting with just one or two herbs, plants or vegetables.

This series will run the entire summer, with one post each week focused on an item from my garden, how to grow and care for it, and a variety of different ways it can be used. There’s no need to feel overwhelmed – you can do ONE THING and it will make a big difference. And in this series, I will show you exactly how to do that – one herb at a time!

16 weeks of summer, 16 garden items

I have about 16 different herbs and veggies in my garden – enough to showcase one each week for the entire summer. A lot of people think of cooking when they think of uses of growing their own food. While that’s true, there are also ways to incorporate them into drinks, decor, and other household items like soap, fragrances, and candles.

I learned last year that there are two basic types of plants: those that need lots of sun and water, and those that don’t. I mixed some of these, and had some cilantro die on me pretty quickly…I drowned it because the basil in the same pot was always so thirsty! I potted more strategically this year and am hoping for better results. 

Herbs for partial sun and less frequent watering:

Note: These are generally described as “drought tolerant” with the herbs that can survive all year (at least here in Georgia) being even more so. In the winter, I may water them once every 7-10 days, and then every 2-3 in the summer depending on the heat.
 
 

Herbs and Veggies for Full Sun and Daily Water (in the summer months)
Note: In general, if you plant something for the leaves it needs less sun and water, and if you plant it for the fruit, it needs full sun and daily water

 
 
I’ll begin with the drought-tolerant food plants, starting with Parsley – so stay tuned. It’s for more than just a pasta topping! 

 

4 thoughts on “Summer Garden Series: Uses for Herbs, Plants, and Vegetables”

    • Thanks! I’m so excited to do this, too. I think it’ll inspire me to be more creative about uses for my herbs. Can’t wait to share what I learn. 🙂

  2. I just returned from aunt Barbie’s where we discussed growing your own food and ways to preserve it. She ask if u were planting a garden so I told her what u r doing

    • Thanks, Mom! I’m not sure I’ll have enough produce to preserve – depends on how the tomato plants turn out this year. But I’m still so excited for everything.

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