Herb Garden DIY Growbag Kit
Growing from seed is a miracle to behold. It seems like magic that a seed knows what it will become and will sprout and grow when nurtured. Naturally, new gardeners might be daunted by the prospect of seed starting. TessaGrows seed templates take the guesswork out of the process by spacing the seeds apart for you with just enough space to grow. And the coconut coir that come in the kit, provides you with a great medium to help your seeds germinate. That said, regardless of how you start seeds, not all of them will germinate. That’s why we’ve created an extra seed pack for you to sow when gaps appear. These extra seeds should be used one at a time and with intention. Keep in mind that you’ll need to water your seeds regularly as they must be kept moist at all times.
TessaGrows Herb Garden Seed Templates
Why TessaGrows DIY Herb Growbags?
"I love cooking. And I find nothing more satisfying then being able to zip out to my tiny urban garden to grab a few thin hollow leaves of chives and some parsley leaves to chop in with my scrambled egg. Or a handful of mint for a fresh fruit salad, a topping of basil leaves for a tomato pasta, alyssum petals or sprigs of cilantro to sprinkle on my salad – simply bliss!
I’ve noticed that many people create mixed herb pots from store-bought seedlings. And though I love these, I know that to create a working ecosystem, micro gardens need flowers to attract pollinators and bring beneficials that snack on pests.
I also realized that most store bought seedlings are genetically modified and definitely not organic. And organics are very expensive. I was bemused by the prevailing logic. People make a point of buying organic soil and then they add chemicals by using inorganic plants.
Additionally, while developing my DIY growbag kits for kids, many of my friends felt left out. “Why,” they demanded, “are we as adults excluded from growing from seed and why can’t we grow herbs?” Indeed, I asked myself, “Why not?” And so my trio of growbag herb pots was born."
Template #1- Mint, Cilantro, Radish, Geranium
Radish (not an herb) will be ready to be eaten before the mint acts out on its instinct to take over the bag. The same for the cilantro. Ivy geranium is usually easy to grow and will hang over the side of the bag. The scent of this ancient plant is a pest deterrent and attracts smart pollinators.
Template #2- Basil, Marigold, Chives, Parsley, Cilantro, Alyssum
Cilantro is most effective when there is only one in a growbag. Its leaves can be plucked but be sure to leave a few so more will grow. The basil flowers must be pinched out for it to produce more leaves. Marigolds have a long life – especially if you ‘deadhead’ them (cut off the dead flowers). They also attract pollinators and might repel pests such as mosquitos that don’t like their fragrance. Chives are cool season perennial crops that will go dormant in summer and return in fall. The flowers are delicious in soups and salads and they deter pests that do not like their oniony smell. Flat leaf parsley and chives are great companions. Parsley is sometimes difficult to germinate. If, after 6 weeks, you have no luck, seed some more. You’ll need to soak the parsley seed overnight before you reseed as this speeds up the germination process. Alyssum attract ladybugs and lacewings that give birth to larvae that eat aphids and other pests.
How to Use Your Herb DYI Growbag Kit
Template #3 - Basil, Dill, Borage, Cilantro, Alyssum, Chives
Basil demands regular watering and hates to dry out. Slugs and aphids love basil, and if your plant is not happy, they will attack. It’s good to have alyssum planted underneath to attract beneficials that eat aphids. Slugs must be stalked and removed by hand. Cilantro, when pollinated, produces coriander seeds. Chives are great for deterring pests and they attract pollinators such as bees, butterflies and beneficial wasps, which is also great for the cilantro. Borage gets bees buzzing (we always want pollinators in our gardens) and their leaves, stems and flowers are edible. Dill has a single stem, and the leaves are at the peak of their flavor as their flowers appear. The seeds can be used to make dill pickles. They will self-sow if the seed pods are not harvested.
Look out for TessaGrows Mediterranean Herb template coming soon!
Herb Growbag Tips
Choose excellent quality potting soil for your growbags, preferably organic.
Water your growbags regularly and evenly for best results.
To check if your growbag is wet or dry, place a finger into the soil on the edge of the bag up to your middle knuckle. If your finger comes out clean, it’s time to water. You can also use a moisture meter instead of the finger method.
If you’re in a cool or moderately warm climate, choose a sunny or partially shaded spot for your growbags. In a hot climate, keep the growbags in a place that receives full to partial sun in the morning and shade in the afternoon.
Feed your herb garden regularly (every 4 weeks) as growbags lose some of their nutrients when water runs through them. Use the seaweed that comes in your kit. Also add compost around the sides of each plant. (Not on the stem or leaves)
Create a source of water for beneficial insects as it’s a vital component of a healthy ecosystem. A birdbath, bowl or repurposed cup on its side – all of these will work. Insects need to be able to crawl in and out of the water. Change the water often.
Contact TessaGrows with any questions.