If your Trini herb garden is still thriving or for the most case alive, you are ready to up the ante and begin planting some vegetables. Either that or you just heard the budget and need to find some ways to cut back on your food bill. Either way, it’s time to plant your very own vegetable garden for fresh, organic and delicious produce! You will be amazed by the sweet, juicy flavors and vibrant textures that you will harvest!   Start by thinking about what you purchase in stores the most or what seems to be too expensive so you can save some money. For me, I love sweet peppers with my pasta, omelets and salads and pimentos in basically anything from my macaroni pie to homemade pizza so these were must haves for me!   Here are some popular selections: VEGETABLES Tomatoes Bell Peppers Pimentos Melongene/ Eggplant Lettuce Cabbage Kale Cucumber Cauliflower Broccoli Once you know what you want to plant, it’s time to make your vegetable ga...

The word ‘organic’ has become a buzz word when referring to eating healthier. We want organic fruits and vegetables but what exactly does this mean and how do we achieve this in our home gardens? WHAT IS ORGANIC GARDENING? Simply put, organic gardeners don't use synthetic fertilizers or pesticides on their plants. Ideally, organic gardening seeks to work with nature through replenishing resources as it makes use of them like using waste for compost or rotating crops to replenish nutrients in the soil, organic gardening. HOW DO YOU CONTROL PESTS AND DISEASE ORGANICALLY? While having an organic garden doesn’t mean that you have to live with worms in your produce, it does dictate that your garden may not be 100% pest free or look magazine ready. ORGANIC GARDENING TAKES THOUGHTFULLNESS, PLANNING, AND PATIENCE To keep your garden organic start with following the following steps. 1.      Be Observant - Check your garden often and get to know y...

If you are reading this blog and you are from Trinidad and Tobago, you know the struggles we faced with our parents and grandparents having a plant in almost every room, even if it was made of plastic! (Yeah, I see you!)  Today, that dedication to positioning plants on walls and in corners can come in handy when gardening indoors, especially if you live in an apartment. Although gardening in apartments restricts planting huge trees, it forces you to come up with creative ways to plant your favorite herbs and vegetables that maximize the space that you do have. Many varieties of salad greens can also thrive indoors with any type of pot that has adequate drainage. Did You Know- Filling your indoor space with plants creates a relaxing environment and helps purify the air. The most important thing in apartment gardening is knowing what your sunlight exposure is in the various areas of your home. If you have a spot that gets full sunlight, then full sun plants can be...

So you have put in all the work to ensure your herbs grow healthy and strong and now it's time to harvest! Apart from watching the magic of seeing your crops grow and develop, my favorite part is harvesting them. The harvest period for herbs will vary from plant to plant but here is a tip, for most herbs, try not to harvest more than one-third of the entire aerial growth at the same time.  You want to make sure that there is enough healthy green foliage so that it can continue to grow after you harvest. WHEN TO HARVEST  Here are some of the most commonly grown herbs and their corresponding ages or times of year to begin harvesting: Basil – Once the plant reaches 6 – 8” in height. Chives – As soon as the leaves are thick enough to use. Cilantro – Once stems are 6 – 12” long. Lavender – Harvest at any time once stems have flowered. Oregano – Sprigs may be harvested once the plant reaches 3 – 4” tall.   Parsley – Anytime after mature lea...

Wouldn’t you love to just walk outside or lean over to your kitchen window for some fresh herbs and seasonings? I know I’d love to. When Trinis think of kitchen gardening a few must-have crops come to mind; chive, thyme, and "shado beni".  Adding fresh herbs from your garden to your dishes is a great way to pump up the flavor in any recipe or make some good old Trini seasoning, just add vinegar. Herbs are some of the easiest plants you can grow both inside and outside in either pots, pans or in the ground. Here are some must-have herbs for a flavourful Trini Herb Garden!   Chives - Planting chives indoor is easy. Be sure to provide with lots of sun and humidity for a healthy crop, preferably near an open window.  Chadon Beni- Commonly known as culantro or bhandhania, it's one of my faves! It is easy very to grow, they love moist but well-drained soil, though they can grow in many soil conditions. Dill - Growing dill indoors is pretty easy and it grows fast!...

  “You’re in the bush again?” I complained to my mother as I watched her labor in the yard sweating and digging in the dirt. When I was little I viewed plants as an inconvenience, another thing you would have to remember to keep alive. Well into my teenage years I felt this way and struggled to comprehend what was so great about gardening. That was until one day I stared into my blank backyard from my kitchen window and it dawned on me that it was a canvas for a gorgeous and peaceful retreat. Although at the time I knew nothing about gardening, I excitedly purchased and planted one sunflower and every time I washed the dishes over the five days that flower survived, I smiled. That was the beginning, during the next four years while I would be the cause of the demise of numerous flowers, I would discover the best 5 reasons why everyone should get down and dirty. #1: It’s peaceful AF! Yes, gardening provides a peaceful retreat away from life’s hectic demands. ...