How to Make an Herb Garden Gift

There is nothing better than fresh herbs when you're cooking. Even if your location doesn't allow room for a full herb garden, you can manage a container or three located on a balcony, porch or garden window. I've always loved making my own gifts and this is one you can put together for a Spring birthday, Mothers Day or just for a thank you.

Shopping List

Clay Container: I prefer the clay containers as they allow the plants roots to breath. These come in many shapes and sizes these days. However, there are beautiful ceramic pots to make your gift more colorful and personalized.

Potting Soil (and a few stones): Basic potting soil. If the package is too large for the chosen pot, just transfer some of the soil to a zip-lock bag. The stones are for the bottom of your pot, over the drainage hole.

Garden Gloves: Cotton gloves, flowery for a woman and plain for a man.

Plants/Seeds: If this gift is going to a seasoned gardener, you could choose seeds that the recipient will germinate themselves. For the novice gardener, you will want to choose herbs in small containers. Choose the number of plants that will fit comfortably in the container. Most garden centers will carry these herb plants in Spring.

Cello Roll: You can find a roll of floral cellophane in an arts & crafts store, floral store/florist and some gift wrap and card stores or isles.

Ribbon: 1" to 3" ribbon will work best and can be located at any of the areas you would find the cello roll.

Colored Card Stock: You'll want to print planting and care instructions to go into the gift package.

Gift Construction

Type the following into your computer into quarter page blocks. Print out on colored cardstock and cut into quarters so you have even cards to add to the pot.

(Name)'s Herb Garden (this will be your top card)

"A green thumb comes only as a result of the mistakes made while learning to see things from the plant's point of view." ~H. Fred Ale

Instructions for planting your herb garden

1. Place the stones at the bottom of the pot, over the drainage hole.

2. Pour enough soil into the pot so that the herbs will be at least an inch from the lip of the pot.

3. Water the herbs while they are still in their original containers.

4. Gently remove herbs from their containers and slightly loosen their roots. Arrange them inside their new pot. Pour additional soil around them and compact the soil gently with your fingers.

Second Card

Care and Feeding of (Name)'s Herb Garden

1. Give your herb garden a good soaking. With herbs it's better to water too little rather than too much. Let the water drain away and the soil to dry. Water again when the top soil is dry to the touch.

2. Fertilize once a month during the growing season (usually August to April, but may change according to your location) and one or two times during the winter months. Use a balanced fertilizer such as 2:3:2. Give your herbs only half the recommended dosage as this will increase their concentration, making them more flavorful.

3 Use additional care by removing dead leaves and flowers on a regular basis. This will encourage your herbs remain healthy and become bushy.

Herbs are not usually prone to pests. However, if you should acquire an infestation spray your herbs with an organic pesticide.

4. Harvest your herbs by pinching off small quantities being careful not to tear the plants. Rinse them under clean water, handling them as little as possible.

5. Send your herbs positive thoughts and words as well as thanking it for it's use. It is scientifically proven that plants that are spoken kindly to grow healthier.

Additional Cards

Locate recipes, from cookbooks or the internet, that call for some of the fresh herbs you have included in this gift package.

Place the items attractively into the pot with the herbs on top, printed cards in front of them. Cut off a piece of the cello that will measure approximately six inches on each side past the top of the herbs. Gather the cello and tie with a color coordinating ribbon.

When you have put together a gift such as this herb garden kit, the recipient knows it has come from your heart. To give of yourself does not compare to a gift purchased in haste and necessity. Give a little piece of your heart, you won't be sorry.