Gayla Trail - Easy Growing: Organic Herbs and Edible Flowers from Small Spaces

Can I grow herbs on a shady balcony? When do I plant basil? What should I do with a basket of rose petals? Starting a new garden and growing new plants inevitably raises an excess of questions. I wrote this book for all of you new gardeners who are overwhelmed with decisions and have a burning desire to put your own homegrown culinary herbs on the table.

Section One of this book, Growing an Herb Garden, will walk you through all of the steps involved in growing a healthy, organic herb garden in a myriad of challenging environments. Section Two, The Plants, will introduce you to more than 200 varieties of herbs and edible flowers, and Section Three, Keeping Stock: Gather, Preserve, Eat, will be your guide through the processes of harvesting, preserving, and storing your gardens rewards. With easy, DIY projects, recipes, home preserving techniques, and preparation instruction, youll be well on your way to building an enviable year-round herb pantry.

I also wrote this book for people like me who are already passionate about growing herbs and who want to dive in, try something new, and be wowed. Our eyes are too often larger than our gardening space. Ive packed this book full of unusual edible flowers and herbs, and in Section Two, The Plants, you will also find specific techniques and tricks for growing in pots.

I hope flipping through the pages of this book will inspire an all-new or renewed enthusiasm for your garden and kitchen, as well as motivate you to try new culinary experiences well after the growing season is done.

Each project is rated with a difficulty score from 1 to 5 () so you can get an idea of the commitment required to make, build, or grow it at a glance.

Ive included a range of recipes throughout this bookfrom savory delights to sweet treats and tasty beverages (alcoholic and not)as encouragement to use herbs in new ways. Because growing your own allows access to parts of the plants that are not often offered in stores, uses for all edible elements, such as flowers, roots, and seeds, are included. Youll be surprised to discover a delicacy or two growing right under your nose.

It is my hope that flavor variations at the bottom of forty-eight recipes and the sidebars with other herbal substitutions will encourage you to experiment with preferred flavors, take a few risks, and get more mileage out of the plants you are growing in your own garden.

Anyone can grow at least one herb plant. No matter where you live or how much money you have in your wallet, there is an herb for you. One youll like, too! Herbs are the perfect plants for small-space gardeners who want to grow some of their own food, or for anyone who loves good food and wants more of it. If you have even the smallest inkling that youd like to try to grow an herb, you should!