In a corner of the livingroom here at the Homestead sits a folding blue patio table adorned with 3 pots and a small overhead LED light strip.

What are the lights focused on?

Cilantro!

2 pots that are overflowing with bright green leaves and stems that are standing up amazingly well from my daily assault with the scissors since they sprouted over a month ago. I simply cannot go the entire winter without fresh cilantro. Yes, I could buy a sad looking bunch in the grocery store, but they would last a week at most before becoming limp and mushy in the fridge in a glass of water.

There is simply nothing like having fresh herbs around, especially since delicate herbs like cilantro and basil do not lend themselves well to freezing. I tried the ice cube tray trick with both and both were an epic fail.

What is your favourite herb? and how best do you utilize it? For me, Cilantro goes into almost everything, egg dishes, lunches of tuna or salmon/avocado wraps, dinners like pulled pork tacos, soups and stews…the list goes on!

With the global pandemic continuing on through winter, it is imperative that people find new ways to relieve the stress and anxiety of lockdowns and forced displacement from their family members. Take the opportunity to grow a little herb garden in your kitchen, get the kids involved and have them each be responsible for their little pot. Growing plants is a way to brighten up dull, moody days not to mention the health benefits of fresh herbs used in your daily cooking.

My wish is for everyone to get involved in something new, whether it is taking up a new hobby, growing herbs and plants, learning a new language or skill, there are plenty of ways to beat the winter Covid blues.  For me, the ability to grow 2 pots of Cilantro chases away the gray days of January and Covid worries with their brilliant green, happy leaves, which for me, is the best therapy!

Happy Indoor Gardening!

Deborah