Herb Patch Update

It has been 5 weeks since I scattered seeds in the soil bed in our backyard and my herb patch is officially thriving. The fenugreek seeds really took off and were the first ones to sprout. The resulting "methi" is now a lush, green cluster of approximately 12 cm tall dainty stalks with 2 levels of flat, round leaves. I am thinking of harvesting it this weekend and making "methi muthiyas" [Steamed fenugreek dumplings - A traditional Gujarati specialty]. If the quantity turns out to be good, I might even take it a step further and indulge in some good old-fashioned "oondhiyu"; after all it is almost winter and what better season to have it then now.

     

  

The rocket is extremely slow growing, maybe it has got to do something with the weather. The parsley and basil never sprouted and neither did the mint. But the coriander is happy and thriving. The "ajwain" was planted only last week and that has sprouted as well. I do have some wild parsley growing in the general area behind the pool, the soil made fertile by the hundreds of dates that fall and create a composty patch. I have got some new pots and am preparing to plant some birds-eye chilli seeds. The chilli plant I got from a local market has stubby little green and orange chillies, but they don’t pack a punch. The tiny green ones I get from the greengrocers are really fiery and I hope the fresh seeds from those take root in these pots. Right now though I am trying to figure out a way to get rid of snails who leave a silvery trail and some mystery bug that keeps trying to eat my herb leaves, leaving tiny holes in them. Any ideas?