You will be seeing lots of gardening equipment, supplies and plants on sale during the next few weeks.  I’m always tempted to purchase some of those big pots or baskets with several flowering plants in them… The sale price is usually around $20 or $30.  A beautiful floral basket makes a great gift for Mom on Mother’s Day after all.  Instead of purchasing a ready-made floral basket, you can make your own for ½ the cost.  Purchase an appropriate container, several starter plants, and a small bag of potting soil.  Plant your flower plants in your container, find a sunny spot outdoors (indoors if you are still having freezing nights) and let them do their thing.  In a few weeks you’ll have a lush floral display for a lot less money.   

It’s getting warm enough in many areas to begin setting out your herb plants.  Wait until after the last frost, then transplant your herbs into larger pots or the outdoor garden.  Pinch the tops of all plants, and spread the trimmings out on sheets of paper towels in a dry place for a couple days.  Keep the herbs separate.  After they have dried completely, place in small airtight containers, and store in a cool, dark place.  I dry my herbs on the kitchen cupboards, put them in old jelly jars or spice containers (well marked with contents), and keep them in the pantry.

Continue to nurture your herb seedlings.  Even if you don’t make Christmas gifts from them, you’ll love using fresh herbs for cooking, cleaning, and medicinal purposes throughout the year.  I will be offering several tips for herb gifts throughout the year for inexpensive gifts.