After a month of extremely changeable weather with showers and storms and sun and wind and… on a daily basis, we finally managed to get some work done in the home garden last week. It was about time! I was finally able to plant some seeds of herbs which I’m looking forward so much to use in my cooking.

Last year I was keeping my herbs in pots here in Ljubljana but then I realized that it was pretty difficult to do it, given that little pests never gave them any break and they mostly ate them before I got my hands on them (on herbs, not pests) – so, this year I made sure that wouldn’t happen: I decided to plant everything in the garden in my hometown. Among the seeds I planted there were: basil, thyme, oregano, chives, dill, parsley, tarragon and for the first time the thai basil. I arranged the seeds around the garden beds rather than planting them all together, and I did that with a good reason. Namely, herbs are known for protecting the garden plants from a number of pests and ilnesses while at the same time atracting bees and other useful insects which ensure a healthy garden – and good crops. Basil, for example, is known to be the best neighbour to tomato plants, while it is advised to grow dill close to cucumbers. The interesting thing is, these herbs complement with the mentioned plants perfectly in cooking, too! For example, what would a tomato sauce be without a touch of basil?

And while the herbs will still need a while to appear, some of other plants we planted did so already.