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Spring Seedlings Produce Succulent Summer Snacks

© Karen Hawkins

Spring is in the air. Well, maybe in some parts of the country but as I write this, I look out my window to see snow. Lots and lots of snow, six new inches arrived just last night to blanket the still frozen ground with a freezing stark white comforter. Comfort, HA, the only comfort I will experience this weekend is my end-of-winter planting project. My kitchen table transforms into a melee of seeds in all shapes and sizes, tiny green and black plastic containers and dirt, beautiful dark rich potting soil. Each item promises hope of greener days soon to come.

Whether you live in the frigid gray-skied north or the sunny south now is a good time to start thinking about the fruits (and veggies) of summer. You can do more than just think about them. You can start an indoor garden with very little effort that will produce a multitude of yummy treats for you and your monkeys. Your local library or Cooperative Extension has literature explaining how to do this, if you are a first time gardener. It is a nice family project as everyone can pitch in with either ideas of what to plant or participate in the actual preparation of your indoor garden.

Herbs for seasoning or healing attributes are always a favorite; flowering plants add color to your garden as well as tasty petals for consumption. Please, make sure the plants you choose are edible to avoid tummy aches or more serious illnesses. There are many detailed books including pictures on the market for you to investigate. Below is a partial list of edible plants to select from.

Onion, chive, and garlic flowers: Usually people harvest the plant to use when it starts to send up a flower stalk. For an unexpected treat, allow the plants to bloom - their flowers can be a delicious addition to a salad. Some chives produce blue flowers that add a pretty blush with an oniony taste. Just remember to harvest the flowers before they form seeds that are crunchy but have little flavor.

Basil: Be sure to pinch back the flowering tops of Basil plants to keep them from going to seed too early in the season. You can use those tops and flowers in several ways. Try making a tangy sun tea by filling a clean glass jar with bottled water. Then toss in a couple of tea bags, and add a handful of Cinnamon or Anise Basil flowering tops. Cover the jar and place it in the sun for a few hours. Herb vinegar is just as easy to prepare-simply substitute apple cider vinegar for the water and omit the tea bags. Your monkeys can enjoy munching on the fresh leaves.

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