Growing Herbs on my Narrowboat (Journal 1)

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(Edited)

Hello Hive!

I have been waiting for months to plant some seeds, and then when the warmer weather came, I was too busy traveling to get to my destination to fulfill obligations...So, with the sun out in full beam today, I didn't miss a beat, as outdoor gardening was a great activity.

I LOVE HERBS!

Herbs enhance my life; I feel incomplete without them, so it's no surprise that I enjoy sowing seeds and nurturing them for healthy growth. Also, I like the grounding effect and therapeutic benefits I gain from gardening, especially on sunny days.
Generally, though, I'm not particularly keen on planting flowers, I tend to stick to herbs only; To a great degree, this has to do with me having limited space in my off-grid home. However, foregoing my herbs is not an option, so I reserve the bow of the boat for storing my herbs.

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An overhead view of my bow area where potted plants are stored


My water tank is located in this area, and I need to have quick and easy access to the lock, so it's best to grow my herbs in small pots that I can handle in a carry basket.
Keeping the area tidy is essential, so I spread a groundsheet that can be easily removed and cleaned.


Items handy

  • Small pots
  • seeds
  • compost (dark moist soil)
  • gardening tools (gloves and shovel)

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I saved all my old herb containers from last year with some leftover soil, and the seeds I purchased from my Price Buster bargain store in the town of Leicester, a great deal compared to the high prices that I've seen in online reviews of what people paid for the same product.

This 6-in-1 speedy seed carries Basil, Chives, Rocket, Thyme, Herb Mix, and Italian Leaf Mix, some of my favourites, which I will sow in small individual pots. There are only enough seeds for one sowing of each variety, which is perfect for me in terms of seasonal changes.
Last year I planted a few herbs, some oregano, coriander, thyme, basil, and parsley, but of course, they succumbed to the harsh winter, except for the more robust oregano.

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My oregano grows without the need for much attention.
I particularly like to add fresh oregano to soups, pasta, and salads.

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I use herbs mainly for cooking, but I also like to make infusions for medicinal and cosmetic purposes. I must admit that I've scaled down my usage, and I'm a little late in planting these seeds also, but from my previous experience with growing them, I am confident that I will get to enjoy my harvest in a few weeks,

I enjoy watering and tending to my herbs. Something is satisfying about cutting herbs to use that you know you grew yourself. I think that's the rewarding feeling one gets from growing their food though, isn't it?

I will make sure to water and keep the soil moist. However, I held back today since my water supply is running low. Tomorrow I'll be on the move again, and we will refill our water tank and water each pot. I also like to keep recycled bottles of water for gardening purposes so that I do not tap into our water storage for drinking and other usages.

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Keeping the herbs in a carrying basket makes it easy for me to remove them and the basket keeps them sturdy and in place, as we sometimes get knocked about, especially when navigating the locks on windy days.

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I will keep a journal and make sure to share the progress of my herbs, and hopefully, I'll enjoy the peppery taste of the rocket... One of my favourite.

I have seen some reviews from other customers, and they all say that this brand in particular is strong in taste and growth, so I will give you my feedback in part 2 of my garden journal.

Do you have limited space for gardening too? Please feel free to share any gardening solutions that you may have.
Thank you for reading my blog:))


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40 comments
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For those who love to cook, nothing is better than being able to harvest the herbs that they themselves have sown and cultivated.

I wish you much success in your little garden. I am sure you will soon have good herbs for consumption.

Best regards.

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Thank you:)
I believe so too.
I smile every time I cut leaves from my own grown herbs:)
Thanks for stopping by!

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It takes a lot of effort and patience I guess growing herbs as you have to wait till it grows, good luck. 🤗☺
Can't wait to see the progress @millycf1976.

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Thank you @explorewithsasha:)

My herbs grew really fast in the Philippines, which shocked me. The only problem was that I had purchased my soil locally and it had weed, so it ruined my herbs. After that, I purchased proper compost from Tru Value in Ayala, and the herbs did much better.

Thanks for stopping by, and yes, I'm eagerly looking forward to seeing the first set sprout up:)

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It is a tropical country and herbs I guess love the weather here and it is easy for them to grow as you said. 🤗
Can't wait to see the progress.

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I have been procrastinating for quite some time to work on the small piece of tiny space beside my house, I think it is time because this is so inspiring.

I do herbs a lot, having a touch of it in meal makes it great and you are doing great with this ma'am.

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You should definitely get to planting whatever you can.
If you have the space, I suggest getting some seeds and good soil. If the weather is hot all year round, it's easier for you because you can plant at anytime.
Once you plant them, trust me, you'll find the time some way or the other to look after them:)

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This just proves that anyone can garden even in the tiniest of spaces and as they grow, youll have all these amazing aromas throughout the boat!

Have a great week :-)

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Hey @nathen007,
Yes indeed. I plan to get some more packs because I still have some empty tubs. The seeds are so cheap that I'm always surprised that people with garden spaces do not grow more of their own produce.

Yes, I love aromas, and some scents are natural repellent for bugs and mosquitoes so I like that too.

I hope you're well, and have a nice week:)

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There's nothing better than picking fresh herbs from the garden and the smell they give off. I love basil especially for both taste and smell. That's my favorite herb by far.

Good set up for a small space in the boat.
👍 Good luck planting!

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Thank you so much @leaky20.
When my herbs are thriving and we're moored in the countryside where it's just our boat in sight for miles, a happy feeling takes over me, and I wish I was able to grow more.
I add basil to everything and it's one of the easiest herbs to grow. The smell is awesome I have to refrain from nibbling on the leaves like a bird 😂

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Back home we have lots of place but at my current location, I have nothing but a big roof. So let me do if I can take a cue from your post do a few experiments. By the way, I am not going to spend any money on anything but will probably use bags, old poly packs and useless cans. You have a nice hobby of growing your own herbs.

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Yes, it's a good idea to use whatever containers you can find to recycle.

I'm sure that you'll come up with something :)

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First I need a more permanent place to live, but I've been dreaming of a vertical garden to save on space and backaches😅😝 Love your boat🙏💞

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Thank you very much😊
I like the sound of a vertical garden. They are aesthetically pleasing:)

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(Edited)

Nice to see you back in gardening Cam 😍. Good luck 💖

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It is amazing to me that you manage to grow your own herbs, even on a smallish narrowboat! Your resourcefulness is awesome! Oh, and I like the little yellow bus in that one pic! 😁

!LADY !LUV

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Yes, it's a very small boat. With the solar heater on the top and wood that we collect and store for our wood burner, there's never much space on the roof.
The little bus came with the boat, and I quite like it too. I've seen a blue one on another boat 😁
Thanks for the tokens, and have a lovely day:)

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That's so great @millycf1976!
You managed to start gardening on the boat, I always love your creativity and positive attitude!
I also managed to be on vacation away from the farm for a while, so I guess we are doing fantastic, haha! I remember we were chatting about how much you want to have a garden and me how much I miss traveling. Great synchronicity :)
Best of luck with these cuties!!!

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Hello @traisto 😁
It's nice to hear that you're on vacation. A break should do you good! Hopefully, the weather is glorious.
Yes, I'm so excited and keeping a close eye on my new little loves for the first sprout.
I wish you a splendid vacation!😍

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Oh, the weather is awesome! All is great, thanks!
The moment of the first sprout is magic, love it!
xxxx

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How exciting Spring is in the UK. I always thought you guys are quaint the way you suffer in grey darkness all winter and as soon as Springs out you are all planting planters of flowers 😂 .. but of course herbs have their uses medicinally and in cooking. You should do violets just for salads! I wonder if you can guerilla plant calendula along the towpath... It grows so easily.

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This is a lot of food for thought. Come to think of it, I've seen a lot of violets along the towpaths. I had no idea it was edible🤣...I'm surprised at how reasonable seeds are, and find it baffling that more people don't do gardening here (even if it's just for the few warmer months that we get:)

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(Edited)

:) A beautiful thing to grow herbs on a boat... I am delighted to look at these things and to appreciate the simplicity and happiness that the simple things in life produce... Regards!

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Thanks!
One of them has some sprouts, so I'm feeling happy and excited:)

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