{"id":14343,"date":"2023-11-03T12:00:33","date_gmt":"2023-11-03T10:00:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/getitmagazine.co.za\/bloemfontein\/?p=14343"},"modified":"2023-10-31T15:43:48","modified_gmt":"2023-10-31T13:43:48","slug":"grow-your-own-christmas-gifts","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/getitmagazine.co.za\/bloemfontein\/blog\/2023\/11\/03\/grow-your-own-christmas-gifts\/","title":{"rendered":"Grow your own Christmas gifts"},"content":{"rendered":"

Do you have family or friends who love to cook? Spoil them with a hanging basket of herbs or micro-greens \u2026 planted by you.<\/strong><\/h4>\n

We all know the saying, \u2018It\u2019s the thought that counts\u2019 when it comes to gifts. The more personal the better and what could be better than planting up edibles in hanging baskets for the \u2018chefs\u2019 in your life.<\/p>\n

If you like the idea, start sowing now so that by Christmas Day you can present a basket full of lush herb seedlings that will grow and deliver herbs for the coming summer. Alternatively, sow a mix of micro-greens that will be ready for harvesting by Christmas. Whatever you chose, it\u2019s the gift that keeps on giving.<\/p>\n

Why a hanging basket? Because they make use of eye-level space and can be suspended close to the kitchen or on the patio where they are easily accessible.<\/p>\n

Choosing the herbs<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Sweet Basil. Image supplied<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Herbs that are ideal for hanging baskets are quick growing culinary herbs like rocket, chives, basil, and origanum as well as micro-green mixes that include lettuce, beetroot, radishes, kale, and Asian greens. You could include edible nasturtiums for colour and to trail over the edge of the basket.<\/p>\n

The Kirchhoffs heirloom herb seed range consists of five different basils of which Sweet basil and Basil Genovese are the best culinary varieties, ordinary chives as well as garlic chives, garden rocket and wild rocket and origanum.<\/p>\n

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Lettuce mini greens. Image supplied<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

A good selection of micro and mini greens is supplied by RAW seeds and includes a spicy Old Mexico mix (including coriander, pepper cress), \u2018Rainbow blend\u2019 (radishes, beet, Asian greens) and \u2018Oriental Mix\u2019 (rocket, mustards and Asian greens).<\/p>\n

Getting started<\/strong><\/p>\n

Although herb seed can be sown directly into the hanging baskets, it is more manageable to start with seed trays. It is also easier to concentrate your efforts on a smaller area. Once seedlings are 4 weeks old, transplant them into the hanging basket to continue growing.<\/p>\n

Micro greens however should be sown directly into the hanging basket as they don\u2019t transplant.<\/p>\n

Here\u2019s what you need:<\/strong><\/p>\n