One of my resolutions, following Inishfood, was to have another crack at growing my own food. I’ve not had much luck in the past; the Great Balcony Flood of ’09 and the Terrifying Grub Invasion of ’10 wiped out previous herb and lettuce crops only weeks after they were planted. I’m determined, though, that this time will be different, and both the weather and the local insect population are proving co-operative thus far.
Pretty greens
I’ve gotten rather a lot of use from all of the herbs so far, save for the mint, which will be harvested en masse for mojitos over the weekend if the weather holds up. It was especially lovely to be able to use my own herbs in the stuffed steak I cooked in last week’s Plate To Page final cookoff (an incredible learning experience, by the by – I can’t wait for winners Mona and David’s accounts of the workshop).
The little gem lettuces are coming on well, too – I pulled the first head of it along with some tarragon to throw a quick dinner together with on Monday evening. I chopped up two chicken breasts and coated the pieces in a batter of two heaped tablespoons of flour, eight tablespoons of milk, salt and pepper, and the chopped tarragon. Fried for ten minutes or so, they were lovely alongside some well-seasoned Rooster potato wedges, and a salad of finely sliced cucumber and the chopped little gem.
Here’s hoping my green-fingered streak continues – I have grand plans to try Kristin’s poulet a l’estragon and ‘Neen’s orange and mint spritzers. Wish me luck!
April 20th, 2011 at 8:58 pm
Mmm, mojitos. Good luck with the rest of the herbs!
April 21st, 2011 at 3:59 am
There is nothing better than growing your own food. I grew up on a farm and no matter where I shop I still can’t find fruits, veggies, eggs, or meat as fresh as my parents place. Good luck with your garden!!
April 21st, 2011 at 8:28 am
can i come live with you?
April 21st, 2011 at 8:45 am
Pak choy is a great balcony bounty add-on if you are not already growing it. Looks like a healthy crop. Enjoy the mojitos this weekend. We will be rumming it up too ;0) Happy Easter.
April 21st, 2011 at 10:09 am
So jealous! Our lettuce is just specks of green in the dirt. How long ago did you plant them??
April 21st, 2011 at 10:17 am
Kristin & the Wookie – thank you!
Rosie – yes! Although I fear Biscuit mightn’t like the balcony much.
Mona – that’s a great idea. I was thinking about spinach but I bet pak choy is hardier. Happy Easter to you too!
Emily – I must confess to cheating a wee bit here, as I bought lettuce plants to begin with, and they’ve flown up! I planted them out a month ago – they must be enjoying this warmer-than-usual weather.
April 21st, 2011 at 12:59 pm
Good for you, Catherine! I am SUCH a bad person, I still haven’t planted my lettuce seeds. Actually…I’m going to do it right now. You’ve inspired me!
April 24th, 2011 at 6:22 pm
[...] Balcony Bounty via The Runcible Spoon [...]
April 26th, 2011 at 10:01 pm
[...] The Runcible Spoon has some balcony bounty [...]