Introduction: Get to Know Your Gardeners
Welcome to another episode of Bad Gnome Gardening! Today, our resident grumpy old gnome, Bad Gnome, and his seasoned gardening side-kick, Shawn, will be sharing a cynical guide on transplanting herbs in raised bed gardens. They’ll be discussing four fantastic herbs – purple basil, large Italian parsley, cilantro, and thyme – and how to start them from seed in an indoor greenhouse. So, grab your trowel and let’s get started!
Starting Seeds in an Indoor Greenhouse
Bad Gnome: “You know, Shawn, starting seeds indoors is great for getting a head start on the growing season.”
Shawn: “Absolutely, Bad Gnome. And using an indoor greenhouse gives the seedlings a controlled environment to grow strong before transplanting.”
Bad Gnome: “Alright, alright. Let’s start with purple basil. It’s not only a culinary delight but also adds a splash of color to the garden. I’m not into this particular herb and I am somewhat skeptical on what makes it purple.”
Shawn: “Indeed it does add a splash of color, Bad Gnome. The reddish-purple appearance of the leaves is caused by a high content of dark blue pigments, i.e. anthocyanins, in the plant cells. Tip: The pigments in the leaves develop more intensely when the plants are in a sunny location. Don’t forget the other herbs – large Italian parsley, cilantro, and thyme. Each has its own unique flavor and benefits. We have an entire post dedicated to actually starting these herbs indoors.”
Bad Gnome: “Yeah, yeah. All this technical mumbo jumbo is making me thirsty. How about we grab a beer and get to working on our tans?”
Shawn: “Huh? It’s 9:30 AM, Bad Gnome. No beer until after 3 PM. By the way, don’t you owe us a few blog posts? I think you are running low on beer credits.”
Transplanting Seedlings: The Art of Uprooting and Replanting
Bad Gnome: “OK. Fine, no beer. Let’s move on to transplanting these seedlings.”
Shawn: “Excellent. First, make sure you water the pots before carefully lifting the plants out of the soil. This helps keep the roots intact and makes the process easier.”
Bad Gnome: “where did you get that nifty sprayer? Have I seen this? I love it.”
Shawn: “If you recall we bought that from Amazon. Here’s the link and yes it is nice.”
Bad Gnome: “And don’t forget to dig a deep enough hole in the raised bed. Add some water to the bottom to help alleviate transplant shock.”
Shawn: “Excellent point, Bad Gnome. This gives the plants a better chance of thriving in their new home. We also talk about the importance of watering before and after transplanting in our video.”
The Importance of Good Soil: Kellogg’s Organic Raised Bed Mix
Bad Gnome: “You know what else helps these herbs thrive? A good soil mix like Kellogg’s Organic Raised Bed Mix. When we are transplanting herbs here at BGG, we always use a good soil.”
Shawn: “True! It’s essential to provide the right nutrients and structure for the plants’ roots. Kellogg’s mix is specially designed for raised beds and contains all the necessary ingredients to support healthy plant growth. We have an upcoming blog post and video on choosing a good organic soil mix. Filling raised beds with soil is truly a worthwhile investment.”
Bad Gnome: “I could not agree with you more and it’s obvious that I have taught you well. You have once again warmed my cockles. Now that we’ve got our herbs transplanted, how about that beer?”
Shawn: “Bad Gnome, it’s still morning. No beer yet. And thanks for the compliment?”
The Benefits of Purple Basil, Large Italian Parsley, Cilantro, and Thyme
Shawn: “Before we wrap up, let’s talk about the benefits of the herbs we’ve transplanted in our Bravo raised bed. Purple basil has a slightly different flavor than its green cousin and makes a striking addition to salads and pesto. As I handle a majority of the culinary duties around here, I can hardly wait to try it in the garlic and basil pesto we put on our gluten-free pizzas around here.”
Bad Gnome: “For me, I am particularly excited about the Large Italian parsley which happens to be packed with vitamins and minerals, and its bold flavor is great in soups and stews. Especially Gnomish Delight with ground Elk.”
Shawn: “Another favorite in the kitchen for us here at Bad Gnome Gardening is Cilantro, a divisive herb, but it’s a staple in many Mexican and Asian dishes, and it’s rich in antioxidants. A nice hot bowl of Dal Makhani isn’t quite right without some tasty fresh-chopped Cilantro on top. It can be tricky when transplanting herbs like Cilantro in raised beds but worth the effort.”
Bad Gnome: “Thyme..Don’t Give me Thyme… Oops, bad joke. And lastly, thyme is a versatile herb that pairs well with a variety of dishes, from roasted vegetables to grilled meats. Plus, it’s been used for centuries for its medicinal properties.”
Shawn: “We do love our thyme here at BGG.”
Bad Gnome: “AREN’T YOU THE PUNNY SLY FOX!”
Is It Time for a Beer Run?
Bad Gnome: “Well, that’s about it, folks on our transplanting herb episode. We’ve covered everything from starting seeds in an indoor greenhouse to transplanting herbs in raised bed gardens.”
Shawn: “And we’ve even discussed the benefits of using a quality soil mix like Kellogg’s Organic Raised Bed Mix. Now, your herbs should be all set to grow and thrive in your garden.”
Bad Gnome: “With all that hard work done, I think it’s time for someone to go on a beer run. What do you say, Shawn?”
Shawn: “Alright, Bad Gnome. After 3 PM, though. Let’s enjoy the fruits of our labor and have a well-deserved break. Cheers to a successful transplanting session and a beautiful herb garden!”
Conclusion: A Lighthearted Lesson on Transplanting Herbs in Raised Bed Gardens
Well, there you have it – a comprehensive guide to transplanting herbs in raised bed gardens, presented through a cynical conversation between Bad Gnome and Shawn. We hope you found their banter both entertaining and informative. From starting seeds in an indoor greenhouse to transplanting herbs like purple basil, large Italian parsley, cilantro, and thyme, they’ve covered it all.
In addition, Bad Gnome and Shawn emphasized the importance of using a quality soil mix like Kellogg’s Organic Raised Bed Mix to support healthy plant growth. So, whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, keep their tips and tricks in mind as you embark on your own herb transplanting journey.
With the guidance of these two unconventional gardening experts, you’re sure to enjoy a thriving herb garden and a bountiful harvest. And who knows? Maybe you’ll even join Bad Gnome and Shawn for a well-deserved beer (after 3 PM, of course) to celebrate your gardening success. Happy gardening!
Be sure to check out our YouTube video on transplanting herbs.
Stay strong fellow gardeners and smile when it rains on your parade (or garden).
Bad Gnome and Shawn, his faithful side-kick
We are Bad Gnome Gardening!
