Photo: Chris CraymerBy Henry Vierra
Prep the soil.
Whether you're growing herbs in a planter on your windowsill or outdoors, Vierra recommends using a well-mixed combination of peat moss, compost and dirt. "It should be loose enough for water to drain and for the plant's roots to grow and pull nutrients from the soil," he says.
RELATED: What's The Eco-Impact of Your Everyday Choices
Plant seeds no deeper than half an inch.
The finer the seeds, the shallower they should lie in the soil. Pack them too far into the earth and the weak sprouts won't have enough energy to break through to the surface. Plus, the warmer soil near the top helps spur growth. (Just make sure your plants get six to eight hours of sunlight daily.)
Water wisely.
Herbs will rot and die in soggy dirt, says Vierra, as the swampy conditions overwhelm the roots. To check if you're over- or under-watering, grab a tiny chunk of soil just beneath the top layer and squeeze it in your hand. If it starts to crumble, water more often. If it
Just in Time for Summer: 9 Tastemakers' Outdoor Entertaining Essentials
By House Beautiful Magazine | At Home – Fri, May 24, 2013 12:59 PM EDTBecause alfresco dining - and drinking - is just more fun! We asked 9 tastemakers for their favorite finds for outdoor parties. Take advantage of the season with these essentials.
See more from HouseBeautiful.com:
20 Decorating Secrets No One Ever Told You About
The Biggest Kitchen Design Mistakes
Reprinted with permission of Hearst Communications, Inc.
Read More »from Just in Time for Summer: 9 Tastemakers' Outdoor Entertaining EssentialsAstrology.Com Daily Home & Garden Horoscopes -- Tuesday May 28, 2013
By Astrology.com Home and Garden Horoscopes | At Home – Fri, May 24, 2013 12:11 PM EDT
Aries (March 21 - April 19)
An argument may break out today between you and a friend regarding the best way to roast a chicken. Set two dates in the same week with the same panel of judges (other friends) and enjoy two fun (and competitive) dinner parties.
Today's Aries Reading: Free Sample Harmony Reading
Taurus (April 20 - May 20)
As the gardening season ramps up in your household, your excitement will ensure that the plans stay firm. After all, no one would dare break plans to do yard work when they know how much gardening matters to you.
Today's Taurus Reading: Free Sample Chakra Reading
Read More »from Astrology.Com Daily Home & Garden Horoscopes -- Tuesday May 28, 2013
Gemini (May 21 - June 21)
You've recently given a slew of handmade gifts, and you're suddenly wondering if anyone appreciates how much work goes into each. Truth be told, they probably have no idea -- but the pleasure of giving is all yours.
"Two Moms Are Better Than One": 7 Awesome Baby Shower Invitations for LGBT Families
By Babble.com | At Home – Fri, May 24, 2013 10:38 AM EDTLast week, I shared my favorite gender neutral baby shower invitations with you. And this week, I'm excited to share 10 awesome baby shower invites for LGBT families! If you're planning a shower for two to-be dads or two to-be moms, check out these warm and wonderful invitations created by Rachael Garnett of Events You Can Print: The Etsy Shop that Caters to Any Kind of Family. - By Alea Mass
MORE ON BABBLE
12 creepiest baby shower cakes EVER
10 adorable decor ideas for a book-themed baby shower
25 of the worst baby shower games
Read More »from "Two Moms Are Better Than One": 7 Awesome Baby Shower Invitations for LGBT Families10 Unique Gifts for Grads Under $25
By House Beautiful Magazine | At Home – Thu, May 23, 2013 1:15 PM EDTGoing to a graduation party? These fun, inexpensive gift ideas are sure to get you an A+.
See more from HouseBeautiful.com:
Unexpected Color Combinations That Really Work
Reprinted with permission of Hearst Communications, Inc.
Read More »from 10 Unique Gifts for Grads Under $25Deck-ed Out! 7 Easy Ways to Give Your Patio a Summer Makeover
By Babble.com | At Home – Thu, May 23, 2013 1:06 PM EDTGet ready for summer weather and BBQs with these 7 DIYs for a summer patio makeover. Paint your chair cushions to give them a fresh new look or add seating by building a daybed out of a pallet. All it takes is a few small changes and your patio will have a whole new look! Let the party begin with DIY outdoor speakers, lights, and more! - By Jacinda Boneau
MORE ON BABBLE
10 everyday household items that double as organizers
24 genius ways to decorate your home with a Sharpie
15 clever patio and garden IKEA hacks
Read More »from Deck-ed Out! 7 Easy Ways to Give Your Patio a Summer MakeoverAstrology.Com Daily Home & Garden Horoscopes -- Friday May 24, 2013
By Astrology.com Home and Garden Horoscopes | At Home – Thu, May 23, 2013 12:51 PM EDT
Aries (March 21 - April 19)
Where in the world could all those ants be coming from? You may find yourself on hands and knees, inspecting every crack in your kitchen to find the answer to this mystery. Your determination will surely find the answer to the problem.
Today's Aries Reading: Free Sample Karma Reading
Taurus (April 20 - May 20)
Though it may seem strange, experiment with moving the couches away from the walls, bringing your seating area closer to the center of the room. If you appreciate intimacy over openness, you may notice how conversations improve in this room.
Today's Taurus Reading: Free Sample Astro Identity Reading
Read More »from Astrology.Com Daily Home & Garden Horoscopes -- Friday May 24, 2013
Gemini (May 21 - June 21)
A few aspects of your home may be deep and scattered today. Focus on the problem areas -- what is the current state, after all, of your junk drawer? Try to find some organization in
Read More »from Full Moon Lunar Eclipse in Sagittarius!
Full Moon Lunar Eclipse in Sagittarius!
Tomorrow's powerful full Moon lunar eclipse in Sagittarius comes right on the heels of another exact square between revolutionary Uranus (in Aries) and evolutionary Pluto (in Capricorn). Don't be surprised if your heart and mind find themselves dramatically turned upside-down!
Despite the fact that eclipses tend to fall on the ominous and chaos-creating side, there seems to be an expansive and potentially magical element to this eclipse that's worth considering. Since tomorrow's eclipse squares Neptune -- something that's sure to add illusion (and perhaps even a bit of delusion) to the mix -- it all depends on how you use the energy of Neptune in Pisces. Perhaps begin by considering how conscious you are of the subtle, non-verbal exchanges that take place in your everyday life.
Harness the wisdom of Chinese astrology and discover what your future holds with a free sample Bazi: The Four Wisdoms of Life Reading today!
Ready or not, this full Moon will deliver some serious truth serum,Stay Class-y: 7 Creative End-of-Year Teacher Appreciation Gifts
By Babble.com | At Home – Thu, May 23, 2013 11:48 AM EDTI can hardly believe that the end of the school year is already upon us, how did that happen so fast? Seems like I'm always scrambling to pull together teacher appreciation gifts at the last minute and thought I'd get a bit of a jump start on things this time around. I've put together some of the best ideas and inspirations I could find in the gallery below, many with simple DIY's and even a few free printables to make things as easy as possible. I'm so thankful for all the teachers in the world, we've been so lucky to have some of the very best along the way. Cheers to all the educators out there, we are grateful for the good work you do!- By Gabrielle Blair
MORE ON BABBLE
15 fun ways to organize with chalkboard paint
25 ways to re-purpose items you found while spring cleaning
10 genius IKEA hacks you have to try
Read More »from Stay Class-y: 7 Creative End-of-Year Teacher Appreciation Gifts
Read More »from How Your City Can Get a Block-Sized Makeover
Courtesy of Benjamin MooreVote for your favorite North American communities for their chance at a bright new look
Main Streets across the country will soon get a lot more colorful, thanks to Benjamin Moore's "Main Street Matters" campaign, launched today. Visitors to the new site can vote for their favorite city's Main Street, and the paint manufacturer will reward the top 20 with a vibrant makeover.
HOT ON ELLE DECOR: 13 Inspiring Celebrity Living Rooms
It's an initiative with a substantial team - Benjamin Moore color experts will look to each street's architecture and history to inspire the new hues, local professional painters will work to transform the facades, railings, and more, and the non-profit Make It Right - as well as their founder Brad Pitt - will help spread the word. Of course the first step is still up to you: participants can vote once a day through June 30, though there's no limit to how many times you can campaign for your favorite cities on social media.
SEE MORE FROM ELLE
10 Self-Help Books for the New GenerationMon, Feb 4, 2013 6:38 PM EST- Do You Have the Most Vivid Memories from Your Life from Age 15 to 25?Tue, Feb 5, 2013 11:35 AM EST
- Is Your Gym Making You Sick?Tue, Feb 5, 2013 10:10 AM EST
- Better Together: 4 Reasons Why I'm Glad My Kids Share a RoomTue, Feb 5, 2013 2:51 PM EST
- Is Lisa Ling's Father a Pothead?Tue, Feb 5, 2013 3:29 PM EST
- Nerding Out in Nature: One Smart Phone. Two Kids. Tons of FunTue, Feb 5, 2013 3:07 PM EST
- PHOTOS: The Best Chevron Wedding DetailsTue, Feb 5, 2013 1:42 PM EST
- Roadblocks to Intimacy--and How to Get Around ThemMon, Feb 4, 2013 6:50 PM EST
- How to Conquer Your 10 Biggest Marriage FearsFri, Feb 22, 2013 3:23 PM EST
- Host an "Arrested Development" PartyFri, May 24, 2013 1:20 PM EDT
- The Perfect Cocktail to Kick-Start Your Weekend: Gin Lemonade PunchFri, May 24, 2013 1:06 PM EDT
- Ask Kemp: Super-Easy Pizza RecipeFri, May 24, 2013 1:32 PM EDT
- Style lessons from Carrie UnderwoodThu, May 3, 2012 11:31 AM EDT
- Best & worst foods for your skin at every ageMon, Apr 23, 2012 5:42 PM EDT
- Hairstyles to hide your flawsFri, Apr 27, 2012 2:56 PM EDT