Gardening Fundamentals: Annuals, Perennials, Compost, and Herbs

Core knowledge for every gardener: plant life cycles, soil building, and kitchen gardens.

Plant Life Cycles

• Annuals: Complete cycle in one season (seed → flower → seed → die). Some fall-sown for spring bloom.
• Perennials: Live 2+ years. Herbaceous die back; woody persist. Bloom periods average 3–4 weeks.

Composting

Best start time: Spring (faster decomposition). Types: Soil-based (sterilized loam + peat/sand) vs. soilless (peat/coir/bark). Feedstock: Greens (vegetable scraps, grass, coffee grounds) + browns (leaves, straw, shredded paper). Avoid: Meat, dairy, pet waste, diseased plants, seeded weeds, glossy paper.

Herb Gardening

Grow near kitchen for convenience. Containers, borders, hanging baskets all work. Annuals: basil, cilantro, dill. Perennials: mint, thyme, oregano, chives. Woody: rosemary, sage, lavender. Needs: Full sun, excellent drainage, regular harvest, light feeding.

Preservation

Freeze in oil/water (ice cube trays), dry, or make pesto/herb salts. Extends harvest year-round.