A potted herb and salad veggie garden is ideal for anyone who wants a touch of nature and living plants in their surroundings but doesn't have the time or space for an outdoor garden.  It pays off in the enjoyment of their flavours, aromas and the visual pizzaz. Indoor and container gardening will allow urban residents to grow just about anything on a balcony, patio or outdoor courtyard.  

Start with a Herb Garden Kit or two, add some plants with edible flowers such as mini marigolds and nastursiums, then move the established seedlings into some interesting containers for an easily managed compact organic garden.  You can expect your herbs to produce well by providing them with a nutrient-rich soil mixture, plenty of light, some sunshine, effective drainage, and adequate moisture.  Pick herbs frequently, pinching out the flowers as they first begin to appear to prevent them going to seed too soon. 

Growing herbs and salad vegetables in containers also allows you more control as you can rotate the pots according to the weather, and control the growth of the spreading herbs such as mint varieties.  Rearrange them as you please, container gardens are easy to rotate and manage, and are ideal for renters and travelers.

Marjoram and Spinach Pesto

1/4 cup each of marjoram and parsley sprigs
1 cup baby spinach leaves
1/4 cup toasted almonds, roughly chopped
2 tabs lemon juice
1 teas lemon zest
3 tabs extra virgin olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Place first 6 ingredients into a food processor and pulse/procees until finely chopped.  Pulse/process while slowly adding the oil until mixture is smooth.  Season to taste.  This healthy and delicios pesto is perfect folded into any type of warm pasta, use as a dip, serve with baby potatoes, spread on pizza base or flat breads.