I have a hard time using a full package of fresh herbs and often times, a part of it will end up in the garbage because I don’t use it all fast enough. A few months ago, I found a solution to this – grow my own herbs! I purchased an Aerogarden and love it tremendously. It has saved me money from having to buy expensive packaged herbs at the store and it’s perfect for folks who have a black thumb like me.
The one I have is the AeroGarden Classic. It allows enough room to grow 7 types of herbs at one time. I purchased my AeroGarden at Sams Club back in August 2008 and the kit that they sold came with 14 different types of herbs, nutrient tablets, and a free herb chopper/dressing maker. I believe my AeroGarden cost me $129.99 from Sams Club.
It’s extremely easy to put together the base + lamp stand + lamp head. Screw on the light bulbs that comes included with the kit; fill the base with water and 2 nutrient tabs; drop in any 7 pods you’d like to start growing and plug it in. I do suggest plugging it in for the first time early in the morning as you start your day. The reason being is because the lights are pretty bright (to simulate natural sunlight) and these lights stay on for 16 hours. They shut off for 8 hours (to simulate night time), making it nice to pattern your day/night schedule. Once you plug it in, that’s all there is to it. When the garden needs water or nutrients, the lights on the front panel will blink… so you just fill it up with water up to the water line and drop in the tablets – could it be any easier?! Don’t expect the herbs to pop up over night. It takes roughly 2 months before they become mature enough to start using. If you don’t like herbs, AeroGarden also makes pods for various types of lettuce, tomatoes, strawberries, beans, flowers, etc!
Currently I’m growing basil, oregano, thyme, sage, dill, curly parsley and chives. From my garden, I made a traditional basil pesto which I used to make these savory Pesto Pinwheel appetizers. You can make your own pesto or if you must, purchase it from the store.
makes about 1 cup
2 cups packed fresh basil leaves (2-3 bunches)
1/4 cup toasted pine nuts
1/4 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 large clove garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
Place all the ingredients in a food processor; pulse a few times, then process until fairly smooth, or to the desired consistency, scraping down the sides occasionally.
Variations – You don’t have to use basil. I’ve also made pesto using fresh sage leaves, oregano, and/or thyme either on its own or in a combination. You can also use other kinds of nuts such as walnuts, pecans, almonds, cashews, etc. Pesto is very versatile and can be made to fit your tastes or whatever ingredients you have on hand.
1 cup prepared pesto (above)
1 tube package of croissant dough
1 egg, scrambled (for egg wash)
Preheat your oven to 350.
Line your baking sheet with parchment. If you don’t have parchment, an ungreased baking sheet will do.
Remove the croissant dough from the packaging and unroll. Separate the dough into 4 rectangles (made up of 2 preforated triangles). Press the dough on the preforated edges to seal.
On each rectangle of dough, spread 1/4 cup of your prepared pesto.
Taking the short side of the rectangle, roll the dough to create a log.
Cut the log into 1/2″ slices and place on the prepared baking sheet.
Repeat with the remaining rectangles of dough.
Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes, rotating your pan after 5 minutes for even baking.
Remove from oven and allow to cool slightly before serving warm.
I’ve also submitted this to the Grow Your Own blogging event this month. Be sure to check out Andrea’s blog for the round up!
Oooh you may have just convinced me to get an aerogarden! Of course, I have no where to put it but I can figure that out.
OKay, now I know I need to get an Aerogarden. What kind do you have? I’m on the web site now and am not sure which one to get!
I'm really glad to see that you like your Aerogarden. I think I want everytime I pass it at Bed, Bath, & Beyond. Knowing you're a fan, pushes me that me closer to getting it. Thanks Joelen!
These look delicious. I have a basil plant that is actually doing quite well in a sunny location, but I did look into getting an Aerogarden. I’ll be making these pinwheels soon.
I love simple appetizers like this one. I really want an aerogarden too. I think your pictures sold me!
I’m so glad you posted this! My husband and I have been considering getting an aerogarden, but hadn’t really heard many reviews. You might have talked us into it! I hate wasting herbs.
I *REALLY* want an aerogarden … I have no idea why I haven’t gotten one yet, other than I’m afraid my cats would eat the herbs!! 🙂
I love pesto, these look delish
I love basil and pesto and those sound delicious. I’m glad to know the aerogarden works.
I would love and Aerogarden but have no place to put it. So I will h=just have to console myself with making the pesto pinwheels. 🙂
We enjoyed herbed breads, too, and your pinwheels look so pretty. Thanks for sharing with Grow Your Own!
These look very yummy – I’ll have to try this once our farmer’s market starts up and I can get fresh basil!
Hello! Thanks for the Aerogarden and recipe post! Everything looks delish! Do you feel that your garden consumes a lot of energy?