(no subject)
If you have a little free outdoor space that gets decent sun, and you like to cook or drink tea, I highly recommend herb gardening. Most herbs are reasonably easy to grow* and not too bothered by pests**, if you're growing your own you can afford to experiment in ways you probably wouldn't be able to afford if you had to pay retail, and they smell good.
* Mints are the easiest in my experience; sage, rosemary, and lemon balm are also very resilient although rosemary can sulk if it doesn't like its location. Basil can be kind of fussy if you live in a cool climate. Parsley's easy to not-kill but it's harder to get a good yield. Chives are hardy but a pain to weed because the narrow stems blend in with the grass.
** Never had any pest problems with thyme, savory, horehound, or rosemary. Mint occasionally gets nibbled on, but not enough to affect yields or the health of the plant. I have had aphid issues with chamomile and basil, and slugs adore lovage seedlings.
* Mints are the easiest in my experience; sage, rosemary, and lemon balm are also very resilient although rosemary can sulk if it doesn't like its location. Basil can be kind of fussy if you live in a cool climate. Parsley's easy to not-kill but it's harder to get a good yield. Chives are hardy but a pain to weed because the narrow stems blend in with the grass.
** Never had any pest problems with thyme, savory, horehound, or rosemary. Mint occasionally gets nibbled on, but not enough to affect yields or the health of the plant. I have had aphid issues with chamomile and basil, and slugs adore lovage seedlings.