香草園101！種植、收穫和準備自家種植的草藥！

Put a little GREEN in your chilly season! This is a one stop shop for learning all that you need to know about growing and using fresh garden herbs! We will go over the how identify and grow different types of herbs, their flavor profiles and uses in the kitchen. We will discuss how to use them fresh and also how to dry them and use them all year round. 

FIrst, we will discuss how select your plants from the local farmers market or greenhouse. You will want to get a selection of herbs. Basil, parsley, thyme, oregano, mint, cilantro, chives, dill and rosemary are recommended. Herbs can be planted indoors in a well lit area or potted on a porch. They can also be planted in the yard to make your own herb garden. Herb garden designs and options will be discussed in the videos.

Next, learners will learn how to care for their herbs and how to harvest the herbs for maximum yield. How to avoid pests, feed, water and sunlight will be discussed as well. 

Then, once harvested, learners will learn how they can prepare their herbs to be used to bring flavor and freshness to all their culinary creations. A visual guide will be provided to give an easy reminder for the uses and flavors of each herb. 

Last, we will learn how to dry your herbs. This will keep herbs flavorful and lasting all year round. You make delectable mixes which make wonderful gifts for your friends and family. 

The class is an introduction workshop to the world of herbs. Learners will have access to step by step video tutorials , written instructions, herb cheat sheets, and recipes for combining their own delectable mixes to be added to the spice rack! I will be available by messaging anytime you may have questions or concerns about the process and there is an opportunity for feedback using Flipgrid. This class will last one three  and students will be given Students can access and reaccess materials as needed so the information can be made available any time as needed. I give an extra long time for access to this class for this reason. 

Students work on this course independently and can take it at their own pace. I am available for any questions they might have at anytime. The suggested timeline is 

Posts are twice a week: 
week 1 : learn about different types of herbs 
week 1: find a greenhouse or farmer's market and purchase herbs
week 2: plant you garden and maintain your herbs: water, and light, and fertilizer
week 2: harvest some fresh herbs for use in dishes 
week 3:  harvest fresh herbs and prepare for drying
week 3: discuss herb blends, containers labels 
week 4: prepare dried herbs for storage and use. 
week 4: discuss using dried herbs in recipes and giving as gifts!  

My teaching style is energetic and I believe the best way to learn is by having fun. I am an artist too so there is lots of creativity infused into the lessons. The lessons are taught exclusively through video which is great for students to go as fast or as slow as they would like. They will also have access to rewatching parts they need to see again. This is a seven week flex class . Learners will have an opportunity to share their gardens spaces and growing processes. This is a great way to build community in the class, but on your own time! They can also post any questions they might have and will received feedback. 

Students do not need to have any experience to participate in this course, but may need some supervision/permission when planting, harvesting, drying and cooking with their herbs.