The store had both tea bags and big bags of loose maté...or powder, maybe? It was a heavy bag, in any case. I figured I'd better try some before buying that much, though!
So far this year, what few herbs I do have are doing pretty well. I have parsley, sage, oregano and the mint. Still trying to get chives, dill and basil to grow, though. Starting with seeds is discouraging when you're as impatient as I am!
Speaking of which, I'm clearing a slightly larger area than last year, and half thinking of a few easy to grow, prolific in small areas kinda vegetables. I'm wondering how much space two or three zucchini plants would need, for example. Those are easy to grow, right?
Zucchini are very easy to grow. I am thinkin' you should figure about a 2'X 2' square for each plant. Maybe larger if you don't want 'em runnin' into each other. And you'll get *lots* of squash from 3 plants.
I also think you will find that your basil will satisfy even your impatience! It germinates easily and grows *fast.* :-) It's one of those things (along with radishes) that is kinda fun to let kids plant because things happen fast with it, and it is prolific.
I am still disgusted with my lack of ability to get sage to grow here. I mean, this is Texas. Sage is supposed to grow wild and overrun the countryside! Never had a problem with it at any other place I lived. And other people here in town don't have problems. There is something *wrong* with my yard!
I think squash hills need to be about 2 to 3 feet apart
I used to plant 6 - 8 seeds in a circle, 2-3 inches apart and then thin them down to 3 plants in a hill.