Start a kitchen garden

This is the season to think about planting. If you can plant a petunia, you can also grow herbs and vegetables in your yard or patio. Think small size and huge flavor if this is your first “kitchen” garden. Parsley is simple to grow and adds a great fresh flavor to almost any meal. It is really cold tolerant in Mid-Michigan and pretty enough to stick in the flower garden if that is the only space you have. Real foodies prefer flat leaf parsley but fresh from the garden the curly type tastes great too. Grab a handful rinse well under running water and blot with paper towel. Throw a tablespoon of chopped parsley in canned chicken noodle soup and add flavor, color and vitamins. Add to potato or macaroni salads or pasta or rice dishes. A simple touch that makes dinner special.