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Growing Your Own Herbs: Kitchen Garden Basics
Trivia: Which U.S. president signed Medicare and Medicaid into law?
RetireHub
July 26, 2025
Rise and shine, RetireHub community! ☀️ Your Saturday newsletter is here!
Today we’re sharing smart tips on growing your own herbs: kitchen garden basics, along with the best deals, fun trivia, and more!
Top Deals From Around The Web
We find the best daily online deals so you don’t have to!
🛏️ 20% OFF – Coop Home Goods Adjustable Memory Foam Pillow
Say goodbye to neck pain and sleepless nights with this fully customizable pillow. Filled with a blend of shredded memory foam, it allows you to adjust the loft and firmness to your perfect fit—great for side, back, or stomach sleepers who want cloud-like comfort and proper support.
🖍️ 5% OFF – EXPO Dry Erase Markers, Fashion Colors (8-Pack)
Brighten up your whiteboard routine with this colorful 8-pack of EXPO markers in fun, modern hues. With low-odor ink and fine tips, they’re perfect for calendars, reminders, classroom use, or just doodling a little joy into your daily planning.
✏️ 10% OFF – Cute Stationery Set with Mechanical Pencils & Highlighters
Make your desk a little happier with this adorable set featuring pastel highlighters and candy-colored mechanical pencils. It’s a sweet, functional pick-me-up for list-makers, journalers, and anyone who loves charming office supplies.
What We’re Reading
Get these e-book deals before they’re gone.
 | By: Lou Gibbons A strange phone call. An unexpected email. A mysterious stranger with oversized ears. Former Welsh rugby international, Dave, braces for chaos—but instead, he’s offered a chance to rewrite his story. A satirical, feel-good novel. Perfect for fans of The Midnight Library and A Man Called Ove. |
On this day in 1990 The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed into law by President George H. W. Bush. This landmark civil rights legislation prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life—including jobs, schools, transportation, and public and private places open to the general public. It was a historic moment that marked a major step toward accessibility and inclusion in the United States.
Growing Your Own Herbs: Kitchen Garden Basics
There’s something deeply satisfying about snipping fresh basil for a pasta dish or adding homegrown mint to your iced tea. Growing your own herbs isn’t just a fun hobby—it’s practical, affordable, and rewarding. Whether you have a sprawling backyard or just a sunny windowsill, cultivating a kitchen herb garden is well within reach.
Herbs are some of the easiest plants to grow, making them perfect for beginners. Popular options like basil, parsley, thyme, rosemary, oregano, mint, and chives are low-maintenance and thrive in small containers. You don’t need fancy equipment—just a few pots with good drainage, quality potting soil, and consistent sunlight (ideally 4–6 hours a day).
If you’re starting from seed, patience is key. Most herbs germinate within a week or two, and watching those tiny sprouts grow into fragrant, leafy plants is part of the joy. If you’d like a faster payoff, opt for starter plants from a garden center or farmers’ market. They’re an easy way to begin harvesting in just a few weeks.
Watering is important, but overwatering is a common mistake. Most herbs like their soil to dry slightly between waterings. A good rule of thumb: stick your finger about an inch into the soil—if it’s dry, it’s time to water. Herbs also appreciate some occasional pruning. Regular snipping not only encourages new growth but also gives you a constant supply for cooking.
Growing herbs indoors? Choose a south-facing window if you can, or consider an inexpensive grow light for extra help. Outdoor herbs love container gardens or raised beds, and many thrive when planted alongside vegetables or flowers. Just make sure to separate aggressive growers like mint, which can easily take over a garden bed if left unchecked.
One of the greatest perks of growing herbs is how they enhance your meals—fresh herbs pack a flavor punch that dried ones simply can’t match. Plus, you’ll save money, reduce waste, and gain a stronger connection to the food you prepare.
Whether you’re crafting a caprese salad with backyard basil or adding fresh dill to your potato salad, a kitchen herb garden puts a touch of freshness and care into everything you cook. It’s a simple way to nourish your body and spirit—and bring a little green joy to your day.
🌿 Which herb would you love to grow at home the most? |
Yesterday’s Poll Results: How heart-healthy is your current diet?
The majority of respondents (74%) are making a conscious effort to eat heart-healthy, aiming for balance with mostly nutritious choices and occasional indulgences. A dedicated 13% are fully committed to a wholesome diet rich in vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins—great news for long-term heart health! On the flip side, 8% admit convenience often wins out, while 4% haven’t given their diet much thought yet. A small 1% shared other unique approaches to eating.
The overall takeaway? Most of us are trying, and even small steps toward heart-smart eating are worth celebrating. Every meal is a new chance to show your heart some love.
TOP COMMENTS
“Limiting saturated fats and added sugars has been so helpful for my cholesterol levels!”
“A little snacky treat here and there is ok! :)”
“I love vegetables and never use salt.”
New Mindset, New Momentum
There’s a subtle but powerful difference between setting goals and setting intentions. While goals are often tied to specific outcomes—like hitting a number or achieving a milestone—intentions focus more on how you want to feel or grow throughout the process. This shift in mindset can bring more joy, flexibility, and fulfillment to your daily life. Whether you're easing into retirement or exploring new routines, setting intentions can guide you gently without the pressure of constant performance. It's about living with purpose, not just chasing results.
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Slang Phrase of the Day
Phrase: Sneaky link
Meaning: A person you secretly meet up with, often for a romantic or flirty reason, without others knowing—especially someone who isn’t your official partner or who you want to keep under wraps.
In a sentence: "Margie told the ladies she was just heading out for groceries, but we all knew she was really meeting her sneaky link from Tuesday night bingo!"
Good News of the Day
New Fossil Discovery Rewrites What We Knew About Feathers
A newly discovered Triassic-era reptile in Brazil is turning heads—and scientific theories. Named Venetoraptor gassenae, the creature sports an enormous, feather-like crest unlike anything seen before from its time period. Its surprising features suggest that feather-like structures evolved much earlier than previously thought—possibly for display rather than flight. This dazzling dino-relative may change how we understand the origins of birds and beauty in the animal kingdom.
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RetireHub Trivia
Want more trivia? Play our “Nostalgia Trivia Game” on our site! We add fresh questions daily, so there’s always something new to test your knowledge.
Not into trivia? No worries! We’ve got plenty of other fun games to enjoy, like:
The “Dada” art movement originated during which decade? |
Which 1980s arcade game featured a character who had to gobble pellets while being chased by ghosts named Blinky, Pinky, Inky, and Clyde? |
Which U.S. president signed Medicare and Medicaid into law? |
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