I live in a concrete jungle, and by “concrete jungle” I mean that I live in an apartment filled with 30 plants in New York City. I have cared for some of these plants for years and for others for just a few months. Friends call me for plant care advice; my Instagram explore page is filled with images of other people’s jealousy-inducing greenery and decor.

And though my pothos, monstera, snake plants, palm, and money trees have always thrived, herbs have been a pain point. I’ve tried growing mint, rosemary, oregano, lavender, and basil and failed miserably, ushering in jokes from my father, a former farmer, about my inability to grow them. When quarantine came about, in April of 2020, I gave myself three simple goals: to organize my jewelry, exercise daily, and grow basil, so I could make my own pesto.