Last minute stocking stuffers for gardeners can be as easy as a trip to a nearby garden center. This time of year a few minutes of wandering among the plants can add calm to the day. I picked up these for my daughter-in-law and grandson to plant in early spring and bought some pansies for my garden. A nice interlude among other holiday errands.

If you live in USDA Zones 9 or 10 you can plant arugula and cilantro now and into the spring. My grandson in the Seattle area will probably be planting the seeds in March or April. In other USDA Zones, plant with your cool season crops, direct sowing in the garden or in containers.

Arugula and cilantro are easy to grow in containers. I choose one 10-12 inches wide and at least 8 inches deep. Read Growing Arugula in a Container for instructions. You can use the same method for cilantro for a “cut-and-come-again” crop. Easy. And if a freeze threatens, just move the container to a sheltered location.

Then get ready for luscious garden salads.