Turn Your Hutwoods Candle Into A Mini Herb Garden

There’s nothing like finding a beautifully scented candle to boost your mood while we settle into a more homely state of mind ahead of winter. One of the better things about the change in season is that it’s now perfectly acceptable to light a candle, get cosy, and binge-watch your favourite TV show on a Friday night.

The humble candle has evolved to mean much more than a sign of tranquillity; Hutwoods, a Sydney-based home fragrance brand, is positively impacting your wellbeing in more ways than one.

We already know a candle can take on a new life after it’s gone, often the makeshift makeup brush holder or vessel for loose odds and ends. However, Hutwoods has armed their customers with all they need to create miniature herb gardens after the wood wick soy candle has finished.

Available in six signature scents. Choose between: Cedar Leaf & Vanilla Bean, Grapefruit & Chamomile, Bergamot & Anjou Pear, Wood Sage & Sea Salt, Thyme & Olive Leaf, or Vanilla & Oak Moss.

Hutwoods candles come housed in beautiful brushed brass, brushed silver or matt black vessels. The candles contain a soy wax blend and an eco-friendly wood wick.

If you’ve never burnt a ‘wood wick’ candle before, it is reminiscent of a log fire in the way it creates a soft crackling sound while burning (as well as lasting longer).

A Hutwoods candle truly is the gift that keeps on giving (for yourself and whoever else!). The candle comes with a layer of seeded herb paper in four different kinds; basil, oregano, thyme, and parsley. Once you have finished burning your candle, place the seeded paper in some potting mix and water as needed to watch those sprouts grow.

With an ethos centred on sustainability, Hutwoods aim to tread lightly, care for their people and the planet, and as a result, inspire many a green thumb to emerge from their loyal customers.

If you’re in the market for a new scent, looking to update the home office, or kick start your herb garden, consider this a sign.

WHERE TO BUY

Head online to www.hutwoods.com.au or, if you’re a South Sydney local, their flagship store address is 91 Parraweena Road, Caringbah, 2229.

HOW TO PLANT YOUR SEEDS

STEP 1 - PREPARE YOUR POT & PLANT THE PAPER

Herb seeds require good drainage to ensure healthy growth. Use a small plastic or peat plant seedling pot for popping into your Hutwoods vessel before adding your seeded paper. To ensure a good fit, use a container no wider than 7.5cm and 8cm tall and place it into the candle vessel before filling with potting soil. Dampen your seeded paper in water until soft and then lightly cover with remaining soil.

STEP 2 - GERMINATION CARE

The seeded paper requires a little bit of care throughout the germination period. Germinating your seeds is entirely dependent on the paper being kept moist (and therefore soft) until after the seeds have germinated. There are many seeds embedded in the thickness of the paper, and if it dries and hardens, the shoots will not be able to push through. The paper must be kept damp during the first ten days (but no swimming in the water) at all times. This part is crucial to success.

STEP 3 - WATCH YOUR GARDEN GROW

Germination usually takes 7 – 21 days. After this period, make sure you leave your pot in a protected location from extreme temperatures, humidity and intense light. Once sprouts appear, continue to keep the paper moist but be careful not to overwater. Once sturdy herbs appear, water as needed and enjoy your HUTWOODS herb garden!

Share your gardening pictures on social using #hutwoodsgrow.