Yes, I definitely need to think outside the rectangle, hehe!
I have some lavender plants I started indoors a year ago. Maybe I plant one outside in the bed, on the herb side but they get really bushy, I've seen, and I don't want it to take up a lot of my precious space but I guess it's worth it, isn't it?
Grape is something else I want to try growing! I had that Christmas light effect too and it was arching over my pathway beautifully. Makes me think I need an actual arch....
I actually avoid planting brassicas altogether out of (an irrational) fear of attracting cabbage butterflies!
As for cilantro, I don't know what to tell you. One gardeners ease is another's bane I guess. I just scatter the seeds on the ground and they all sprout, grow strong, and then go to seed without any supervision or babying. They are so successful that I actually have to cull many of the new year's seedlings to make space for my favorites (I can't even enjoy raw cilantro due to a gene I have).
Let me think. My soil is not particularly rich, I think. I'm trying to build it, but then again I've been saying that for the last few years so maybe it is! They do need water though. The plants that sprout in the corners never do well due to the dryness...
If all else fails, maybe try scattering some seed in the fall before light mulch or even now but I guess you can't really work it into the ground right now if the soil is frozen.
Sorry I couldn't be of more help
Try growing invasive rooting smelly plants in small pots. Then you can move them around to benefit any plant in the garden without worrying about root competition.
Thanks for all the follow-up comments!
Did not know there is a gene responsible for how we taste cilantro. Many people who dislike it believe it tastes soapy, to me it is more like mild parsley. I love it raw too.