My (Urban) Gardening Tips
6.20.2011
If I had rasied beds and heeps of soil I'd write a different article. But since we're cramped for green space, as are many in the DC area, I wrote an article for Metrocurean on urban gardening tips. Enjoy here or check it out on Metrocurean!
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It's not easy growing greens in a big city. In fact, if you've had a garden or any form of green space in another life, thinking of planting a garden with the teeny 3-by-3-foot space you may now have can be downright depressing.
Consider myself someone who recently had the shock of walking through a garden center realizing I couldn't grow tomatoes or zucchini or chard this year. My plot was too small and my sunshine lacking. Instead, I opted for some potted herbs that I hope to see partial sun and an array of red and white impatiens for the shady plot of soil I do have.
If you're not so lucky to have soil, perhaps there's a place for you to put some pots — even a sunny spot in your kitchen. Growing food in a city is all about being resourceful.
Here are a few helpful green thumb tips:
• Potted herbs are a great starting point. Mint likes its own pot or it'll take over if it's with others.
• Basil and tomatoes love the sun.
• Cherry tomatoes work well for small areas as they don't grow too high or become as cumbersome as full sized tomato plants.
• Thyme, oregano, sage and rosemary are great culinary herbs and can do with partial sun.
• Whether you're gardening in pots or the ground, take the time to prepare the soil with a good organic mix like Bumper Crop.
• Raised beds with all new soil are a good idea for urban back yards. The existing ground soil can have undesirable elements like lead.
• No room for green space at all? Look into community gardens around town. Washington Gardener offers some resources for finding a garden near you.
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Fun tips! I'm doing a potted herb garden for the first time this summer, and I love it! I feel very Pioneer-girl when I get to pull a few leaves of basil or parsley off for dinner.
ReplyDeleteYes! Isn't that the best? Tastes so much better fresh and cheaper too!
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