Vegetables
Vegetable gardening is one of the most rewarding investments you can make, in yourself and your family. It is an extremely satisfying feeling to pick your own veggies, know the source, and share with friends and family. My most peaceful and reflective summer mornings have been watering the tomatoes and other vegetables before heading to the office. My husband and I still talk about the largest Mr. Stripey ever that we shared for dinner one hot evening when we didn’t want to fire up the oven. Teaching my daughter where food comes from is also important to me.
Getting out in the sun and getting dirt under your fingernails creates a healthy connection to nature and the earth. Make sure to put on your hat, and sunscreen. Caring for your garden can be rewarding, but can also take some time to prepare. Hopefully this website about “recession gardening” can provide hands-on information about vegetable gardening based on my current and past experiences with urban gardening. So get out of the house, take some time to get some fresh air and exercise. Gardening is a wonderful way to accomplish this, and you will have something to show for it!
Even if you don’t have enough land to get out and till the soil, you can still reap the benefits of gardening on a small scale. Container gardening has always been popular with those confined to limited gardening space.
Transform your balcony or entryway into your home into a salsa or herb garden. Thyme, rosemary, lavender and oregano are all easy care plants that emit a pretty fragrance when touched and can be snipped fresh for wonderful fresh sauces and dressings. Use unexpected containers, like an old pail or an old rubber boot (washed please)! Drainage is important, so drill several ½ inch holes in whatever you use as a planting vessel.
Vegetable plants need 6 or more hours of sun each day. Most vegetables do not do well in shady areas. There few vegetables that can survive heavily shaded areas. For example, basil likes a respite from the sun.
Vegetables require regular watering. Without regular water, vegetables will not fill out, and more importantly, tomatoes will crack open if the soil is inconsistently dry/wet.
The most important aspect of water; is access to it. If you have the means, a drip irrigation system is a plus for a vegetable garden. You can make your own watering system out of an upside down plastic bottle!
Tools required:
2-liter plastic bottle, with lid, washed
Drill 4-8 holes in the lid. Cut the bottom of the bottle off using a knife. Dig a hole near the plants you want to water. Bury ½ of the bottle with the cap on, in the dirt (open side up). Pour water into the bottle. Place nylons or screen over the top if you are concerned about attracting mosquitoes in your area. I got this idea from yougrowgirl.com a long time ago, and have used in several times.
Keep a watering can handy, or place your containers in a space where you can easily access water. The easier you make it for yourself, the more likely you will water in the morning or when you might be in a hurry.
Eggplants grow well in containers, and small garden plots. Keep them in a sunny place and water often. We use eggplant to make baba ganoush, use it in spagetti sauce and layered in lasagna. Don’t wait until eggplants get too big to pick them though, eggplants that go too long can be seedy and kind of bitter. Roasted eggplant is the best. Yum.
Tomato Tree
The Tomato Tree has room for three full-size tomato plants. Ideal for patio, deck or balcony, it will yield a bounty of delicious, homegrown tomatoes—at perfect picking height! The bag holds 40 quarts of soil, and hangs on its own sturdy, powder-coated steel stand. Tomatoes grown in the Tomato Tree planter don’t need staking or tying, they’re out of reach of most pests, and they won’t get soil-borne diseases. Grows three full-size tomato plants Perfect anywhere: patio, deck or balcony Easy picking and no bending necessary Sturdy, stable powder-coated steel stand won’t wobble. Grows 3 full-size tomato plants (not included) Poly canvas bag Holds 40 quarts of soil (not included) Powder-coated steel stand with broad base for stability Planting bag: 15″ diameter x 18″ H Stand: 74″ H x 32′ W at the base.
Felknor Ventures 82506 Topsy Turvy Upside-Down Tomato Planter
