In the Garden
You are what you eat!
It is time to start planning what we want to grow and to eat this summer and fall. Nothing beats the taste of home-grown produce. Growing our own food helps us gain control of what and how we eat. When we determine what to grow, we decide if we will use pesticides, insecticides, fertilizer, compost, manure, or mulch. We know that exposure to chemicals causes skin and respiratory issues, nervous system and hormone problems, and can be carcinogenic.
There are significant health benefits when you grow your own food picked at its peak ripeness and eaten quickly. Home-grown produce, packaging free, in a garden that’s alive with wildlife and biodiversity provides a household with a healthier diet and lifestyle. Not only will we improve our own good health, but at the same time, we rescue the health of our planet.
Now, you might be thinking: “I have no land for growing my own food.” Fortunately, you can grow fruits, vegetables and herbs in containers on your steps, on your porch, or even along your driveway. I first started growing potatoes in containers one year when I dug my potatoes out of my kitchen garden only to find that critters had taken a bite out of each of the biggest potatoes. What a disappointment.
For apartment dwellers or anyone short on space, containers can’t be beat. Container growing has really taken off recently. Let’s talk about important considerations if you grow your food in containers.
First, choose the right soil. All soil isn’t equal. Potting soil (not garden soil or just plain old dirt) is the key to container gardening success. Potting soil is a blend of materials like sphagnum moss, bark, perlite, vermiculite, compost or coir that intended for growing plants in containers. Other soils can carry fungus and other plant pathogens that can infect your plants. Potting mix is sterile, so it’s fungus-free and safer. The organic material (compost or moss) feeds the plants and the perlite and vermiculite keep the mix loose and well-drained so it doesn’t compact around plant roots or hold too much water which keeps roots from breathing, and can kill plants.
Compact, aesthetically pleasing edible plants are more popular than ever. You can get bonsai basil, or basil ‘Everleaf lemon.’ You can buy compact tomato plants like Wonderstar Red or Unicorn Pink. Blueberries do very well in containers.
Now that you have chosen which plants you want to grow, the next step is choosing the right container for your plants. Pots can be made out of wood, plastic, clay, stone, concrete — whichever you prefer. Each type holds moisture differently. Don’t forget to water frequently.