I have to say that few things make me as envious as a beautiful do-it-yourself garden. I walk by these absolutely gorgeous plots of heaven and I am struck with pure green envy. A few years ago, I decided to take the plunge and put some plants down on my cemented yard. Then, I promptly forgot about them. They promptly died. So, I tried again. And again. It took some time to get my thumb from black to green, but I’ve managed to achieve some moderate success. Now, I can share my tried-and-true tricks with you!
First, let’s discuss why bother gardening. The benefits are similar to exercise: it is recommended for everyone, yet few people do it. By gardening, you not only improve your environment, you reduce stress, encourage healthy eating amongst your family, learn patience, and enhance your creative side. It is also a wonderful project to do with children.
There are many different options to choose from. I have broken them down from the most difficult to the easiest.
Seeds: Start seeds off inside small pots, following the directions on the packet carefully. If you are planning on transferring the plants into a lawn or window box, you can start them off in an eggshell. Simply cut off the top third of a raw egg, slide out the yolk, and nestle the eggshell back into the egg carton. Gently spoon in some soil and add your seed. Follow directions on packet. Once night temperatures no longer fall below 55 degrees, you may transfer your seedlings to their final location by gently tapping the shell of the egg and placing it in the soil. The eggshell will disintegrate by itself.
Bulbs: Bulbs are a wonderful option for beginners. They are fairly easy to grow and much cheaper than plants. Follow the directions on the packet in terms of how deep and far apart to plant them. If you aren’t sure which way is up on the bulb, you may plant them sideways. They will straighten themselves out and grow properly.
Plants: This is the easy option. Many home improvement stores sell a full range of plants and flowers, and it is fairly simple to keep them alive. To avoid fighting against nature, purchase plants that are native to your climate. For long-lasting beauty, I prefer colorful, leafy plants such as coleuses that give color and character to your yard all season long. You will find the cheapest plants in the back of the nursery section. Many times, if you shop during the weekdays, salespeople are more likely to be willing to give you helpful tips and even discounts. You’d be surprised what sales people are willing to do when they are bored.
Earth boxes: Earth boxes are the best and easiest way to grow vegetables. Growing your own is also the best and easiest way to get your children to eat (organic, locally-grown) vegetables. For first timers, I recommend buying tomato plants, as they grow fast, are very productive and will give you the instant gratification to keep on going. Tomato plants will need support as they grow very tall. If you are adventurous, you can look into combining vegetables that will support each other – for example, corn and green beans. Buy earth boxes online or in stores as a one-time investment. Follow the directions carefully and watch your urban garden grow.