Early this spring, I decided I wanted to have a little garden again. It's been a while for me in the garden, but this year I thought I would give it another try.
I really wanted Doug to till a garden spot in our yard - or build me an amazing raised bed, but he had so many things on his honey-do list that I finally broke down and tried a container garden. I wasn't sure how it would work.
I follow Square Foot Gardening on Facebook and a few other gardening sites. They really inspired me to give it a try and to start where I am!
Someone told me recently that you really have to treat your plants like little babies. That made sense and has stuck with me! They need attention often and should be watched closely for anything they might need. They can't talk to you so all you can do is keep a close eye on them and do your best to give them what they need to grow.
One blogger said she starts seeds in little trays so I tried that. Even in our tiny house, we had room for two trays of seeds. I got the trays at Walmart, bought organic potting soil and even starting in early April, I was able to get a good start on my plants.
Inside gardening fed my hunger for spring! It was fun and didn't cost very much. I started seeds for lettuce, beets, okra, tomatoes, jalapeno peppers, and nasturtium (flowers).
Once it warmed up a little (I live in mid-Missouri), I sat the trays outside, still with lids, until it warmed up. Once the daytime temps were in the 60's, I removed the lids. (They need water more often without the lids.) I babied them, bringing inside at night since we still had chances for frost- and put the trays back outside when it was warm.
I re-used a few containers I already had, replacing the dirt with organic gardening soil, planted the baby plants, gave them a drink, and the growing began. This old concrete pot has Butter and Black Seeded Simpson lettuce growing in it.
Each morning, I step outside with my coffee to breathe in some fresh air and check the baby plants. So far they are all doing great!
On one of my favorite gardening Facebook pages, the gardener had some of these awesome Geopots with beautiful plants growing inside. (I am not receiving any money for bragging here. They are just that awesome!) I messaged her and she shared the link for ordering. I am SO HAPPY with these pots. They are really grow bags (instead of pots) and the one in this picture is 15 gallons so has plenty of room for healthy plants. I used garden soil in the bottom half (from a pile of leaves we add to every fall in our yard) and in the top half used bagged organic garden soil.
These beets seem to like their digs just fine! I've been cutting a few leaves, mixing with my other lettuce for salads and adding to my sandwiches - until the beet roots are ready.
I plan to use these beets in my favorite raspberry beet jelly. I am so thankful that I posted that recipe on this blog so that I can make some this summer.
Here's the link to my Raspberry Beet Jelly recipe. (Shhh... I call it Raspberry-B at my house because if I say the word "beet", I know I will be the only one eating it! LOL) (Sorry - this picture was early on and it leaves a lot to be desired.)
Try a few pots of lettuce, radishes or beets! Growing things makes your soul and TUMMY feel good! It's easy! Start where you are, using whatever containers you have on hand. Dollar Tree or Walmart may still have some cheap seeds (some of mine were 50 cents). The key is to treat them like babies, making a routine of checking on them, watering them, and making sure they are happy. The rewards are huge!
Happy Gardening, everyone!
Wishing you good health and
happy days ahead!
Gina
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