Grow Your Food (the urban, easy way!)

Paul preparing the soil

Spring is in full swing and we have been working hard at the farm- planting, weeding, watering, picking up and cleaning up, but most importantly we planted the first seeds of our vegetable garden!

This is my first year doing it, so it will be an experiment.  In the past, I've planted herbs, greens and some easy veggies in containers in our deck in the city, but I've never planted in the actual ground! Boy is it hard work (especially organic since you can't spray out those pesky weeds!) but I know it will be well worth it, and we have learned to appreciate farmers, (and the cost of organic) even more!

Cecilia and I planting the seeds!

The good thing is: You don't need a farm to grow some food! Chicago has been working hard at becoming a "green city", and I am loving all the ideas. From green rooftops to vertical gardens to the super easy container gardening that ANYONE, even with just a window, can do!

One of the biggest bonuses to container gardening is that you get to skip the backbreaking work of weeding and amending soil (believe me)! Container gardening can include traditional pots, window boxes, hanging baskets, or little planters in a window sill.

Steps to Successful Container Gardening:

Gather Your Gear
Yes- gloves, a trowel, and a hand fork might be helpful, but you want to keep it simple? Here is my recommendation:

1. Get some containers (more on that below) 
2. Buy some good soil
3. Get your plants
4. Use your bare hands!

Of course, I'll start with the SOIL:
Use potting soil rather than soil from the ground, as potting soil has water retentive elements (such as peat moss or vermiculite), is free from weeds or disease, and contains a balance of nutrients ideal for plants in containers. Keep it simple and purchase an "all-purpose" one.

Pick Your Plants

Our seed packets and tools

I'd say to start, don't plant from seeds, just buy the little plants and transplant to your containers. It will make your life easier and you can get these anywhere! From Home Depot to your Farmer's Market.

Many edible plants can be grown in containers. Potted herbs are a popular choice and can be placed in a sunny window or even on a patio. Try chives, mint, basil, parsley, rosemary, sage, cilantro, or whatever you like!

Strawberries are another fruit easily grown in a pot; there are even special terra cotta pots with holes in them that are widely available.

If vegetables are what you want, try greens such as arugula, lettuces, swiss chard, and spinach. Smaller varieties of tomatoes, peas, pole beans, bush zucchini, and peppers can also be grown successfully with some staking or trellis for them to climb.

Match your plant selection to your location, as well. Plants labeled ''full sun'' require at least 6 hours per day of direct sunlight. Consider the depth of the container and the plant’s root system (carrots, for example, don’t do well in standard pots as they need deeper ground, but lettuce does).

Click here for the 10 easiest vegetables to grow.

Choose Your Containers
There are numerous types of containers, each with pros and cons. On one end of the financial spectrum you have plastic containers which are light and cheap, but might be a bit boring to look at. Compare that to stone or marble, which are gorgeous and sturdy, but are as hefty in price as they are to move around the garden. You want a vessel that has enough space for the roots of your plant, proper nutrients to feed your plant, and drainage holes to allow for excess moisture to flow out to prevent waterlogged roots. Additionally, consider where this container is going. For example, if you are putting it on a rooftop or in a window sill, choose something light. Be aware that some containers such as terra cotta can retain heat quickly, so extra watering may be necessary!

Beautiful and creative!

And don't be afraid to get creative! Containers of various shapes, colors and sizes add some fun to your outdoor area!

Here are some fun ideas for unusual and interesting garden containers.

• Empty coffee cans (spray paint them in fun colors, optional)
• Kiddie pool or plastic sandbox (these make great small backyard vegetable gardens)
• Large glass or plastic jars 
• Plastic milk jugs or soda bottles, cut in half 

If you put your creative glasses on, you’ll see that practically anything can hold a plant. Scour flea markets, yard sales and antique shops for vintage items like these:

• Vintage china cups, bowls and tureens
• Enamelware bowls and basins
• Old canning jars
• Old-fashioned washtubs (yes, washtubs!)
• Colorful plastic or galvanized metal buckets
• Wooden wine crates
• Craft paint cans

Arrange a collection of container-grown herbs by your kitchen door for easy snipping. Or, plant herbs in glass canning jars and place them on a sunny windowsill. Super easy!

End result.

Once you have your plants, location, and containers, the sky's the limit! Just water (but don't over-water) and eat!
Start out small with easy-to-grow plants and build from there.

Growing your own food can be so satisfying and fun... and don't forget to get your kids involved- they'll LOVE it! 

Happy gardening! :)