Ask the Expert

HOW DOES YOUR GARDEN GROW?

Benefits and tips of Urban Gardening

Written by Jennifer Miller

My dream garden is a sprawling space with veggies and plants abundant. Overflowing with honey bees and butterflies and growing enough produce to feed my family of three. In reality, I live in a small house with a small backyard covered by large pine trees. In North Idaho, where we spend most of our year bundled up in a parka. However, none of this means I can’t grow my own food. Whether you have a green thumb or not, you can make a garden happen even in a small space. Gardening has become even more popular during the last year with so many spending most of their time at home. Aside from being a hobby, gardening is a great way to grow safe, sustainable food. And bonus, it may even save you a little money next time you head to the grocery store. The list of the benefits of growing your own food would be endless but one of the things I love the most about it is the sense of empowerment you get. The first time you make a meal with your own produce is pretty gratifying. And you know, without a doubt, what you are feeding your family is safe and healthy.

No room for a garden? No problem! Get creative with your space and your containers. Start small. If you’ve never put spade to soil before, start with a small windowsill herb garden. Pick your favorite and most used herbs, find a spot that gets enough sunlight (typically 6 to 8 hours) and plant seeds in a container with appropriate drainage. My favorite herbs to plant are Basil, Oregano, and Thyme. These can all be used year round and in your favorite dishes. Make sure your planter is somewhere you walk by everyday. That way tending your little garden becomes part of your day to day routine.

Ready to expand to the great outdoors? The best time to plant in our area is mid to late May. Putting your plant babies outside too early could expose them to frost. Make sure your containers are big enough to accommodate your plant as they grow bigger. Potting soil and fertilizer are key in helping your garden grow. If you are keeping your garden organic, be mindful and research your soil and additives first. Tomatoes and strawberries grow great in smaller containers and can be used in so many different recipes. Strawberries can even be hung in hanging baskets to save space.

It’s always best to research how much water your garden needs. Most of the time, the plants don’t need to be watered until the soil is completely dry. Over watering is the fastest way to kill a plant. Your containers will need drainage so make sure if you’re not using a traditional planter, you’ll need to drill holes in the bottom.

No matter how small the space, I hope you get out this season and get your hands a little dirty and enjoy the magic of gardening!