Tips for the Garden - May 2021

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Isn’t daylight savings time a wonderful thing!!!!! Enjoy the fruits of your labor and spend time outdoors. Extend your living quarters to your yard and garden. It is easy to do…hang a hammock in a tree, set a bistro set in the perennial garden, or put benches in your Hosta beds. Now invite friends over and have a cookout. Let the nature in your yard tickle your senses with the sounds of birds, smells of flowers, sound of running water, and splashes of color.

And while you are enjoying your yard, and I hope that you are, here are some items to put onto your gardening checklist. Begin planting summer annuals to add color and spice to the landscape. And don’t just stop with the flower beds. Container gardening is becoming a trendy thing. The many choices, styles, shapes and colors of containers make great accent pieces for inside or out. Let your imagination soar and express yourself. Use imaginative containers you pick up at flea markets and auction yards. Learn to mix annuals and perennials for

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great combinations. Try hostas with begonias and impatiens….or hydrangeas with groundcovers. These containers can make great accent pieces on the front porch, the back deck, in a flower bed, around the pool or at the end of the driveway. Containers aren’t just plain anymore!!!

Take your houseplants outdoors once the evening temperatures will remain above 50`. Gradually move sun loving plants (hibiscus, gardenias, mandevillas, etc.) to sunny locations, as they have not had full sun in your home and will need to be acclimated to those conditions.

Plant summer bulbs now and fertilize with bone meal or bulb food. Pinch garden mums now till July 4th to insure proper fall blooming. Treat slugs in your garden with organic diatomaceous earth. This is a powder product, 100% safe and is good for the treatment of slugs, ants, fleas and ticks outside, as well as roaches and ants indoors. This organic product is very safe to use and good to have on hand.

Other insects to watch for this month are pine sawflies, aphids, scale crawlers, cucumber beetles, and grubs, to name a few. Permethrin is the product on the market today. Permethrin will work a large variety of insects on plants, in the soil and in the home. It comes in many formulations and strengths. See a professional for questions of use of this product.

Keep helping the wild birds in your piece of heaven on earth and help the pollinators as well. Plant more natives and use organic products when needed.


Until next month…see you in the garden….

Sandi Hillermann McDonald

Garden Solutions - May 2015

             “Coming home” at the end of a day can be even more important to us now than ever before. Times are changing and everyone is busier than before. So, enjoy daylight savings time and extend your living quarters to your yard and garden. Think of your outdoor spaces as an extension of your home. And in doing so, consider the floor, walls, and ceiling per se. Adding resting areas is easy to do…hang a hammock in a tree, set a bistro set in the perennial garden, or put benches in your hosta beds. Let the nature in your yard tickle your senses with the sounds of birds, smells of flowers, sound of running water, and splashes of color. Hardscapes can enhance your outdoor rooms by adding a “floor” to your area of enjoyment. 

While you are enjoying your yard, here are some items to put onto your gardening checklist. Begin planting summer annuals to add color and spice to the landscape, and don’t stop with just the flowerbeds. There are many new color introductions available in annuals that will prove to be very exciting.

Container gardening continues to be a trendy thing. The many choices, styles, shapes, and colors of containers make great accent pieces for inside or out. Let your imagination soar and express yourself. Use imaginative containers you pick up at flea markets and auction yards.  Learn to mix annuals and perennials for great combinations. Try hostas with begonias and impatiens….or hydrangeas with groundcovers. These containers can make great accent pieces on the front porch, the back deck, in a flowerbed, around the pool, or at the end of the driveway. In addition, you can rearrange them as often as you wish. No room for a vegetable garden? Try one in a container. You can enjoy fresh tomatoes easily this way

Plant summer bulbs now and fertilize with bone meal or bulb food. Pinch hardy garden mums back now and continue to do so until July 4 to insure proper fall blooming. Treat slugs in your garden with organic diatomaceous earth. This powder product is 100% safe, and is good for the treatment of slugs, ants, fleas and ticks outside, as well as roaches and ants indoors. This organic product is very safe to use and a good one to have on hand. “Natural Gardening” with eco-friendly products is a very “trendy” and SAFE thing to do for your own health as well as the environment. Check out the chemical-free options available to you today. Then sit back and watch your kids and pets enjoy the beautiful outdoors.

Other May tips include:

·         Do not remove spring bulb foliage too early or next year’s flower production will decline. Let the foliage die back naturally.

·         Plant hardy water lilies now.

·         Begin fertilizing annuals now and continue at regular intervals all season long.

·         Apply post-emergence broadleaf weed controls to the lawn now if needed.

·         Begin planting sweet corn, tomato plants, peppers and sweet potatoes as the soil warms up.

·         Keep asparagus harvested for continued spear production.

·         Remove rhubarb seed stalks as they appear.

·         Do not spray any fruits while in bloom, you may ruin the pollination process.

·         Birds eat many insects so attract them to your garden by providing good nesting habitats.

·         Herbs planted in average soils need no extra fertilizer. Too much may reduce flavor and pungency at harvest.

·         Watch for fireflies on warm nights. Both adults and larvae are important predators for plant damaging insects.

Until next month, enjoy connecting with nature and….see you in the garden….

Sandi Hillermann McDonald

Garden Solutions - May 2014

        Gardeners, start your containers!! Spring has sprung! The weather has begun to turn warmer and the sun is beginning to hang around a little more each day.      It is time to grow your own groceries!  Almost any vessel can be used as a container, but it must have drainage holes that allow water to freely flow through the pot. Most veggies only need 8” of soil depth. Trays and smaller containers work fine for lettuce, radishes, spinach, and peppers. Root crops like carrots and onions, and large plants like most tomatoes and squash, require containers larger than 16 inches in diameter. Generally as a rule, bigger is better for root growth and overall vigor. 

Something NEW to consider is growing aeroponically.  With this method, you can grow plants vertically using “only 6 square feet of space, 90% less water AND land”.  To learn more, check out www.sandimcdonald.towergarden.com.  This is the way of the future to save resources, time and space.  It has been greatly received in larger population cities and on each coast.  With a little planning and attention, container gardens and aeroponics can produce like mini farms.

Container color gardening continues to be a trendy thing. The many choices, styles, shapes, and colors of containers make great accent pieces for inside or out. Let your imagination soar and express yourself. Use imaginative containers you pick up at flea markets and auction yards.  Learn to mix annuals and perennials for great combinations. Try hostas with begonias and impatiens….or hydrangeas with groundcovers. These containers can make great accent pieces on the front porch, the back deck, in a flower bed, around the pool, or at the end of the driveway.  And you can rearrange them as often as you wish.      

        Take your houseplants outdoors once the evening temperatures will remain above 50°. Move sun-loving plants (hibiscus, gardenias, mandevillas, etc.) gradually to sunny locations, as they have not had full sun in your home and will need to be acclimated to those conditions.

        Plant summer bulbs now and fertilize with bone meal or bulb food. Pinch hardy garden mums back now and continue to do so until July 4 to insure proper fall blooming. Treat slugs in your garden with organic diatomaceous earth. This powder product is food grade 100% safe, and is good for the treatment of slugs, ants, fleas and ticks outside, as well as roaches and ants indoors. This organic product is very safe to use and a good one to have on hand. “Natural Gardening” with eco-friendly products is a very SAFE thing to do for your own health as well as the environment. Check out the chemical-free options available to you today. Then sit back and watch your kids and pets enjoy the beautiful outdoors.

        “Coming home” at the end of a day can be even more important to us now than ever before. Times are changing and everyone is busier than before with kids to coach, meetings to attend, and work to do. In addition, the cost of gas makes us want to leave the car parked when possible. So, enjoy daylight savings time and extend your living quarters to your yard and garden. Think of your outdoor spaces as an extension of your home. And in doing so, consider the floor, walls, and ceiling per se. Adding resting areas is easy to do… hang a hammock in a tree, set a bistro set in the perennial garden, or put benches in your Hosta beds.  Add a fire pit, BBQ gill or Pizza oven. Then invite friends over and have a cook out. Let the nature in your yard tickle your senses with the sounds of birds, fragrance of flowers, sounds of running water, and splashes of color. Hardscapes can enhance your outdoor rooms by adding a “floor” to your area of enjoyment. 

        Until next month… Enjoy connecting with nature and….see you in the garden….

 

Sandi Hillermann McDonald

Garden Solutions - May 2013

           Gardeners, start your containers!! Spring has sprung! The weather is beginning to turn warmer and the sun is beginning to hang around a little more each day. Now is the time to plant warm season annuals and vegetables. I want to focus on veggie garden containers this month.     Even small space gardeners can grow enough nutritious produce to prepare a few meals, supplement your diet, and save some bucks. With a little planning and attention, container gardens can produce like mini farms.

            Almost any vessel can be used as a container, but it must have drainage holes that allow water to freely flow through the pot. Most veggies only need 8” of soil depth. Trays and smaller containers work fine for lettuce, radishes, spinach, and peppers. Root crops like carrots and onions, and large plants like most tomatoes and squash, require containers larger than 16 inches in diameter. Generally as a rule, bigger is better for root growth and overall vigor.

            When growing veggies in containers, packaged potting mixes are typically the best choice to use for a planting medium. Using garden soil in containers is never ideal. Packaged potting mixes are lightweight, moisture retentive, and well aerated. In addition, they do not harbor any fungi, bacteria, insects, or weed seeds that would cause problems later.



            Sunlight, not space, is probably the biggest limiting factor in urban environments. Without at least six hours of sun a day, it will be tough to grow quality vegetables. Crops need a lot of solar energy to make nutritious fruits, seeds, and leaves. Southern exposure is best, but six hours from any direction should be sufficient. To avoid leaning or uneven ground, rotate the containers weekly. Use wire cages or other sturdy supports to protect large plants like tomatoes, beans, peas, and squash.

            Regular watering is crucial when you grow in containers because there is a limited soil mass for storing water. During the peak of summer heat, gardeners may need to water daily to keep plants growing at full potential. A drip irrigation system allows you to water automatically, and with a timer, you can even water containers while you’re away. However, the best option for vacation watering is always a reliable neighbor. Vegetables grown in containers also need regular fertilizing.  Follow the label instructions, and make sure the container is well drained or plants may suffer from high salt levels due to fertilizer buildup. Some gardeners combine the two tasks and simply water with a quarter-length fertilizer solution once a week.

            If plants don’t appear vigorous and healthy, check them closely because disease and pest infestations can quickly get out of hand. If caught early, most are easy to treat. Check the undersides of leaves for insects. Many of them can be picked off or sprayed with a strong stream of water. Some pests require other treatments. Natural insecticides are very popular with home gardeners. Always read insecticide labels to make sure the product is compatible with food crops, and follow the directions carefully.

            When looking for plants, look for vigorous young seedlings with bushy growth. Check to make sure each seedling is securely anchored in the six-pack or pot, which implies a well-established root system. Dip the seedling in a bucket of water to moisten the root ball, tease out any circling roots, and plant it at the same depth it was previously growing. (Tomatoes are an exception to the planting depth rule because they can be planted with the bare stem several inches below the ground, and roots will form along the stem.)

            Some crops like lettuce, beets, and carrots, are best grown from seed. Simply follow the instructions on the packet.  Be sure to thin sprouts to the recommended spacing. Thinning is a ruthless task, but fortunately most veggie sprouts can be used in salads and other dishes for a spring treat.

            If you have space to do a small raised bed garden in place of containers, check out www.squarefootgardening.com for a complete listing and schedule to produce a plentiful harvest for a family of four. Dig in and see how great and beneficial veggie gardening is!

Enjoy the season,

Sandi Hillermann McDonald

Garden Solutions - May 2011

Times are changing and everyone is busier then ever; with kids to coach, meetings to attend and work to do. So “coming” home at the end of a day can be even more important to us then ever. Enjoy daylight savings time and extend your living quarters to your yard and garden. Think of your outdoor spaces as an extension of your home. And in doing so, consider the floor, walls, and ceiling per se. Outdoor firepits, grill and bar centers, rugs, clocks, décor and more are available to add a cozy room effect to outdoor living spaces. Adding resting areas is easy to do…hang a hammock in a tree, set a bistro set in the perennial garden, or put benches in your Hosta beds. Then invite friends over and have a cook out. Let the nature in your yard tickle your senses with the sounds of birds, smells of flowers, sound of running water, and splashes of color. Hardscapes can enhance your outdoor rooms by adding a “floor” to your area of enjoyment.

While you are enjoying your yard, and I hope that you are, here are some items to put onto your gardening checklist. Begin planting summer annuals to add color and spice to the landscape, and don’t just stop with the flowerbeds. There are many new introductions in annuals this year that will prove to be very exciting. One worth mentioning is the “NEW” Potunia. This new Petunia variety is a wonderful filler plant as well as a stand alone plant. It comes in a beautiful “orange” as well as red and yellow and they bloom all season long. It thrives in full to part sun. It has a bold beautiful colors.

Container gardening continues to be a trendy thing. The many choices, styles, shapes, and colors of containers make great accent pieces for inside or out. Let your imagination soar and express yourself. Use imaginative containers you pick up at flea markets and auction yards. Learn to mix annuals and perennials for great combinations. Try hostas with begonias and impatiens….or hydrangeas with groundcovers. These containers can make great accent pieces on the front porch, the back deck, in a flower bed, around the pool, or at the end of the driveway. And you can rearrange them as often as you wish. No room for a vegetable garden? Try one in a container. You can enjoy fresh tomatoes easily this way.

Take your houseplants outdoors once the evening temperatures will remain above 50`. Move sun loving plants (hibiscus, gardenias, mandevillas, etc.) gradually to sunny locations, as they have not had full sun in your home and will need to be acclimated to those conditions. Check out the many new varieties of tropical plants available this year.

Plant summer bulbs now and fertilize with bone meal or bulb food. Pinch hardy garden mums back now and continue to do so until July 4th to insure proper fall blooming. Treat slugs in your garden with organic diatomaceous earth. This is a powder product, 100% safe, and is good for the treatment of slugs, ants, fleas and ticks outside, as well as roaches and ants indoors. This organic product is very safe to use and a good one to have on hand. “Natural Gardening” with eco-friendly products is a very “trendy” and SAFE thing to do for your own health as well as the environment. Check out the chemical-free options available to you today. Then sit back and watch your kids and pets enjoy the beautiful outdoors.

Insect problems to watch for this month are pine sawflies, aphids, scale crawlers, cucumber beetles, and grubs, to name a few. Permethrin is the chemical product on the market today that is labeled for indoor and outdoor use. Permethrin will kill a large variety of insects on plants, in the soil, and in the home. It comes in many formulations and strengths. See a professional for questions of use of this product.

Other May tips include:
• Pinch azalea and rhododendron blossoms as the flowers fade.
• Fertilize azaleas and rhododendrons with an acid base fertilizer now.
• Don’t remove spring bulb foliage too early or next year’s flower production will decline. Let the foliage die back naturally.
• Plant hardy water lilies now.
• Begin fertilizing annuals now and continue at regular intervals all season long.
• Treat trees with borer problems now with Fertilome Systemic Insecticide Drench.
• Keep bluegrass lawns cut at 3” high, fescue lawns at 3.5” high and zoysia at 2” high.
• Apply post-emergence broadleaf weed controls to the lawn now if needed.
• Begin planting sweet corn, tomato plants, peppers and sweet potatoes as the soil warms up.
• Keep asparagus harvested for continued spear production.
• Remove rhubarb seed stalks as they appear.
• Don’t spray any fruits while in bloom, you may ruin the pollination process.
• Birds eat many insects so attract them to your garden by providing good nesting habitats.
• Herbs planted in average soils need no extra fertilizer. Too much may reduce flavor and
pungency at harvest.
• Watch for fireflies on warm nights. Both adults and larvae are important predators for garden pests.

Until next month,…Enjoy connecting with nature and….see you in the garden….

Sandi Hillermann McDonald
www.hillermann.com

Garden Solutions - March 2010

By Sandi Hillermann McDonald

This month I would like to talk about two great windowsill garden projects for the home. The first one is “Windowsill Herb Gardens.” As the wind still howls outside, the temperatures are still freezing, and blooming plants are a distant memory, there is nothing like sticking your hands in some soil to bring a smile to your face. One of the easiest, most useful and satisfying things to grow is herbs. Many herbs lend themselves well to growing in a container on a windowsill or near a window. The beauty of growing herbs is you have a free, ready-made source to harvest for use in cooking, and the more you snip, the better they respond by becoming full and bushy.

The easiest herbs to grow include basil, chives, oregano, sage and thyme. These also happen to be some of the most frequently called for herbs in recipes. You will have the greatest success if you start your windowsill garden from starter plants, but seeds are readily available as well. All of these plants like full sun, and to remain flavorful, require at least 5 hours of direct sunlight a day. Therefore, south or southwest-facing windows are ideal. If this is not possible, the use of fluorescent lights placed approximately 6” above the plants will provide you the needed lighting assistance. Rotate the plants frequently to encourage more uniform growth. Herbs prefer temperatures between 65-70 degrees Fahrenheit. Water them when the soil surface feels dry. Fertilize them once a month with a diluted solution of water-soluble fertilizer, like fish emulsion, which is organic. Herbs also benefit from a little extra humidity. Placing your containers in saucers or trays filled with small pebbles and water will provide that extra moisture as the water evaporates around the plants.

The next windowsill project is to “Grow Your Own Greens or Sprouts!” Some of the freshest, most nutritious organic greens on the planet can be grown without special equipment, complicated instructions or time-consuming techniques. All you need is a quart jar, a few tablespoons of sprouting seeds and water. In about a week, you will have a jar full of delicate sprouts you can sprinkle on salads, add to sandwiches or toss into soups for a delicious and healthful twist on your favorite recipes. Some say sprouts are the most nutritiously dense food one can grow. Sprouts are also an economical alternative to buying greens at the grocery store. A small bag of seeds will grow into many delicious harvests. Another benefit is that growing sprouts is a great way to get kids involved in the kitchen. Because sprouts grow so quickly, they’ll be able to watch the entire process from seeding to rooting to eating.

To get started chose the seeds of your preference. Seeds that are most popular for home sprouting include alfalfa, lentil, mung bean, radish, sunflower and broccoli. There are many seed blends available. Each kind of seed offers a different taste experience, from slightly sweet to tangy, but all offer a way to make ordinary meals special. Now to get started is easy. Add 2 tablespoons of seeds to a clean, dry quart jar. Cover the jar with cheesecloth, a nylon stocking or mesh screen; and secure it with a jar ring or rubber band. Cover the seeds with water and soak overnight. Drain the water; and rinse the seeds with fresh water. Swish the water and seeds and drain again. Then, rinse seeds with cool water once a day and drain. The sprouts will be ready to harvest in about 7 days. Use fresh sprouts immediately or store them in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

Here are a few ideas for using your sprouts. Add a cup or more of bean sprouts to your favorite stir-fry recipe just before serving. Cut a pita pocket bread in half, stuff with tuna or chicken salad and top it with alfalfa sprouts. Use sunflower sprouts in wraps filled with deli meat and cheeses for a tangy twist on a sandwich. Replace parsley with a handful of lentil sprouts in homemade chicken noodle soup. Top a cheese and tomato sandwich with alfalfa sprouts instead of lettuce, and create crunchy veggie tacos with black beans, salsa, cheese and broccoli sprouts!
I hope these simple projects get you thinking of spring!! It will be here this month!! I think that no one is more anxious than I am.

See you in the Garden,
Sandi Hillermann McDonald

February Tips for the Garden 2010

Starting from seed……………
I’m not a fan of winter. There is nobody more excited than I am to see those first signs of spring, like the appearance of crocus. They pop up, and then I know I’m down the home stretch. It is at this time that I can also begin planning my vegetable containers. Part of my planning is deciding which vegetables I should start from seed. During these early months before spring is also the time that you should begin planting many of the summer vegetables you want to start from seed. Some seeds should be started indoors. There are others that you will be able to plant directly outside into the ground. Follow these simple steps to sprout all sorts of tasty treats this coming season.

Starting seed indoors: here is what you need to get started:
Something to plant in - peat pots, planting trays, and peat pellets work best. Just make sure the container drains well and is large enough that it will not dry out between watering.
Seedling potting mix - you will want to use a potting soil that is designed for starting seeds. Fertilome seed starting soil is the perfect medium for germinating seeds. The mix is designed to promote better root development in young plants.

Seeds - there are so many to choose from. For most varieties, plan on growing 6-8 weeks indoors, but check packet directions for accurate growing times. Also, check the packet to see if pre-soaking is recommended. Some seeds are recommended to be sown directly into the ground, so make sure to read the directions.

A place to grow - seeds need a warm place in order to germinate. After they sprout, sufficient light is critical. A sunny windowsill works fine, as long as it is not too hot or cold.
A cover - if your planting tray did not come with a clear plastic lid, you can use plastic wrap to cover your finished tray.

Spray bottle - you’ll want a spray bottle to be able to mist your soil to keep it moist.
Now you are ready to plant seeds. Follow these easy steps for success!
Fill your planting tray or peat pots with seedling potting mix. Pre-moisten the mix with clean water. Peat pellets are fun to use if you have young children. When you add water the peat pellet transforms from a flat disc to a tall self watering pot.

Place your seeds in the soil. Larger seeds can be planted individually into the tray or peat pot. Smaller seeds can be very difficult to see. Sprinkle 3-4 seeds over the soil in each pot. Press in or lightly cover the seeds with potting mix. Do not cover them deeply with soil.

Cover your planting tray with a clear tray lid or with clear plastic wrap. You can also place plastic wrap over the tops of individual pots if you don’t have a tray. Place the tray or pots in a warm spot out of direct sunlight. Make sure that your soil remains warm and moist.

When the seeds begin to sprout, remove the plastic wrap. Turn the tray every two days to keep the plants growing straight. Plants will always grow toward the sunlight.

Thin or transplant the seedlings when they get 2”-3” tall and have developed true leaves. This should happen after about 2-4 weeks. Thinning is done by gently pulling up the young plant or pinching off the stem. Transplant them to slightly larger containers to allow the roots to continue to develop. Lift seedlings carefully by digging them out with a fork or spoon, taking care not to disturb the tender roots. Keep transplants out of direct sun for a couple of days to prevent wilting.

Feed with a liquid soluble plant food diluted to half strength and remember to keep your soil moist, but not soggy.

When the danger of frost has passed, transplant your seedlings into the garden, but they must first be “hardened off”. Set the tray outdoors in shade for 2-3 hours a day, slowly exposing them to full sunlight. After the week is over, transplant the seedlings into the garden. Remember to use a transplant fertilizer when planting them.

Planting seeds outdoors; after danger of frost has passed (generally May 1st in Franklin County, MO), there are many seeds you can plant directly into the ground.

To begin, choose a spot that gets plenty of sunlight and where the soil drains well. Prepare the soil by raking the area clear of leaves and other debris. Dig the garden to loosen the soil down to about 12”. Add a transplant fertilizer at this time.

Make planting rows with a garden trowel or a pointed object, like a pencil to make indentations in the soil. Some seeds like cucumbers may require you to make the soil into mounds to plant the seeds. Plant the seeds according to the spacing directions on the back of the seed packet. Large seeds can be planted individually. Some seeds, like carrots are quite small. These smaller seeds can be mixed with a bit of sand and sprinkled over the area. You will want to read the directions on the seed packet to know how deep to plant the seeds. Attach the empty packet to a stick at the end of the row if you wish to identify what is planted there.

Water the area with a gentle flow from a watering can or hose. Be careful not to shoot the seeds right out of the soil with too strong of water pressure. Keep the garden moist (not wet), until the plants are up and growing.

Final tip:
Whether planting a seed straight into the soil or planting a transplant, don’t forget to bait for slugs. They will feast on our young plant before the plant grows big enough to feed you! Plus, keep a photo journal or a log of the weekly progress in your garden. Once the sun decides to finally return you’ll be surprised at how quickly your tiny little seedlings start mature and you can begin to harvest the fruits and vegetables of your labor.
Now, have fun planning for spring!

See you in the garden...
Sandi Hillermann McDonald

May Tips for the Garden 2009

Gardeners, start your containers!! Spring has sprung! The weather is beginning to turn warmer and the sun is beginning to hang around a little more each day. Now is the time to plant warm season annuals and vegetables. I want to focus on veggie garden containers this month. Even small space gardeners can grow enough nutritious produce to prepare a few meals, supplement your diet, and save some bucks. With a little planning and attention, container gardens can produce like mini farms.

Almost any vessel can be used as a container, but it must have drainage holes that allow water to freely flow through the pot. Most veggies only need 8” of soil depth. Trays and smaller containers work fine for lettuce, radishes, spinach, and peppers. Root crops like carrots and onions, and large plants like most tomatoes and squash, require containers larger than 16 inches in diameter. Generally as a rule, bigger is better for root growth and overall vigor.

When growing veggies in containers, packaged potting mixes are typically the best choice to use for a planting medium. Using garden soil in containers is never ideal. Packaged potting mixes are lightweight, moisture retentive, and well aerated. In addition, they do not harbor any fungi, bacteria, insects, or weed seeds that would cause problems later.


Sunlight, not space, is probably the biggest limiting factor in urban environments. Without at least six hours of sun a day, it will be tough to grow quality vegetables. Crops need a lot of solar energy to make nutritious fruits, seeds, and leaves. Southern exposure is best, but six hours from any direction should be sufficient. To avoid leaning or uneven ground, rotate the containers weekly. Use wire cages or other sturdy supports to protect large plants like tomatoes, beans, peas, and squash.

Regular watering is crucial when you grow in containers because there is a limited soil mass for storing water. During the peak of summer heat, gardeners may need to water daily to keep plants growing at full potential. A drip irrigation system allows you to water automatically, and with a timer, you can even water containers while you’re away. However, the best option for vacation watering is always a reliable neighbor. Vegetables grown in containers also need regular fertilizing. Follow the label instructions, and make sure the container is well drained or plants may suffer from high salt levels due to fertilizer buildup. Some gardeners combine the two tasks and simply water with a quarter-length fertilizer solution once a week.

If plants don’t appear vigorous and healthy, check them closely because disease and pest infestations can quickly get out of hand. If caught early, most are easy to treat. Check the undersides of leaves for insects. Many of them can be picked off or sprayed with a strong stream of water. Some pests require other treatments. Natural insecticides are very popular with home gardeners. Always read insecticide labels to make sure the product is compatible with food crops, and follow the directions carefully.

When looking for plants, look for vigorous young seedlings with bushy growth. Check to make sure each seedling is securely anchored in the six-pack or pot, which implies a well-established root system. Dip the seedling in a bucket of water to moisten the root ball, tease out any circling roots, and plant it at the same depth it was previously growing. (Tomatoes are an exception to the planting depth rule because they can be planted with the bare stem several inches below the ground, and roots will form along the stem.)

Some crops like lettuce, beets, and carrots, are best grown from seed. Simply follow the instructions on the packet. Be sure to thin sprouts to the recommended spacing. Thinning is a ruthless task, but fortunately most veggie sprouts can be used in salads and other dishes for a spring treat.

If you have space to do a small raised bed garden in place of containers, check out http://www.squarefootgardening.com/ for a complete listing and schedule to produce a plentiful harvest for a family of four. Dig in and see how great and beneficial veggie gardening is!

Enjoy the season,
Sandi Hillermann McDonald