As a child, I enjoyed helping my parents weed and water their garden. They have the space to produce a few hundred tomatoes a year, peas, carrots, lettuce, potatoes, sunflowers, peppers, a variety of flowers etc. [See photo of gigantic sunflowers below].
The soil in my own yard probably couldn't do this on its own, and I surely don't have the knowledge on how to make that happen. As a beginner gardener, I took advice from my co-workers to start with container gardening, and it worked quite well.
Gardening in containers is beneficial because you move them around the yard based on the amount of sunlight or shade the plants require. Also, the entire container does not have to be filled with soil - it is useful to have rocks at the bottom for drainage. The rocks also help to weigh down the containers on windy days. Containers can be hidden during stormy weather or on frosty nights. I definitely recommend this method for any beginner gardener with limited space!
As you can see in the photo above, I planted a few herb containers. I purchased "cell-packs" of pre-grown herbs from my workplace. A more experienced gardener may start herbs from seed, but this was the best option for me. The herbs, with the exception of basil, grew surprisingly well. Basil can be temperamental, as it craves warmth. The parsley, chives, thyme, sage, camomile, catnip, lavender, and marjoram were a great success. This year, I'm hoping to buy coriander (cilantro) before it sells out.
This photo is one of two identical flower planters that I put together! Some people buy pre-made planters, but I love to get creative with the colours and the flowers. Pay close attention to the shade/sun requirements listed on the information cards when you're at he greenhouse. If one flower thrives in low light, and another one needs full sun, they may not work well in the same planter.
My jalapeno plants were fantastic (more likely due to the hot/dry summer, than my skills). Don't be concerned if your green jalapeno's turn partially black while they are still on the plant. I've read various posts about "sun scald," and others that suggest this is a ripening effect. Either way, they are fine to eat.
I bought my tomato plants on sale, late in the season, and didn't use large enough containers. However, they still grew to a decent size and could be used to make fried green tomatoes.
Pick your herbs regularly! It will help the plant to stay healthy/continue producing. Did you know that some herbs can be preserved in the freezer?
Finally, a lovely picture of my camomile. I attempted to dry it for tea, but forgot about it in the cupboard, and it got dusty. This year, I resolve to make my own camomile tea.
Hope you enjoyed the post, and good luck with your gardens!
