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<— FOUR WEEKS
AFTER PLANTING
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FIRST DAY
IN THE SOIL —>
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It’s been exactly four weeks since I planted my recession herb garden and I’m pleased to report that my mint, sage and rosemary, are getting much bigger. The mint is starting to take over, as readers cautioned it would, so tonight I may pluck a few leaves to make mojitos!
I water the herbs every 3-4 days and they get a good dose of sun on our deck. I took the picture on the left this morning. The one on the right is the day I planted them. How the little guys have grown!
Since my first attempt at recession gardening is going well I’d like to expand. What do you suggest I plant?
I’d like something that grows well in pots (I don’t have a yard, sadly) and that is edible, of course. Thanks for your suggestions!
Another garden tip:
It’s time to plant eggplant, which requires a long warm season, says Lowe’s Learn2Grow newsletter. “No matter what type you choose, eggplant requires a long warm season – and now is the time to plant!”
May 12th, 2009 at 12:00 pm
chives, parsley and patio tomatoes will grow well in pots
May 12th, 2009 at 12:04 pm
Patio tomatoes would be a great addition. I have also seen cucumbers and squash planted in patio containers.
Lettuce wouldl be ok until the weather turns too warm. Anxious to see what you decide to plant!
May 12th, 2009 at 12:34 pm
I’d recommend basil (thai basil & italian sweet basil), thyme, and cilantro. Cherry tomatoes are great too. Also put in some green onions, or garlic chives. And add some colorful flowers to keep a smile on your face while you are weeding around all the herbs
May 12th, 2009 at 12:44 pm
Tomatoes are GREAT in pots. I have grown them for years, and it’s fabulous to have fresh ones.
I have also planted lettuce, green onions, zucchini, and even baby carrots.
May 12th, 2009 at 12:53 pm
If you have a big enough pot…Artichokes do really well here. We have a plant that is 3 years old that keeps putting out every year. The plant gets cut back to nothing late in the year then starts coming back on it own each year. As others have suggested tomatoes work well as do peppers. I make pepper jelly each year from my pepper crop.
May 12th, 2009 at 12:58 pm
Eh, Hubby doesn’t like artichokes so I’ll pass on that idea. Seems silly to cook just one! Seems a lot of folks are leaning towards tomatoes!
May 12th, 2009 at 1:11 pm
This is such a great idea! I should try it out, but I have to find a way to keep dirt and water from falling on my downstairs neighbor’s balcony.
As for recommendations, I’ve had a lot of luck with tomato and green pepper. They didn’t need too much attention from me!
May 12th, 2009 at 1:12 pm
I have a container looks similar to yours. I’m putting in carrots. I’ve grown them before to great success. Nothing tastes like a carrot straight from the garden. Just be sure you plant ones appropriate for your growing space (the long ‘Bugs Bunny’ sort will bottom out).
May 12th, 2009 at 5:03 pm
Definately tomatoes, the small roma type would work nicely, I’d also try thyme as it blooms in tiny white flowers, smells divine and is edible!
Lettuce is awesome in pots and min carrots work great.
GOOD LUCK BB!
May 12th, 2009 at 10:05 pm
Definitely tomatoes. Cherry tomatoes and beefsteak or romas work well. There is nothing like home grown tomatoes. The ones in the market are awful!
If you have an overhang (like a patio above you) try doing a hanging tomato planter (like the ones advertized). I was told that when planting tomatoes to also plant some marigolds around the edges as the tomato bugs do not like the smell of marigolds.
Also try some yellow summer squash – they do well in planters.
May 13th, 2009 at 7:06 am
I’ve been planting a veggie garden for three years now, and the best advice I’ve heard on what to plant is this:
Plant the vegetable you like that is expensive. Snow and Snap Peas in a pot with a trellis will work, tomatos (I vote for cherry tomatos too), and peppers in a big pot work well too.
Do yourself a favour: buy the book “Square foot Gardening”. Although it talks about raised bed gardens as opposed to pots, the principles are pretty much the same.
May 13th, 2009 at 7:47 am
I have container gardened for a few years now and these homemade “earth boxes” work great, save water and are perfect for a patio or deck
here’s the link on how to make
http://www.josho.com/gardening.htm
tomatoes are very easy to grow in the summer, also small yellow squash and zucchini are easy and yummy
all of these love the sun and heat
you will be amazed in the quality difference – good luck!!
May 13th, 2009 at 11:25 am
I’ve successfully grown lettuce, radishes, chives, cilantro, snow and sugar snap peas, jalepenos, anaheim peppers, and tomatoes… all in pots and planters!
May 14th, 2009 at 9:21 pm
It’s tomato time. Don’t hesitate. Do it. DOOOOO ITTTTT.
I just plugged in a tomato plant, and I even have one that survived from LAST YEAR. I just staked it up today, and we’ll see what develops.
And those are both in pots.
I also suggest squash and/or cucumbers because you’ll get a whole lotta bang there.
Our 5-year-old asked whether we should get a cucumber plant, and I’m gonna have to plug one in soon …
May 18th, 2009 at 1:12 am
I know this isn’t food but someone gave me a
potted aloe vera plant.
I am allergic now to neosporin and such and
aloe vera has antibacterial properties.
It was so nice to just run out and break off a small
bit of the younger shoots and squeeze out the goo
on my cuts, scrapes, bites, rashes etc.
Be sure to plant it in it’s own pot. It also grows and
grows. It would probably take over if with other
plants.
It is cooling and soothing and you don’t have to buy
stuff in store for these uses.
Think it might even be good for sunburn.
May 26th, 2009 at 3:31 am
[...] to plant? Readers suggested I plant tomatoes, artichokes and snap peas, among others. But I chose two of my favorite vegetables [...]
May 31st, 2009 at 8:29 pm
With regard to your comment about artichokes, BB, if YOU like ‘em, grow ‘em and microwave ‘em. No muss, no fuss, easy, healthy, and tasty. Give extras to others.