There are multiple reasons why gardening has become so popular even in the urban areas. Schools are adopting pollinator gardens and local community members are volunteering to manage the upkeep so that students may learn about the lifecycle of plants and insects. There are even grants available for this endeavor. Even more popular is the latest fad of patio gardening.
I am not sure it can be considered a fad or a new way of living in an overpopulated world with limited space to plant. There is also the issue of food cost and fresh food availability.
It was a surprise to me to learn the lack of fresh food provided on a daily basis in many places in our own country. Planting a large garden can be back-breaking and frustrating when trying to manage fertilizer, drainage, and proper watering. It can also seem to be too much to take on for a beginner who wants to provide fresh food for the pantry but spend smaller amounts of time actually weeding, watering, and mulching.
This year I am experimenting with a patio garden as well as a large garden in our back yard. Once the dead of summer descends upon the land my ventures out to the garden are to toss in some left over fishing worms or pull up the wilted plants for chickens and rabbits to snack. I am wondering if having the convenience of those plants still producing right at my back door may encourage me to keep those peppers and tomatoes going when I would normally leave them to the insects who are beginning to invade and swarm.
There are a variety of pointers if you are thinking about doing this patio gardening project with children or grandchildren.
Choose containers that suit your space and plants. These can be found pretty often at your local thrift or goodwill stores for low cost. Select easy-to-grow vegetables and herbs. I would recommend herbs like basil, oregano, parsley and rosemary along with tomatoes and peppers that will continue to grow through the winter if properly covered.
Your patio needs to receive adequate sunlight at least five to six hours and use quality potting soil that has nutrients to promote healthy growth. I have my favorites, but you can search for potting soils and even make up your own that is affordable.
Plan out a watering schedule that is manageable when days get busy and plan to keep the soil moist, not soaking. Fertilize every few weeks as directed and harvest regularly to encourage new growth.
It sounds easy because it is in smaller containers. Some gardeners put rocks in the base of their planters to help with drainage. And even if you do not have six hours of sun a patio can do well with some crops that require little sunlight such as leafy vegetables and root crops.
There is a wealth of information if you are considering taking on this spring and summer project. The LSU AgCenter can provide info and conduct soil testing if you have some backyard beds you are considering. Some innovative new gardeners have even created landscape designs that compliment a living area and also a kitchen table.
Grab some dirt and seeds and don't worry if your thumb refuses to turn green. Patio gardens are gardening made easy.
Happy Planting.
