Grow Your Way to a Healthy Summer

Plant your veggie garden now

By Mary Lou Perry RD MS CDE

Barbara Kingsolver’s book Animal, Vegetable, Miracle – A Year of Food Life is the story of her Southwest Virginia family’s year-long challenge of growing their own food and eating locally. This true story shows the joy and lessons learned by returning to a more pure exchange of land to food to mouth. 

Inspired by this family’s journey, you may want to grow a garden. But if you’re like me, you may be overwhelmed by the thought of starting a garden. Like all the healthy habits we discuss on Club Red, we recommend starting with small steps. You don’t need a plot of land; many vegetables lend themselves to “container gardening” and many vegetables can be grown in a pot. Many varieties of vegetables (including tomatoes) have been specially adapted to be easily grown in containers. In fact, your greatest limitation might be the size of the container and your own imagination. 

Here’s how to get started on an easy-to-grow container garden. 

How do I select a container?

Any container will do -- flower pots, buckets, wooden boxes, planters, washtubs, large food cans, anything. Size becomes relevant especially if you are planting large vegetables like tomatoes and eggplant. No matter what kind of container you choose for your vegetable garden, it should have holes in the bottom to permit drainage of excess water. Stay away from dark colors because they absorb heat which might damage the plant roots. Try painting them a light shade. 

What kind of soil and fertilizer should I use?

The experts say use synthetic mixes such as peat-based mixes containing peat and vermiculite. They are pH adjusted and relatively sterile. Mix in one part compost to 2 parts plant mix and use a low release or complete organic fertilizer at planting which should keep your vegetables fed for the whole growing season. 

When should I water my container garden?

Pot containers always require more frequent watering than plants in the ground. As the season progresses and the plants mature, their root system will expand and require even more water. Check your containers daily to see if they need water. 

What types of vegetables are suitable for container garden?

Look for words like “bush”, “compact” and “space saver” for the seeds or seedlings. Many seed companies know that homeowners have limited space for garden growing and come out with new varieties each year. Ask your local plant nursery or farmer's market grower - many sell seedlings and can help direct you. Some examples are: leaf lettuce, peppers, radishes, squash, patio tomatoes, green beans, cucumbers, parsley, herbs and kale. 

Information compiled from www.about.com:gardening