Urban Gardening

I started gardening a few years back in hopes to not only have healthier options for my daughter and I, but to help foster an appreciation for the work it takes to get food to the table. I had hoped to create a sense of respect for nature and what it provides. In teaching her how to plant and take care of the runner beans or carrots, I believe that I am also teaching her to be a better caretaker of the earth.  

This idea was all good and great, but in living in a small apartment in the city, how was I going to make it happen? I had no actual gardening knowledge and no outdoor space. One thing you’ll quickly learn about me is that I’ve always been a go getter and find that if you seek to educate yourself, you will find those willing to teach you.

YouTube ya’ll…..was and has been essential in helping me learn best gardening practices and tips on how to grow in limited to no space. During our time in our small apartment we grew herbs in mason jars near a window, but as time went by and after a few moves, we were fortunate to move into spaces that allowed us to garden outdoors or in our balcony. A few years ago, I lived in an apartment where I was allowed to use a small plot out back, and after framing, tilling and planting I not only learned a lot through the experience, but was able to harvest, cucumbers, zucchini, eggplants, tomatoes and peppers, just to name a few.

I have since moved and live in smaller apartment with no outdoor water access. Since water is essential to all gardens, I am limited to my balcony and first floor landing, but I find that these limits have just pushed me to be more creative in my pursuit to grow what I eat. Nothing brings me more pleasure than walking through my garden spaces and smelling tomatoes, seeing little buds growing on my peppers, or watching my daughter sneak cherry tomatoes or strawberries right of the vine when she thinks I am not looking.

I am nowhere near a garden expert..yet, but I have learned a lot along the way and I am always excited to share what knowledge I do have with others.  So, if you too would like to grow what you eat and don’t know where to start, drop a comment below with your questions and I’ll make sure to respond!

I truly can’t wait to see what growing season 2019 will bring! Happy Growing!

“There are no gardening mistakes, only experiments” - Janet Kilburn Phillips

Check out these awesome garden pictures from my previous gardening adventures!

-M