Community Garden–FAIL
Speaking of food, I had really, REALLY been hoping to be able to secure a plot in the Rogers Park Community Garden for this upcoming season, but when Josh and I looked into it last week, we were told that there was a FOUR-YEAR WAITING LIST to get a plot. Four stinkin’ years. Boo x 4.
I knew that even if I got a plot this year that I probably wouldn’t be able to grow much. Jude turns two at the end of May and can neither be left to amuse himself while mama plants/waters/weeds nor truly help with the planting/watering/weeding. Still, I was excited to let him dig in the dirt, scatter seeds around the plot, and douse the soil with water from a watering can. We can still do a bit of that here at home–I really want to try container gardening–but it just isn’t the same.
Now it’s on to Plan B (that would be the container gardening). I would like to grow tomatoes, bell peppers, and spinach along with basil and some other herbs, if possible. I *think* our nearly underground patio gets enough sunlight, but I’m not entirely sure. Also, my thumb is black.
So…anyone have any suggestions for getting started?
Square foot gardening by mel bartholomew rocks. Book is at the library. We did it last year with great results (low low maintenance). Nick is getting his own box this year. Email me if you want more info or want to see our setup.
One time the same thing happened to me – I didn’t get a space at a community garden. However, it so happened that when I inquired further another new gardener was willing to split her plot with me. It was a win win, I got a garden AND a new friend to garden with! For the first year neither of us could deal with planting the whole space anyway.
I hope you get to enjoy planting something this spring
Have you considered starting another garden in your community? That’s what I’m doing in the tiny town (it’s about 10 sq miles total and surrounded by the burbs) I live in. A bit of looking revealed three possible sites for the garden.
http://veriance.blogspot.com/
I’m not a professional gardener and I don’t have a green thumb, but I do have a bunch of seedlings under a grow light and a sense of optimism. Good luck!
Have you done any container gardening before?
If not-
Tomatoes are easy to grow as long as you give them a ton of water and as much light as you can get them. Peppers are also easy though their first crop may be inedible. Container gardens are great because you can grow year round!
If you don’t get a bunch of natural light, artificial light will do. Incandescent is ok but not great, florescent is good, and Halide is great but expensive!
We have grown several things in containers. This year Sara is making fun of me for trying to grow Cantaloupe and Squash.
Nadine-I’ve heard of square foot gardening. I’ll have to look into it some more. If we decide to go that route, I’d LOVE to see your setup.
Alison-Josh (the husband) suggested that we check in to seeing if someone wanted a partner for their plot. While I think it’s a fantastic idea, and would probably do just that if Jude were a little older, because of his age, attention span, and awesome digging abilities, I don’t think it would be a great option for this year.
Vera-I admire you. I wish I had the ambition, drive, energy, etc. to take on such a task. Your optimism is refreshing. I can’t wait to check out your site.
Alan-We haven’t container gardened as of yet, but are planning to do some this year. If I could get even just tomatoes and some herbs, I’d be stoked. Also, garlic. Maybe you can give us a run down of how you got started when we have dinner on the 1st?
My thumb is black too. We’re attempting to do something akin to square foot gardening this year, so I’ve been reading up on what to grow.
Everybody seems to think that radish and lettuce are easy to grow, so that’s what we’ve started off with (among other things). We’ve sown them straight outdoors and the first shoots have appeared within 6 days, with no messing about. I know lettuce like reasonable amount of light but I get the impression radish just aren’t fussy at all.