Your Questions About Gardening

GardenersCardiff answers:

I would suggest the first thing you do is read all you can on square foot gardening. You can get the book “The New Square Foot Garden” by Mel Bartholomew at your public library.

Also, look up information on the EarthBox growing system. They are self-watering containers that enable you to grow lots of produce (I’ve seen a picture of a very large tree growing in one) in a confined space. There are also knock-offs that you can build yourself with comparable results.

I would also suggest you read all you can on the internet about composting. The best time to start composting is yesterday ;o). I’ve always bought bags of compost from the store, but there’s a great amount of satisfaction you get from doing it yourself.

I don’t know how much space you’re working with, but if you have a relatively large amount of space, I would suggest you grow your own seedlings. The biggest investment you’d have to make would be buying a florescent light fixture and a rack to put your plants on. You’ll save big bucks over buying a lot of plants from the garden center. You will need to research planting times for your area. The biggest mistake people make (me included) is getting too excited and starting their plants too early.

One last comment. Check out the Gardenweb website. It’s a wonderful community of knowledgeable folks who are glad to answer whatever questions you have.

Good luck.

GardenersCardiff answers:

You can grow them either inside or outside depending on where you live. If you live in a hot climate you may want to consider keeping then indoors because the plants may fade or dry out. In a warm climate you can keep the herbs inside or outside although you should take them inside during foul weather. If you live in a cold climate keep them indoors so frost doesn’t kill them. If you decide to grow the herbs indoors, make sure that they are well watered and sit by a sunny window. If you decide to grow them outdoors be on the lookout for pests. Never under estimate the squirrels, they will eat anything in their path. Happy planting! Oh and you will get a longer and larger harvest (steady temperature and no pests to compete with) if you plant them inside.

GardenersCardiff answers:

I love to grow my own herbs and have learned a few things through trial and error. For example– Basil does really well in a pot, but if kept indoors, it does not seem to grow as big as its cousins outside. If you grow it inside I have found that buying plants gets me the yield I need. I have not grown parsley as often, but I found the same things to be true. Also at this late date, for immediate consumption whether indoors or out, a plant is better than seeds as I started my seeds back in February and they are just starting to be really harvestable. Another nice easy herb to grow is Rosemary and depending on where you live it can be a perenial or an annual. I have had one growing in my kitchen for 2 years now and it even thrives on neglect! In California, they use the stuff as landscape plantings so you know its got to be hardy.

Hope this helps.