There is something about a vegetable garden that is good for the soul. At the end of a long day at work there is something therapeutic about going into the garden and tending the plants. All the stress just seems to melt away as you are pulling weeds and watering. Besides, food that you have grown yourself just seems to taste better than food you purchase at the grocery store. Plus growing your own vegetable is an excellent way to cut expenses.
The problem though… what are you supposed to do if you live in an apartment complex and don’t have a yard where you can plant your garden or a house with limited yard space? The lack of land does not have to mean that you need to give up your vegetable garden; it just means that you have to turn your house or apartment patio space into your gardening space.
There are several things that you can do to makes sure that your patio vegetable garden is a success.
Don’t try to start you vegetable garden from seeds on your patio. Either go to your local nursery and purchase plants that are already well started or you can start your own plants inside your apartment with the help of a growing light. The best way to start your patio garden is with plants that are at least four inches tall.
When you are setting up your patio garden make sure that you are using containers that are going to be large enough to accommodate the plant when it reaches its full size. Although it is possible to re-pot growing plants this puts a great deal of stress on the plant. Stressed plants seldom produce the best vegetables.
Before you fill your planting pots with soil, you should cover the bottom of the pot with a thin layer of rocks. Not only will the rocks prevent any soil from falling out of the pot through the drainage holes every time you pick up the pot, the rocks will also make it possible for the soil to drain properly.
Mix compost in with your potting soil. The compost will provide your plants with the nutrients it needs while it grows. Using compost means that you won’t have to use commercially made fertilizers.
Before you move your young vegetable plants to their new containers, you should water them. Allow them to sit for a few hours until the soil has had a chance to drain before you transplant them.
When you are arranging your pots on your patio make sure that you provide your tomatoes, cucumbers and any other vegetables that have vines with trellises or cages for support.
The time spent caring for your patio garden will be rewarding both spiritually and physically. Fresh vegetables grown with no pesticides will offer great taste and excellent nutrition. Plant, grow, eat, enjoy!
The patio garden photo in this post is from alburn.binkley’s photostream.
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We just started our vegetable garden, we’re trying to do some squash for the Fall coming up! I enjoyed your tips, thanks!
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