put it in a......

pinterest is like porn for a gardener right now.  everyone is pinning garden ideas, tips, and pictures of beautiful containers growing beautiful food.  my experience tells me some of these ideas will actually grow food.  some won't.  my experience also tells me that it is february...and my don't we have big plans in february.  we still have big plans in april, may, and june when we are planting.  then july and august come with their oppressive heat, giant mosquitoes, and vacation plans.  and the garden of our dreams is in the weeds. literally.  so let us take a tour of some these beautiful pinterest ideas and see what works, shall we?
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theme gardens...i am a big fan.  especially for the kiddos.  who doesn't like a pizza garden with eggplant,basil, tomatoes, oregano, and peppers.  but this. THIS is genius. i present to you: the BLOODY MARY GARDEN.  container theme gardens are great and totally doable. just be sure to plant in containers large enough and if growing tomatoes...try sticking with "bush varieties" they usually stop at about 3 feet or cherry tomatoes that vine. also a bigger container will require less watering.

found on sunset via pinterest

gutter gardens!! i absolutely love the idea and the design of these gardens.  they would be wonderful for greens, green onions, and smaller type veggies.  my concern is how they are attached to the side of the house.  i believe they are attached by screwing into the house.  since, you are going to have to water your veggies and a lot because of the small size...i am afraid you are going to cause water damage to your house.  unless, there is a way to water seal your house...i would not recommend this type of container gardening, sadly.

found on lifehacker via pinterest


hanging baskets are beautiful, but have you considered growing your daily salad in one?   greens, cherry tomatoes, herbs, sweet peas, mini cucumbers, and strawberries are all wonderful options. wire baskets with moss liners or the moist, loose moss are your best options and you want to take into account the weight of your container once all the soil, water, and plants are in it when deciding where to hang it.  also, hanging containers are going to require daily (sometimes 2x a day) watering. they are great and  it is easy to bring them inside if frost is imminent.  as in any type of gardening, planning out your hanging basket before planting will ensure a beautiful and bountiful basket.

found at myhangingbaskets via pinterest



it was bound to happen...the pallet garden.  pallets are also everywhere on pinterest.  i happen to have about 14 pallets waiting for a home.  perhaps, i will put some to use doing this cute container garden.  pallets will really only work for herbs and flowers.  just cover three sides with landscape fabric (using a staple gun), fill with potting soil, and plant.  be sure to allow your pallet to lay flat for a couple of days to ensure the plants get settled and don't fall out.  again, daily watering will be neccessary.  i think this is super cute and doable.  you could even paint ot decorate it.  perfect for someone who really just wants herbs.

found on greenupgrader via pinterest

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as i mentioned last week, i believe that anyone can grow food. and i believe that is where the real food movement should be.  over the next few weeks, until the planting & growing season begin, i am going to hold a virtual gardening clinic here every friday.  after i share what i know...i will then feature your questions and your gardens on here.  let's help each other become better growers and better eaters.
so every week you can check here on friday for tips, how to, recipes, ways to preserve your bounty, and innovative ideas for your garden.  i will be your guide in getting you set up with first garden or helping hone your skills.  you can be your own grower.  and, yes, we will talk A LOT about container gardening. so if you want to grow food and you live an house or an apartment with a sunny spot...check here on fridays for gardening clinic.