Community Magazine May 2012

The Shaatra Files (shõ•trä) n . An outstanding homemaker [Arabic] File #812: Growing your Garden RACHEL DAYAN Getting Started The part of home growing that deters most urban-dwellers is a simple lack of gardening space. Many of us don’t have a yard, and even the ones who do, don’t want to see it overrun with vines and messy plants. It’s a rational excuse, but don’t let it stop you if you really want to grow something. Container gardening is an excellent alternative, and gives you the option of taking your plants if you go away in the beginning of the summer, while they are still small. And you can transplant them into the ground if your summer home has space. The mobility of containers is also useful in case of bad weather conditions. Another benefit is that the soil you fill your pots with is definitely better than what’s sitting in your yard, which, if you live in the Northeast, is usually awful. There’s no need to spend lots of money on planters– you can fill a large container or bucket. If it doesn’t have drainage holes, drill or hammer them yourself. The main criteria for selecting a location for your plants is sunlight; most plants need six hours of sunlight daily, and access to water. But be creative, and don’t overlook potential sites – rooftop, deck, balcony, or porch. Even six inches of dirt along a backyard fence (or a rocky, sandy patch) can produce surprising yields, if you choose the right crops. Get Your Hands Dirty This sounds like an oxymoron, but you should start with high quality dirt. If you are planting in the ground, you should loosen the soil with a spade, and scatter some fertilizer and compost in the beginning of each planting season. Containers should be 16 to 20 inches or bigger, and filled with fertilized potting soil. (It’s much better than taking dirt from your yard.) What’s the Weather? You should plant your garden after the danger of frost has passed and the weather begins to warm up. In the Tri-State area, this is usually by the end of May, or early June – though with this year’s mild summer, some people already started to plant in late April. If the weather isn’t warm enough, the plants may die, or grow very slowly. The growing season is about four months in the Tri-State area, June through September, although some plants can grow in cooler weather. In ideal conditions, you may already have something to pick within several weeks. Choosing your Crops If you are brave you can start from seeds (which you can germinate several weeks before planting), but name brand seedlings are hardier, and specially bred to produce the tastiest vegetables, so it usually pays to spend a few extra dollars. Experience or research will tell you how each plant tends to grow. Some grow vertically (tomatoes get so tall they usually need support), some have creepers that latch on and climb (cucumbers and fences go very well together), and some get very, very wide (squash). If it’s your first time, start with a variety of vegetables, and see what works well. If you have limited space, you may want to start with herbs, tomatoes, cucumbers, radishes, lettuce, eggplants and carrots, to name a few. You can also select varieties labeled “bush” or “compact.” If you read the label on each variety, it will tell you how to space each plant in order to avoid overcrowding, which results in weaker plants and poorer yields. Avoid spindly plants, plants with overgrown roots, and plants that already look brown or yellow. N o hi-tech marvel in the world can compare to watching your own home garden sprout, witnessing small fragile plants climb and spread over your little farm, then create small buds that transform into an edible item within a few weeks. A vegetable garden is more than just nutritious and convenient, it is a fascinating, hands-on educational experience, as well as a fun activity to do with your children (they can finally play in the dirt!). So roll up your sleeves and dig in to these ideas, because with just a little bit of time and effort, you can already start enjoying nature’s bounty this summer. THE SUBTERRANEAN SCENE Create a “root-view” garden so your kids (and the kid in you) can observe what goes on beneath the soil. It’s easy to make and a fun way to learn about plants. Here’s what you will need:  Half-gallon cardboard milk carton  Strong tape  Clear plastic wrap or cellophane  Potting soil  Carrot and/or radish seeds 1. Cut away the top of the milk carton. 2. Poke a hole in the sides of the carton, and cut out a 4 X 4 inch square window on each side. 3. Cut a piece of plastic wrap to fit over the windows, and tape it on all sides to hold tightly in place. 4. Fill the carton with soil and plant 5-6 seeds. 5. Water lightly and put in a sunny place. 6. Over the next few weeks, keep your “root-view” garden watered and watch the action! 64 COMMUNITY MAGAZINE