Ryan and I are definitely not master gardeners. I had a “garden” when I was small that lasted a few weeks maybe. What the birds didn’t get, the slugs did. I was so disappointed by that experience that I have not tried again since… (cue dramatic music) UNTIL NOW.
Similar to what I'm envisioning for our herb garden.
We’ve both watched our parents grow thriving gardens. Last year I longed for a container garden… but my little bachelorette pad had a patio that was more in the shade than out of it. Not ideal growing conditions. Now that we have a real yard with sunny spots and space to spread out, we’re looking forward to our first garden.
Of course it WILL be in pots because as renters we don’t have the luxury of digging up the yard. But I think that for our first foray into growing things we will be best suited to controlling all of the factors involved. We don’t exactly have the background to troubleshoot any problems.
Here’s what we have on the to-be-grown list (subject to change as we learn more): Herbs: Sage, Rosemary, and Thyme (ha), Basil, Cilantro (yuck, but Ryan wants it), Parsley. Flowers: Lavender and nasturtiums. Veggies/Fruits: Tomato, lettuce, carrots, radishes, peas (undecided on type). What do you think? Anything fantastic missing?
Dear readers, I’d love for you to offer us some gardening advice. Even better if you’re in the Western Washington area, but any assistance would be greatly appreciated. Where is a great place to buy cheap pots? Do I really need this HUGE shopping list of stuff to put in my potting soil? What brands of things do you swear by? And tell us a little about your garden plans!
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I’ve had a lot of luck buying pots at yard sales! It seems like there is always a stack of terracotta pots going for $1. And Target usually has some good ones (bigger, glazed pretty ones) on clearance all the time. Good luck!
Oh, and if you have a Costco membership they always sell nice big lightweight pots in the springtime for pretty cheap as well.
mary mary quite contrary how does your garden grow,1 fng radishthats how it grows!!haha icant grow anthing in this rain soaked paradise
You can get Moisture Control potting soil that really helps stuff grow. I usually buy it at Costco, but I’m sure you can get smaller bags elsewhere. But, a huge Costco bag is really what you need to even do 1-2 large pots. Another trick is to put rocks or Styrofoam in the bottom of the pot to help with drainage and make it so you don’t have to use as much dirt. And, be sure to get slug bait. You’ll want to put it somewhere, like a trap, a little ways away from your plants. The slugs will go right for it and leave your plants alone. You have to reapply if it gets wet. Bone Meal or Blood Meal (can’t remember which) helps with squirrels. My dad would be proud!