FFWD REW

Growing greens in tight spaces

Apartment residents can have home-grown veggies too

There is nothing better on a hot summer day than biting into a freshly picked crisp pea pod or a plump juicy tomato — a delicacy that apartment dwellers and other urbanites lacking large backyards enviously dream of or nostalgically remember from their youth. But if you have a sunny window or a balcony even the smallest apartment can boast fresh herbs and vegetables throughout the summer.

Almost anything grown in a traditional garden is possible to grow in a container though some things are easier or require less space than others. Gael Blackhall co-ordinator for the Calgary Horticultural Society’s Community Garden Resource Network suggests beginner gardeners start with mixed lettuce (which can be grown in a hanging basket) a cherry tomato plant or a pot of herbs on a sunny windowsill. Those who are more adventurous can grow anything from peas and peppers to carrots even potatoes in a potato tower or a dwarf apple tree in a large pot on a patio.

More people are interested in gardening than ever and have a wider variety of reasons for getting their hands dirty Blackhall says. “There is a desire to reclaim knowledge from past generations” she says. “A lot of people have memories of their grandparents or parents having a garden.” Couple that with a burgeoning local food movement concerns about pesticides and allergens in commercially produced food a desire to connect with nature and the lure of the freshest possible produce and you have people from many different demographics picking up trowels.

And you won’t just be benefiting from fresh produce. Blackhall says studies show there is a definite link between gardening and stress reduction. “Studies of the benefits of gardens in care facilities show that within five minutes of looking at a picture of a garden there is a drop in blood pressure” she says. There is also a certain amount of pride that goes along with being able to serve your friends and family produce from your own “backyard.”

The Calgary Horticultural Society has a number of resources for gardeners on its website. There are also some books available with information about container gardening. Blackhall recommends finding books that are specific to northern climates — a book written for southern Ontario won’t do you much good. The Harrowsmith Northern Gardener by Jennifer Bennett is a helpful tool with a chapter devoted to container gardening and a handy chart with recommended container sizes and other tips. The Calgary Gardener published by the Calgary Horticultural Society has information specific to Calgary.

But one doesn’t always have to play by the rules. An exciting part of container gardening is the thrill of experimentation says Blackhall. “It allows people to play explore and discover” she says. “And if you make a mistake there aren’t any horrific consequences.”

Things to think about when you are starting your garden (tips from Janet Melrose garden animator for the Calgary Horticultural Society):

Where should it go? Find a sunny windowsill or a corner of your balcony. Check the light requirements for individual plants as some plants require six to eight hours of sun while others prefer mostly shade.

What am I going to grow? Choose something you will actually enjoy eating but start simple. Think about how much space you have then look for seeds that specifically say “container-friendly” on the package. Bush varieties of beans and peas work best in containers and some vegetables such as round Romeo carrots and Easter egg radishes are specifically geared to require a shallower soil depth.

How do I grow it? Have as large a pot as possible — plants that become root-bound won’t produce — with good drainage. Use a good potting soil or a “soil-free mixture” containing peat moss perlite and dolomite lime. Watering is crucial as soil dries out more quickly in pots — avoid black pots and protect pots from the wind. Since potted plants quickly devour the nutrients in the soil fertilize regularly with organic fertilizers such as fish emulsion kelp extract or compost tea.

“The secret to success with balcony/container gardening is constant monitoring and inspection of the plants for signs of stress along with a regular schedule of watering and fertilizing accompanied by keeping tuned to the weather so one is prepared for those really hot days or incoming storms!” Melrose says.

Community Gardens

Even if you can’t find room on a windowsill or a balcony for a few pots there is still hope for your green thumb. Community gardens offer not only the opportunity to garden but to meet other people from your community who share your passion. A list of more than two dozen community gardens is available on the Calgary Horticultural Society website at calhort.org . Don’t see one in your neighbourhood? Talk to your community association and the horticultural society about starting one.

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