Small Space Gardening

For the past 2 years I’ve been wanting to start a garden. Nothing big and elaborate, just some squash, cucumbers, peppers… something super easy for a beginner.

For the past 2 years I’ve talked myself out of it for a few reasons. It’s been equal parts, intimidation, laziness and the overwhelmed feeling I would get just walking outside and thinking about where my garden would go. Then, as if they had a fly on my wall, and could read my thoughts from afar, the publishers of the very well known book series “The Complete Idiot’s Guide To..” emailed to let me know about their guide for small space gardening. They wanted me to review the book along with a book about seed saving and starting. It was kind of perfect timing, as if it was meant to be.

So with my books in hand I decided to give it a-go. But one of the biggest obstacles for where I live is squirrels. They dig up EVERYTHING, they destroy stuff and chew through things (including phone and internet cables.) I had been hearing a lot from my friends about container gardening and lucky for me there is an entire chapter on just that. Again, meant to be.

I went this week and picked out a few containers that I will be using that fit perfectly along the sill on my covered deck. Since I didn’t have the funds or know-how to really build fencing or netting over a garden out in my yard to keep the squirrels out, I decided I would use what I already have – a screened in porch that gets full sun in the afternoon.

The book gives great examples of the types of pots you can purchase. I just went to the gardening department of a local big box store and picked something I thought would fit my space and is actually cute. They also recommend several re-usable container possibilities such as, old watering cans, buckets, canoes, small wooden boats, old dressers and painted tin cans. Use a little creativity and you can make a garden that produces yummy fruits and veggies, and is also pretty cool looking.

If you’re not good at remembering to water, the guide suggests looking into the Earthbox. It’s a self watering container that features a watering tube that fills a reservoir in the bottom to keep the soil evenly moist. It doesn’t get much easier than that.

So, I have my containers, and my space. I know what I want to plant, and this weekend I’ll be officially starting my garden!

Now, to the good part. The fine folks that sent me a copy of their books have offered up a set for us to give away to one lucky reader.

Here’s how to enter and we’re making it easy:

Leave a comment on this post letting us know what you are growing in your garden (or how inspired you are now, knowing that if I can do it, ANYONE can!)

One entry, per person, per day. Giveaway will end at Midnight on Monday April 30th. Winner will be drawn and announced on Facebook Tuesday May 1st.

Happy Gardening Everyone!