A Green Garden from A Black Thumb

What is the expression for someone who can’t make a weed grow? Brown thumb, black thumb? That’s me. But then, being the outdoorsy type that I am (ha!) I’ve never really made too much of an effort. But that is about to change. Right now, we are enjoying a weekend in South Florida with my amazing in-laws, but when we return, I want to start planning a fruit and vegetable garden to take advantage of our exceptionally mild end of winter/beginning of spring. I am thinking container gardening is the way to go. A couple of years ago, I halfheartedly attempted to plant a few veggies in a plant bed near our kitchen door, with my then 2 and 4 year olds, and I “lost” them. I had no idea where they were planted, and I could never find them again. And then we went to Paris. : )

So this year, I am determined to make it work. I plan on visiting two local organic gardening stores (yes, we have two in our small town – amazing!): Access to Organics and Urban Sunshine, to investigate the different options. Planter box or mini greenhouse? Pots or window boxes? The options are dizzying, so I am hoping that some professional advice will steer me in the right direction. Here are a couple of the items I am considering:

1. Earthbox Organic in Terra Cotta, about $60: This eco-friendly kit offers everything needed to get started, except the seeds.

2. Wood Raised Planter Box, $299: The fact that it’s raised makes it more comfortable to care for, and also means that I am less likely to forget about it. : ) But it is big and cumbersome and can’t be moved around easily to take advantage of the light or whatever. (Not sure how to do that anyway, but it sounds like the kind of thing you should do to plants.)

3. Hydroponic Garden Set, $250: I’ve always been fascinated by hydroponic gardens. Well, as much as I’ve been fascinated by any gardens. Anyway, I’m amazed that plants can grow that way. And, being an extreme girly-girl, I like that there’s no dirt. : )

4. Pretty Pots, about $230-300: These are the most attractive options, but I think it might be a lot of work to have a collection  of pots out there like that. Lots to keep track of… But they’d look so pretty on the patio. I have a few neglected pots out there already, but I think I’d like to add these gorgeous wrought iron planters, from Horchow, to my collection.

5. Hanging Planter, $30: I’ve also loved these hanging baskets lined with moss. So pretty!