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When we think of green, the word "urban" does not immediately come to mind. We can change that, you and me. With each action, each person we educate, we can help turn the concept of a "gritty city" into "dense, green zones". We can do it, by turning green into an action word. Get to work and green your city!

Monday, September 5, 2011

My Home Urban Garden and Farm: A Beginning

Before I build my window box, I need to choose what to plant, preferably a plant that can grow without much difficulty since I am not an experienced gardener. If you have experience successful planting, then you should have no problem. I have always been a fan of home gardening however, in the past, I have attempted to plant at home with limited successes. But as my mother always says: "If at first you don't succeed, try, try again." (Frederick Maryat) So I will try, once again.

Since it's late in the season, it's important to know what will grow successfully this late in the year. I had to do some research.

The following vegetables can be planted in September and will be available in approximately one month:

  • Bunching Onions
  • Radishes
  • Broccoli
  • Lettuce
  • Mustard
  • Spinach
Source: Fall & Winter Vegetable Planting Guide

I haven't made my choices of vegetables yet, I will start with something easy, herbs. Many people grow herbs in the home with little difficulty. Since I am an "urban dweller", I need to make the least difficult choices for my garden. Herbs can be a great addition to a home garden and are useful in flavoring food and drinks.

Easy herbs to plant in the home:

  • Mint
  • Spearmint
  • Basil
  • Oregano
  • Dill
  • Chives
I decided to plant basil, since I had a planting kit for basil given to me from the recent Brownfields Conference.


The seeds were fairly easy to plant.


Tips to produce a successful crop of herbs:
  • Choose a sunny window
  • Plant in a pot that can drain easily
  • The temperature should be approximately 60 degrees F
I placed the pot on a window sill to receive good sunlight. Now all I have to do is watch them grow!
 Source: Growing Herbs At Home

Next, more planting and the window box design. If you are working on your own, be sure to send in your updates!

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