Container Gardening



What began as an indoor hobby last year, to witness cherry tomatoes up until Valentine's Day this past winter, the idea was to grow more.  From tomatoes and peppers, herbs and lettuce, the container gardening experience is a favourable one for Newfoundland and Labrador.  The main reason:  its mobility.  Due to the frequent change in our climate, especially on the east coast of the island, the ability to relocate potted plants is ideal.  Container gardening can be accomplished in the tiniest apartment where space is limited.  The following is the journey of the container of delicious food from this season.  Periodically, updates of the latest gardening tip will be provided for those gardening enthusiasts. Stay tuned for exciting insights that will boost your gardening skills.



HOW TO BEGIN  FOR LESS THAN $20.00

Many department stores begin selling seeds and gardening  paraphernalia right around the end of February.  As soon as the items were available this year, I began to bulk up on equipment that would come in handy.  Collecting pots that would be only thrown out was the first step.  Then, with some left over seeds kept dry from last year, the planting began.  A bag of soil for less than 10 dollars, plus seedling trays and the bright winter sun from the south (indoors of course). Plants began to flourish within a couple of weeks. Soon, the vibrant greenery transformed the space into a small indoor garden oasis.



MONTHLY BUDGET SET TO $20.00

The gardening centres became the shopping experience throughout the spring.  Finding new tools such as insulating clear covers for pots, improvising the space to allow for more plants was the highlight.  Using a shoe rack worked perfectly to standing all the seed trays in the southern exposed window.  Utilizing the southern exposure with hanging pots was also accomplished.  Planting spinach, cilantro, yellow French beans, peppers, carrots and radishes, the living room was thriving.



BANANA LEAF TREE $20.00

Finding a banana tree is not always easy here in NL. Upon visiting one of the nurseries here in town, I happened to notice a banana tree.  The leaves were broad and it stood about a foot tall when purchased.  However, after it grew a little - I discovered this was in fact a banana LEAF tree - a variation of the banana tree.  The leaves are used for wrapping food in many traditional cooking methods.  And the flavour it imparts to the dishes is both unique and aromatic, enhancing the overall culinary experience. 


FROM INDOORS TO OUTDOORS, expanding your recreational activities to include a variety of environments.

MESH FOR CONTAINER GARDENING $20.00

As the spring season grew, of course the last frost warning this year was June 15th, however what began in containers inside was sure to be a test of how well container gardening would be for the hardier plants.  The mesh  netting provided excellent protection from pests while allowing the plants to thrive. and with a few clear plastic table cloths, and clothespins, the plants were thriving outdoors (for a brief period of milder weather).  Upon the arrival back to cold temperatures the plants were brought back indoors.   The transition was seamless, ensuring the plants remained healthy despite the changing climate conditions.




NETTING BERRIES $10.00

The containers of plants brought outdoors were in their happy place however the year prior, there was not a single berry on the bushes.  Having questioned a few other berry lovers, it wasn't a great year for them - cooler temps meant less pollination from our unique bees here in NL.  And so, this year investing in netting the berries proved to be successful in bringing in a bountiful yield of berries.





TOMATO CAGES $20.00

By the time the frost warning was over this year, the tomato plants were flourishing.  At first I decided NOT to bring them outside, however as the southern exposure through the window changed, they needed to be brought outside.  Keeping them cozy was essential for a good yield. By June the tomato plants were 3 feet tall and required more soil and more support.  The tomato cages worked perfectly. Anchored into the soil it sustained the plants outdoors against the breezy days. Eventually, the plants thrived and produced a bountiful harvest.



CAGES SPIKES AND INSULATION $20.00

Improvising is always a must when it comes to gardening and tools that can come in handy for propping up your young plants, insulating them from the harsh climate and keeping them from pests like snails.  Using eggshells around the stems keeps the snails away from chewing down your garden, while clear plastic tablecloths are perfect for insulating your row of containers.  The spikes need to be strong enough to withstand the weight of the plant and the wind.  Years ago, when I first began planting my own gardening seedlings, this four-tier shelving unit made for outdoors came with its own zip-up insulating clear plastic cover.  Lost or worn out, the plastic clear tablecloths purchased this year made for a good substitute. It's perfect for protecting plants from harsh weather while allowing sunlight to pass through.



IMPROVISING TO PROTECT TALLER PLANTS

Why not?  A hockey net works perfect for those taller plants that require protection from rodents and pests.  Placing tighter mesh around the hockey net using clothespins allows them to remain sheltered from direct sunlight as well. The mesh can be adjusted easily to provide optimal coverage throughout different growth stages.  Okra plants as seen here were planted in mid July from seed and flourish in the hot summer sun. Regular watering is key to supporting their growth. Another great benefit from container gardening is water control.  Using a watering can instead of a sprinkler all day long conserves water.  While most plants required a little watering each day, it helped in the overall ability to maintain a good balance for moisture for each plant.


 

FINDING A BANANA TREE $20.00

While still prepared to obtain an actual banana tree and learning how most of our store bought bananas these days are seedless, I was most fortunate to find one here at a local gardening store.  About three to four feet tall when purchased, it is flourishing!  Eventually, a yield of bananas let's hope! I'm excited to see how it will grow over time. Of course, indoors! I'll make sure it gets enough light and water to thrive in its new environment.




GOOSEBERRY PICKING

The mesh over the berries helps to protect them from birds while allowing sunlight to filter through. A bit of string tied around a bucket and placed around the neck, created a better berry picking experience.  Heavy work gloves and a long sleeve shirt; a must for picking gooseberries off their thorny bushes.  Delighted to find them ripening well along with the black currants, some tasty new recipes have been created this season.




GIMME SHELTER

Transitioning plants from indoors to outdoors can be prosperous for the container gardener.  For those finer foods like peppers basil and tomatoes, carefully acclimating them to the sun's intensity is crucial to prevent shock and ensure healthy growth.

They thrive outdoors if well insulated and considering the wind we experience here the investment in some heavy duty clips made it easy to secure the clear plastic over the plants.





PEPPERS HERBS AND CHIVES  BROUGHT INSIDE

As the end of summer season approaches and we prepare for the colder months, the container garden is once again growing indoors.  This year, I decided NOT to use any additives to the soil.  Purchasing a good PH balanced soil, I considered that I would not go that extra step in using miracle grow or any other additive.  I wanted to see what would grow naturally on its own from seed.  As you can see, my peppers are only beginning, therefore, next year, the planting season will begin earlier than this one.




ZUCCHINI STEAKS

Zucchini, usually planted directly in the ground, this plant thrives in gardens in NL with the right amount of sunlight and soil.  Planting in containers the goal is to allow the plant to thrive  while keeping it manageable and easy to move if needed.  Planting at different times the goal is to have zucchini ready for the plate throughout the season.  For a different flavour of zucchini steaks, this year I combined my fresh basil made into a pesto and brushed over the steaks and grilled for a about 15-20 minutes.




"LETTUCE" HAVE NASTURTIUMS

Combining lettuce with spinach, and Swiss chard, chives and nasturtiums, a fresh home grown salad is always pleasant on the plate.  This year, adding gooseberries and black currants to salads has taken on a life of their own.  Combined with cherry tomatoes, blackcurrants, gooseberries, feta cheese and chives and lettuce plus a coconut milk dressing, this salad is a nice contrast from the typical greens we  often see at summer picnics or as a side dish in various meals.



THE BEST PART OF GARDENING


One day upon travelling, a group of boys witnessed a gardener tending to the crops in the garden.  They watched as the gardener quietly pruned the plants, watered the seeds, shoveled the soil without a word.  Intrigued, the boys asked the gardener, "What is your favourite part of gardening?"


"They don't talk back to me", she replied.