The eating trend is to eat what is grown locally and nothing can be more local than the your own garden.
People who live in apartments can join a community garden or plant flowers and vegetables in pots.
The availability of pots has never been larger.
Community gardens are relatively inexpensive. There are some private gardens available but most are operated by municipalities. Choose a garden where the soil is fertile and relatively weed free. Read the contract carefully before signing as it will contain information about planting time, maintenance and water.
Gardens that have organic matter added yearly usually out grow other ones.
The person that manages the community garden will ensure that all plots are marked and cultivated. Once a plot is rented it is up to the individual to plant and tend the garden until fall.
Gardeners that keep their plot weed free get greater dividends than weedy ones. Clean gardens are also appreciated by other gardeners and many places will till messy gardens under.
Sign up early as plots sell out.
Traditionally, gardens in Central Alberta are planted on the long week
end of May but most seeds can be planted as soon as the soil is dry enough to cultivate and warm enough for seeds to germinate.
Soil in containers will become warm faster than a traditional garden and can be planted earlier. It is also possible to plant moveable containers indoors and move them out when the weather improves.
Choose containers that are at least 14 inches (35 cm) in diameter.
Larger containers will contain more plants and need to be watered less often. All containers need to have drainage to allow excess moisture to escape.
Any container with an area large enough for the roots and good drainage can be used to grow plants. The same plants will grow in designer pots or ones that are recycled from a nursery. It is up to the individual as to the look of their garden.
When choosing plants take into account the amount of sun the plants will receive and plant accordingly. Tomatoes, peppers, squash, cucumbers and melons do best in hot areas with south and west exposures.
Lettuce, swish chard, spinach, radishes, cabbage, and broccoli will tolerate the least amount of sunlight.
Other plants such as peas, beans, beets, onions, carrots, parsnips and potatoes will do well as long as they have between four to six hours of direct sunlight a day. Less sunlight usually means weaker plants and less produce.
Vegetables planted in containers, as in any garden, need room to grow.
Follow the spacing instructions on the back of the package but adapt it for wide row gardening. Carrots, parsnips, beets, radishes, lettuce and swiss chard can be broadcast over the entire pot. They may need to be thinned if they are planted too thick.
Peas and beans can be planted in circular rows with four to six inches (10 to 15 cm) between them. A trellis around the pot will be needed to keep the plants upright.
Tomatoes, depending on the variety, will grow large and can fill a container. Be sure to add supports when the plants are first put in the pot to ensure it continues to grow upright and not break.
If plants in a traditional garden are planted in hills, do the same in a container. Two or three cucumber plants will thrive in a large pot.
It is even possible to grow potatoes in pots. Do not pull the plant to harvest. Instead remove a few potatoes at a time and the plant will continue to produce more tubers through out the summer.
Lack of turf does not mean that you have to purchase all your own vegetables. Take time to seek out a community garden or plant some pots of your own.
Linda Tomlinson is a horticulturalist and educator living in Rocky Mountain House. You can contact her at your_garden@hotmail.com