Whether you’ve got a big back yard, some room on a windowsill or patio, or no inclination towards gardening at all, it’s easy to get in on the Springtime bounty!



[Creative Commons photo by Carl Tashian]

Spring is getting close! The bulbs from last year are peeking out of the ground, and I’ve even spied a few things starting to bloom out back! This week’s Vegetable Husband newsletter mentioned that farms nearby are starting to plant for Spring, and it reminded me that it’s time to get my own Spring garden going, too! Here are some great resources to get you started.



What to Plant

Fruits and veggies that thrive each season varies some by zone. There are bunches of delicious Springtime edibles you might want to try out. If you have a yard, give these a try:

spinach

radishes

fava beans

peas

broccoli

Looking to start a container garden? These veggies and herbs don’t need quite so much space to thrive, which means you can plant them in the ground or in pots:

scallions

peppers

salad greens

fresh herbs

Just take a peek at the seed packets to make sure you choose pots that give the plants’ roots space to grow!

How Does Your Garden Grow?

Now that you know what you want to harvest, it’s time to get planting! Your first impulse will probably be to head to the nearest garden center for pots, organic topsoil, and fertilizer. Try checking your local thrift and salvage stores for second hand pots, if you’re going the container garden route, rather than purchasing ones made from new materials. Instead of paying for expensive organic fertilizers and top soil, you might consider feeding your garden with some nourishing, home grown compost!

If you’ve got kids, try getting them involved! What a great chance to spend some quality, outdoor time with those kiddos.

You want to be sure all those veggies get enough water, too. Consider getting your own rain barrel irrigation system going. It’s easier than you think! For you apartment-dwellers and other folks without yards, you can collect water from the tap that would have just gone down the drain while your shower heated up to keep your thirsty plants happy.

What if I Have a Black Thumb?

Even if you’re not into gardening, don’t worry! You can still get in on the Spring bounty without planting a single seed. Local Harvest has a comprehensive list of everything from farms to CSAs and farmers markets. Their site has a handy tool where you can search by zip code for all of your local produce needs!