My mother used to say that the best greens come from simple container gardening.
Vegetable, herb or bulbs - name it, my mom has it.
And truth to tell, she's right.
She is an exceptional cook, wonderful in the kitchen, and the main contributor to our daily food fare that results in bulging tummies after dinner - thanks to her backyard-grown produce.
In reality, you don't need a big plot of land to grow your veggies.
Whether you live in a house with a big lot for a garden or in a condo unit where you barely have enough space to walk, you can easily do container gardening.
All you need to take into consideration are the following things: -Containers.
Any container would do - flower pots, old baby bathtubs, wooden boxes, large (or even small, for the herbs) food cans, pails, buckets, bags - anything that can hold soil and seed together in harmony.
But it should always have holes at the base of the container or anywhere at the bottom of it to drain out excess water.
You don't want your vegetables to drown now, would you? Also, choose light colored containers if possible.
Dark colored ones tend to absorb more heat which may damage plants, especially if it's just starting to grow.
-Soil.
According to my trusted gardening addicts, you can use soil.
But contrary to popular belief, synthetic mixes are much better, specifically peat-based mixes which are said (and proven) to be sterile and well-adjusted.
These also allow plants to have much needed air and water because unlike regular soil, this isn't packed.
-Water.
Just like people, plants need everyday nourishment.
So check them regularly as seeds and plants that are not in their usual habitat (e.
g.
planted on ground soil) usually require more frequent watering.
And if you see your plants wilting, you are allowed to panic.
Check them everyday and decide if they need more water than usual.
-Sunlight.
As we learned in elementary school, plants need sunlight.
So that is what we should give them.
If you live in a less spacious pad, make sure that your plants have enough sunlight by placing them near a window, or on a window sill (if you have one).
A friend of my mother's made wooden boxes on their roof; that's where she cultivates her "garden".
-Seeds.
Vegetables that would tend to be a hit in container gardening would usually be small or slim veggies.
Examples of these are peppers, radishes, tomatoes, green beans, onions, cucumbers, eggplants (Slim Jims and Bambinos are the most popular), and squash are just some of them.
Have a keen and scrutinizing eye when it comes to seeds: buy those that say words like space saver, compact, or the most common one, bush.
Gardening is fun, especially when you see your plants growing right before your eyes.
And the most exhilarating part? It's when you have a harvest.
It may not be much, but it's more than enough to satisfy a grumbling tummy and a heart that's glowing with pride.