Q: Which veggies would be good for novice growers to try?
A: Lettuce or swiss chard, for sure. They germinate quickly and get to an edible size quickly—and because the growing action is above ground, they offer almost instant gratification. Peas are also easy and don’t take up a lot of room, and in small or urban gardens, climbing beans are also a good option.
Q: I love eating fresh tomatoes. Is it as tricky as it seems to grow them?
A: Tomatoes should be a piece of cake. To be successful, you’ll need a big container filled with good soil, placed in a hot, sunny spot, and you’ll need lots and lots of fertilizer. Tomatoes are a heavy feeder, so it’s important to fertilize well and often. Once the plant is three to four feet high, start pinching back new growth. I recommend a tomato called Early Cascade. It consistently out-produces every other tomato plant locally.
Q: What about herbs for beginners?
A: Lots of herbs are good for beginners. For example, parsley, sage and oregano are quite easy to grow and commonly used in cooking.
Q: Container gardening is a popular option for people who want to garden in small spaces or urban areas. Do you have any hints for container gardening?
A: Buy a big enough container. People tend to buy small containers—they’re less expensive—but it’s better to buy a large one. If the pot is too small, you risk the plant becoming root-bound at the end of the summer. Secondly, use good quality soil—we recommend a peat-based potting mix for container gardens. Finally, fertilize well and often.
Q: When’s the best time to plant? I’ve heard both the May long weekend, and after the first full moon in June.
A: Well, this year the full moon is June 11th, and I daresay the chances of having a frost after that are slim—not impossible, but slim. Most people use the long weekend to get the garden ready, then plant over the next two to three weeks. As a rule of thumb, you can plant root vegetables—beets, carrots, parsnips—fairly early, because they’ll be deep enough that a late frost won’t affect them. Peas and onions are pretty hardy, so you can plant them pretty well any time. Cucumbers and squash, things that are a bit more tender, I’d wait ’til June. And if you’re going to try lettuce, I’d recommend planting a bit, waiting a week, planting a bit more, waiting another week, then planting some more. That way, your lettuce matures over time, so you can enjoy it over a few weeks.
Q: If you were going to give just one piece of advice, what would it be?
A: The single most important thing in a garden is good soil. Having good soil in your garden is as important as having a solid foundation for your house.
This article appears in Apr 27 – May 3, 2006.