Why wait to start harvesting organic herbs and veggies? Get a head start on the season by planting seeds now, bringing your garden right to your kitchen and adding a touch of fresh greenery to your home.
Let there be light – Plants thrive in airy, light environments. Start by choosing a convenient gardening location with enough warmth and sunlight — windowsills work well if they are not too close to a draft.
The down n’ dirty on soil – Setting up the perfect soil mixture is easier indoors than outdoors because there are fewer variables. Most plant shops sell bags of seed-starting or sterile soil mix that will help lock in moisture and set you up for success.
Potty for pots – Almost anything can be used as a pot for your plants: a recycled yogurt container, colourful colanders, or store-bought terra cotta pots. It just needs to be clean, large enough, and with sufficient drainage. Keep in mind the kind of seeds you are planting — climbing plants like beans and tomatoes grow up while carrots and beets have deeper roots and grow down. Be creative with the space you have and use hanging planters or stackable stands to fit.
Feed your food – Water your plants consistently and make sure the soil is always humid. Once a week, or per packaging instructions, feed your plants a fertilizer to give them the necessary nutrients to grow. Fish emulsion or seaweed fertilizer is a good organic, water-soluble option.
Enjoy – Food always tastes best when you know you’ve grown it yourself and it comes from a clean, organic source. For the more impatient gardeners among us, start out by planting herbs because they only take a few weeks to germinate and will be ready to enjoy sooner.
