As gardeners, we all are looking for more space to grow. Well, I’m no exception. I have wanted to grow more edible plants for years, reminiscent of my days as a child helping in the family vegetable garden. But having a mostly shady backyard on an urban lot is not conducive for a productive vegetable garden. As the years have gone by, the idea that vegetable gardens must be planted in the backyard away from the neighbor’s sight has slowly faded away. So, a few years ago we began with a raised bed in the “hell strip.” But wanting to grow more veggies this year, we decided to move the car out of the driveway — which gets full sun — and used large containers to plant more edibles.
Knowing that there would be challenges on a hard surface that also retains a lot of heat in the summer, I pressed on with filling 15- to 25-gallon nursery containers to create a “pot farm.” I started with a layer of old sod from digging out a new garden bed: This takes up some of the space in the bottom of the pot to save money, and the sod breaks down over time. The remaining space was filled with a good potting mix and then I was ready to plant.
Keep in mind that you can grow vegetables in smaller containers — even in 5-gallon buckets or grow bags. But when using smaller containers, fill them completely with potting mix so you have the proper exchange of water and air.
Being in the front yard, I still wanted things to look as nice as possible for the many people that pass by on daily walks. Closest to the sidewalk go the veggies that are still very ornamental, such as burgundy okra, lemongrass and Japanese eggplant. Having nice foliage makes these edibles very pretty in the garden, and the blooms of the okra and eggplants are worthy of any fine garden. The rest are arranged by placing upright plants like tomatoes next to mounding plants such as zucchini along the fence, and vining plants like watermelon and cucumber closer to the perennial garden bed.
Leaving a walkway in the center makes it possible to move through the space. To help with the heat that comes off the asphalt, a layer of straw has helped keep the vines from frying as they grow on the driveway. Later, the straw will be added to the compost pile.
Thinking outside of the box and working through some of the challenges of growing in a space that wasn’t meant for it has been a success. We have been enjoying homegrown produce this season. It is such a good feeling to go right outside your door and pick your dinner — from garden to table. Already I’m thinking about how to make this “pot farm” more productive for the next year. So, if you are able and have a sunny spot in your front garden, try growing some of your favorite vegetables. You will see how ornamental some of these plants are being mixed or in my case next to the perennial beds you have more of a chance for your veggies to be pollinated.
Get out there, get your hands dirty and try to grow your own produce — even in places that aren’t meant to be gardens.
Happy Gardening!
Serome
