Grow Your Own
Tips for building a mini veggie garden at home.
Hi friends! This story was originally published in our former Broken Palate universe. All our newest stories — with a refreshed look/team/point of view — are published here On the House.
Spring is the time for growing. There’s joy in caring for plants and enjoying their bounty, whether it's flowers, vegetables, or herbs.
Whether you have an acre, share a community garden, or have a windowsill, you can grow something for your home. The time spent on keeping your garden alive is minimal, and the benefits are plenty.
According to the Journal of Physiological Anthropology, interaction with indoor plants can reduce stress. In addition, bringing plants into the home can improve the quality of your air. Plus, there’s true satisfaction in clipping some fresh basil or oregano to add to your dinner or arranging fresh daisies you helped grow.
Erica Berman, co-founder of Veggies to Table, a non-profit farm that grows and donates organic produce and flowers to help local people experiencing hunger and needing joy, shares some tips on how to start your mini garden.
Start With Seeds or Plants?
On the farm, Berman grows all the plants from seeds, instead of purchasing babies from a garden store. If you choose to buy plants, Berman suggests opting for ones that are grown organically.
Grow a Garden in Your Apartment
If you’re living in an apartment, grow herbs such as dill, cilantro, and basil. For veggies, opt for small patio cucumbers and cherry tomatoes. Grow all for a tiny, urban herb and veggie garden of your very own.
If you’re a beginner or you feel like you don’t have much of a green thumb, try parsley, rosemary, basil, and thyme. “Another hardy plant for a balcony would be oregano. Kale and chard can also grow in pots. Yumm! If you have basil and parsley, you can make pesto!” notes Berman.
If you’re growing basil, it needs some attention. “They need sun and water — but not too much. Make sure to use the basil and pinch off the leaves so they keep growing,” says Berman.
Flowers in the Home
Flowers bring instant cheer into any home. “Lavender is a great flowering plant. I also love lilacs. Depending on where you live, jasmine is fabulous, but it doesn't grow in Maine, where we are. Petunias, snapdragons, and zinnias are also easy to grow, and they bring so much color and joy,” says the farmer.
Don’t Forget to Water — But Don’t Overdo It
Berman shares one last tip: “Overwatering is often as big, or bigger, a problem than underwatering.”
Whether you have an acre, share a community garden, or have a windowsill, you can grow something for your home. The time spent on keeping your garden alive is minimal, and the benefits are plenty.
According to the Journal of Physiological Anthropology, interaction with indoor plants can reduce stress. In addition, bringing plants into the home can improve the quality of your air. Plus, there’s true satisfaction in clipping some fresh basil or oregano to add to your dinner or arranging fresh daisies you helped grow.
Erica Berman, co-founder of Veggies to Table, a non-profit farm that grows and donates organic produce and flowers to help local people experiencing hunger and needing joy, shares some tips on how to start your mini garden.
Start With Seeds or Plants?
On the farm, Berman grows all the plants from seeds, instead of purchasing babies from a garden store. If you choose to buy plants, Berman suggests opting for ones that are grown organically.
Grow a Garden in Your Apartment
If you’re living in an apartment, grow herbs such as dill, cilantro, and basil. For veggies, opt for small patio cucumbers and cherry tomatoes. Grow all for a tiny, urban herb and veggie garden of your very own.
If you’re a beginner or you feel like you don’t have much of a green thumb, try parsley, rosemary, basil, and thyme. “Another hardy plant for a balcony would be oregano. Kale and chard can also grow in pots. Yumm! If you have basil and parsley, you can make pesto!” notes Berman.
If you’re growing basil, it needs some attention. “They need sun and water — but not too much. Make sure to use the basil and pinch off the leaves so they keep growing,” says Berman.
Flowers in the Home
Flowers bring instant cheer into any home. “Lavender is a great flowering plant. I also love lilacs. Depending on where you live, jasmine is fabulous, but it doesn’t grow in Maine, where we are. Petunias, snapdragons, and zinnias are also easy to grow, and they bring so much color and joy,” says the farmer.
Don’t Forget to Water — But Don’t Overdo It
Berman shares one last tip: “Overwatering is often as big, or bigger, a problem than underwatering.”