Posts Tagged ‘urban gardening’

Previously, I showed you how to make self-watering planters out of yogurt containers that are perfect for growing herbs or small flowers.  Several readers have asked me how to implement this model at a larger scale.  In this model, I’ve used 18-gallon tubs – enough for larger vegetables that require more soil and water. For this project, you will need: Two 18-gallon tubs One wire basket Razor blade or x-acto knift Drill Scissors Tubing An old t-shirt Start by placing the wire basket on the bottom of one of the tubs. Trace the perimeter with a sharpie marker. With your drill, make six holes along the top and bottom (long) edge. This is what it will look like at this point. With a razor blade or x-acto knife, cut inside the perimeter you traced, ensuring that you don’t make a crack in the bottom of the tub. Cut 10 small

I didn’t know there were “hot trends” in urban gardening, but apparently I was wrong.  Taking a cue from the fashion industry, the Christian Science Monitor‘s Suzi McCoy compiled a list of “what’s in and out for 2010.”  Many of these “changes” evoke the traditional values discussed in my previous post. Main Street is in, Wall Street is out. Here, McCoy argues for self-reliance and “going local.”  It makes sense.  Who needs Wal-Mart to ship you your tomatoes from Mexico when you can get trade them for some kale with Mr. Smith down the street?  As McCoy says, “We’re connecting to the soil and each other.” Edible Gardens are in. I’ve certainly noticed this change.  Even people who grew nothing but golf-course-perfect grass are now inquiring about how to grow fruits and veggies.  Imagine if everyone took just one bit of their lawn to plant something edible? Slow gardening is