I found reference to a blog in Sunset Magazine, victoryhomegarden.blogspot.com. The first blog I really sought out and read, thank you Sunset and thank you Adriana. I read every entry and decided it was time.
Casually grocery shopping at Whole Foods (yeah, I know I'm crazy to be shopping there while unemployed, but they have my sons diapers of choice, and delicious everything), I happened to see a seed display and noticed that it was one of Adriana's top choice brands. I chose things I thought would grow well in my shady alley: Arugula, Wild Arugula, Oakleaf lettuces, Snap Peas and Shiso (that yummy sushi greenery).
Then I happened to be accompanying my dear friend P, on a trip to Borders. While there I purchased Incredible Vegetables from Self-Watering Containers by Edward Smith. Read it cover to cover (well mostly) that night.
The author of course is trying to sell you his sponsorship self-watering containers available at Gardener's. I didn't want to pay for shipping, or wait an additional minute, so the next day I went to Sloat Nursery.
I purchased the Earthbox (a self-watering growing kit), some organic soil, and some small Mesclun plants (in case my seeds didn't pop up.) I brought it home and realized that the fertilizer in the Earthbox kit wasn't organic. Since I bought organic soil, and planned to feed the veggies to my son I decided to go back the next day and get organic fertilizer. I also bought copper tape to fence off the slugs and snails and a germinating tray with pods.
This wound up being a REALLY great decision, because it's working! I've never successfully grown things from seeds, so this is an encouraging start!
Thank you for your kind words. I'm sure your garden will be spectacular.
ReplyDeletePs, I'll shop at Whole Foods with $40.00 in my checking account if I have to. I buy whatever is on sale. =)