As the "Farm to Table" revolution grows, an increasing number of people are trying their hand at edible gardening at home. Of course, this is not a brand new concept. Not too long ago, growing your own veggies, fruits, herbs and leading the agrarian lifestyle was just normal life for many Americans. Call it nostalgia, but this trendy revival comes with new unique challenges that call for wonderfully inventive solutions.
Locally, the urban gardening scene has adapted to our quintessentially cramped California living situation. Desolate park strips and medians become rows of bell pepper and heirloom tomato. Thirsty lawns are peeled away and replaced by beds of kale, chard, artichoke and asparagus. Pots of dwarf citrus and hanging herbs and lettuce punctuate front porches and stoops. In a neighborhood like Normal Heights, so close to downtown, every dimension of space is useful when cultivating your own delicious produce. Take a look at a few of the inventive ways San Diego residents are feeding their craving for homegrown goodness!
Kale and Leeks make use of a previously bare park strip.
Plant artichoke for its delicious produce, and enjoy the phenomenal texture year-round. For a beautiful pop of purple, let it go to bloom.
Grapes take some special seasonal care, but are a great way to dress up your aging silvery fence. Do yourself a favor and prepare for a long-term relationship with your grapes by building an arbor that will support the vine for years to come.
So, dive in! Start your garden, today. There are plenty of nearly foolproof plants for whatever your situation. For sites that may be lightly contaminated with pollutants, stick to plants like tomatoes, peppers, citrus and corn. As a general rule of thumb, plants store pollutants in their leaves. For this reason, stay away from lettuces, greens and the like, if your soil is less than favorable. Instead, grow your herbs, lettuces, strawberries and greens from hanging baskets filled with organic soil. For a detailed "how to", take a look at what the Urban Organic Gardener has to say. Good luck!
