Ever since the Twins were little I’ve wanted to try to grow our own herbs & vegetables. 5 years later we are just starting, but better later than never, right? In addition to a herb/vegetable container, this year I also wanted to plant a few container gardens in the backyard. Keeping the flowers to planters makes it easier to remember to water, and is something beautiful to look at out the back window while doing dishes. This year, the twins are on board and have even learned how to deadhead.
Local friends, this year I headed to Wannemaker’s in Downers Grove for our plantings and soil.
Get the Look in 5 easy steps:
- Planter For our herb/vegetable garden I did purchase the planter ahead of time, but Wannemaker’s does have a huge selection of planters, garden furniture, grills, even outdoor furniture if you like to look and feel in person before you buy.
Peter Rabbit and his pails live in our yard. If you have visitors too, I would recommend a raised garden/planter box so no one can enjoy your crop before you do.
2) Organic Soil Measure your planter before you go and plan to fill it up halfway. I didn’t and had to run out for more soil. We went with Espoma organic potting mix for all our planters.
3) Herbs & Vegetables This year we are trying thyme, basil, rosemary, lavender, parsley, corn, sweet potatoes, strawberries. I didn’t want to go overboard with the plantings so they still have room in the container. After you fill your planter halfway with soil, plant two rows of plantings spaced atleast 4-5 inches apart.
4) Water Our planter is on our driveway which wrapss around the side of our house. It’ll receive atleast 4 hours of direct sunlight. It’s been so hot so we water everyday. Finn loves to water I just have to make sure the hose is on spray not jet.
5) Enjoy I’ll be sure to feature our crop when it comes in. I’m especially excited for the herbs for fresh summer cocktails and caprese salad.
For the tall planters I went with the following plants from front to back
Silver Falls Dichondra
Sunrise White Zonal Geranium
Diamond Frost Euphorbia
Rosemary
For the shorter planters
White Hydragena which can be transplanted in the fall
Titan Pure White Vinca
Diamond Frost Euphorbia
Silver Falls Dichondra
We’ve been watering them once daily in the morning. So far so good! With the amount of rain we’ve been getting I’ve found it to be managable. My hint to you would be to start small. Start with one planter or buy one hanging plant to enjoy!
XO,
Dor
Thank you to Wannemaker’s for sponsoring this post
Hi,
Loved this article especially point about container gardening
sharing this on facebook and pinterest