Metropolitan Gardening

R emember the article about the instant spring window box ? Well today was the day to pick the first fruits from the window and mix them into a stir fry. Two very happy hot peppers came indoors and we washed them well. It's amazing eating your own fresh produce from the window. A neighbor chatted with us about their flower box up above and we discussed the garden next door.

T here's nothing like planting a spring vegetable window box - here's four easy steps. 1) This is the secret : Choose seedlings for immediate reinforcement. Planting from seeds is awesome - but it takes a few weeks - buying new plants from a nursery or local garden center gets them a good solid start and feels great right from the get go. They have had a head start in a green house in optimum conditions. Urban window sills are full of dangers to young seeds finding a solid germination. So for an instant garden try this to make your hard work easy. 2)  Measure the space in your window box - then pick a planting container to fit it. Getting a planter box that is too big for your window will create frustration and a return trip.Make sure your containers have holes in the bottom . If you are above the first floor make sure no one can get water on them from below - if so make sure you have a drainage plate under your planter and be careful when you water not to "pee on you...