Really easy gardening (in pots! in not much space!)

A few friends who are sheltering in place in apartments (or houses with not much outdoor space) have asked about growing herbs and veggies in containers, and how to get started.

This is totally do-able! You just need pots; potting soil; and seeds. It can be sort of intimidating to figure out which, though, so if you want an easy way to get started, here’s a list:

Pots and dirt

I’m linking to Home Depot because they’re open, and offer delivery. Your local garden store might be open too! If so, just ask them for three or four large-ish pots and the equivalent amount of potting mix.

Self-watering planter, 1 (or 2 if adding a tomato plant)

Rectangular deck box, 2 (or 3 if adding basil)

Potting soil, 2 bags (or 3, if you get an additional planter and/or deck box)

Seeds

I’m listing seeds that are easy to grow; don’t need transplanting, staking, or other special stuff; grow quickly; and are a reasonable size to grow in containers.

I’m linking to KitchenGardenSeeds.com because I’ve ordered from them before, and they’re open and shipping. I also like RedwoodSeeds.net and ReneesGarden.com.

Snap peas: Sugar Ann

Arugula: Runaway Arugula

Spinach: Bordeaux Red-Stemmed Spinach

Parsley: Gigante d’Italia

Cilantro: Caribe

If you have a sunny spot, you can also do:

Tomatoes: Cherry Falls (doesn’t need a tomato cage!)

Basil: Bonazza

Planting

The seed packets will have planting instructions. In general, all these seeds should be planted just below the surface, about 1/4” to 1/2” deep.

Peas: plant them in the self-watering pot.

Arugula & spinach: plant in one of the rectangular boxes; use half the box for each one.

Parsley & cilantro: plant in the other rectangular box; use half the box for each one.

Tomato: plant in the other self-watering pot.

Basil: plant in half the other rectangular box; use the other half for whichever other type of seed you like best.

Tomatoes like warmth, so if you have space, start by keeping the pot indoors and move it outside only once the seedlings are 5”-6” tall. If you don’t have space indoors, find a sunny spot for the tomato – in front of a wall that gets sun reflected off it is a good choice.