Be Like Michelle Obama, Garden in Your Apartment

Garden like Michelle!

The Obama’s have decided to start growing vegetables on the White House lawn. If you live in DC, you probably don’t have a yard quite as large as the one surrounding the White House, or even one at all.  Don’t despair! You can still be like Michelle Obama and grow your own vegetables inside your apartment.

Many species of plants and vegetables grow quickly and easily from above ground pots located on widow sills. The key is to know where to start.

First, make sure you are using 4″ plants. If you visit your local nursery, you can find plenty of different options in this size category. The most popular choices are cucumbers, peppers, beans, lettuce, eggplant, squash, radishes, parsley and tomatoes.

Second, choose the right size pot for your 4″ plants. Some plant species, like green onions, parsley and herbs can survive in smaller pots of 6 to 10 inches. Vegetable species thrive in 5 gallon containers. Radishes and beets can be grown in flat cake pans.

Third, prepare the pot. Place rocks at the bottom of your pot, over the drainage holes, to ensure that water drains out slowly and the soil is able to properly absorb water. Put a combination of compost, slow-release fertilizer and soil in the pot. Arrange the plants in your pots and pack the soil tightly around them. Water the plants well and place them on your window sill.

Fourth, water your plants everyday. Avoid getting the plant leaves wet, this may invite disease. Mix a nutrient solution into your water 6 days a week. Provide plenty of light for your plants. The vegetables are going to require far more light than any of the other plants. Lettuce, onions, parsley and radishes can tolerate more shade.

The table below breaks down some of the essential factors in choosing plants, pots and areas for your project. You can also check THIS site and THIS site for more information.

Photo Credit: Flickr User dbking