Porch Garden

Since moving to our current apartment, Joan and I have wanted to have a small container garden out on our porch. Having moved in last June, we got a late start on any vegetables for last summer so we didn't have much for plant life except for a small basket of flowers that Joan's mom gave us. This year we wanted to have a full-fledged potted garden that would bear an abundance of fruits, vegetables, and herbs. However, doing some research, I found that not many garden plants would do well on our very shaded porch. Essentially, I learned anything that you raise for roots or fruits for the most part needs full sun. Well crud. I guess I shouldn't be surprised. I mean crops like tomatoes and peppers need to ripen in the sun. Still, crud.

After doing some research, I found that leafy greens and herbs are our target crops. With that said we came up with a handful of herbs and vegetables to raise.

- Cilantro
- Basil
- Rosemary
- Dill
- Green Onion
- Arugula

The list is a bit herb heavy of course and to be honest, I'm kind of back and forth on the dill. Also, we're taking a bit of a chance on the green onion, but we're thinking it might be okay as it has a small root and you eat some of the green bit anyway. When it comes to leafy greens, arugula is my hands down favorite. With it's peppery bite, it brings way more flavor than any other greens to a salad or to a sandwich. However, we might add spinach to the list as that's a nice hearty green to use as well and in my opinion mixes quite well with arugula.

Now we just have to go to Home Depot or to a nursery and get some pots and potting soil. Also, I'm fearful of the neighborhood squirrels and what they might do to our small garden, so we might have to get a raised plant stand or some other deterrent. The squirrels either come down from the roof or leap across a good ten foot gap from a nearby tree. From time to time they would dig in the small basket of flowers last summer and I definitely don't want them to digging in our small garden - our eventual food supply - this summer.

As far as the plants themselves, we'll be checking out the first outdoor market of the season for the Dane County Farmers' Market on the square this weekend. Typically there are a few greenhouses that sell young seedlings for planting. One booth in particular has probably a dozen different types of basil alone. If we end up not having good luck at the market, there are a few good nurseries just beyond the outskirts of Madison.

All in all, I have good hopes for a little garden. Of course, it's my first official garden so we shall see.