January 21st is when we will start our seeds indoors but this weekend we have a project to upcycle one of our blue plastic kiddie pools!
Living in Burke County, Georgia, we are in growing zone 8a - it is important that you know your growing zone (use this chart) in order to plan your garden! Now is the time to start planning and building your grow areas. Container gardens are practical, easy and fun!
Container gardening is the first step toward eating whole foods and sustainable lifestyle. What is even better is the fact you can read the book "How to Grown Your Own Food" for FREE with Kindle! This book identifies 50 vegetables and herbs you can grow on your apartment balcony or patio area including how to maximize vertical space.
Maybe one weekend I will show you how we use cinder blocks found at work sites, side of the road, dump sites and so forth to grow vegetables. However, this weekend we will show you how to upcycle your old kiddie pool (or your neighbors!) into a flourishing seed bed, just right for helping you have fresh, crisp food just outside your back door.
You will want to start by creating some small holes in the bottom of the pool if they do not already exist - if the pool is already cracked, GREAT! no additional holes required! You just need a way for excess water to drain.
Next, add small rocks, twigs and the cardboard drink carriers from fast food restaurants as a bottom layer - it is good to have a variety and don't worry about "how many" - just put some random pieces down. That is the fun about this simple method of gardening is you can recycle whatever you have around the house.
Add a 4-6 inch layer of high quality gardening soil - this is where you need to get serious. Spend a little extra money to ensure your best chance for success. We recommend Burpee Seed Starting Mix because it has every essential nutrient your plants need - no reason to buy extra fertilizer or micronutrient booster.
Finally the fun part! plant your seeds! Remember to use the back of your knuckle to make a small impression in the soil - you do not need a deep hole - literally, you can almost see the seed in the soil. Lots of people make the mistake of planting too deep. The deepest I have ever planted a seed is the depth of a pencil eraser. You will be adding soil or compost as the plant grows and the soil in the pool settles.
Congratulations! You did it! You have taken your first step toward self-sufficiency and creating a healthy lifestyle that you can share with friends and family. Just think, in about 14 days you will see lots of little green leaves popping their head up to look at the magical world we live in today!