Feeling Blue? Think Green: 5 Tips for City Gardeners

A new passion is arising for those who are home for the long run: “pandemic gardens”. With COVID-19 creating extra demands on our food supplies, novice and seasoned gardeners are looking to grow their own while finding solace in returning to the soil.

Thanks to Victory Programs’ ReVision Urban Farm's curbside pick-up seedling sale on May 2nd, close to a hundred families and community gardens will be growing their own food this season. All while supporting the farm and its on-site ReVision Family Home which provides temporary housing and access to food and services to homeless mothers and their children.

If growing your own food is something you’ve thought about – especially now – urban growers at the farm encourage you to give it a try no matter your experience level or how small your space might be.

Here are the farm’s top 5 tips for city gardeners:

Use What You Have

Living in the city can mean that space is at a premium. However, almost everyone can grow food if they’re willing to get creative. If you don’t have access to a plot of land, do not worry. Some of the most beautiful and plentiful gardens are grown in containers. Pots, old crates, bins, window boxes, even that old refrigerator – we’ve seen it all. Once you’ve gathered your growing vessels, it’s time to start making a plan.

Think It Through

What do you enjoy eating? What vegetables would you love to have at your disposal? Some of our favorites to grow in containers are: lettuce, herbs, tomatoes, beans, and peppers. However, you can grow almost anything in the proper container. One of the major benefits of container gardening is your ability to move the containers around if proper sun is an issue for your space.

Don’t Drown Your Plants

To ensure proper hydration, make sure that your containers have drainage holes. Most store-bought planters will have them built in already, however, if you’re getting creative and using household items, you may need to drill some holes towards the bottom. This ensures that you do not overwater and that the plants do not become waterlogged.

Use Healthy Soil

Probably the most important factor to healthy plants is good soil. We like to start with an organic loam/compost mix that can be found at most home gardening stores. This ensures that the right nutrients are getting to the roots and, ultimately, into your vegetables. It is important to add nutrients to your containers throughout the summer, as your plants will need to be supplemented with an organic fertilizer, or even better, compost. Boston has a few local compost distributors, or you can take the next leap of home gardening and begin to make your own.

Have fun! Enjoy Your Garden

Right now, life can feel a bit overwhelming. Surround yourself with the colors and smells of homegrown vegetables and immerse yourself in the pleasure of watching them grow and thrive. As with most things, the more you nurture and care for your garden, the more you’ll get from it. Happy Gardening!

If gardening sounds like something you’d like to try, check out Victory Programs’ ReVision Urban Farm’s ongoing sale. You’ll be supporting a great cause while scratching the gardening itch! Order now and get curbside pick-up the next business day: https://revisionfarmseedlings.square.site/.

Check back often, as items will be updated regularly. If growing isn't in the cards this season, but you still want access to super local fresh produce, consider signing up for ReVision's Community Supported Agriculture program this season. For more information and sign-up go to: https://revision-csa.square.si...