  Lettuce and pansies are a great kitchen garden blend. (photo: Mason House Gardens)
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No backyard? No problem. Gardens aren’t just for homeowners with large yards anymore – they can be found nestled in small spaces and urban settings all over the city: balconies, basements, living rooms, and bedrooms. Live 20, 40 or 60 feet above ground and still get blooming with the latest in gardening for petite spaces – kitchen gardens.
Ecological, economical, practical and fashionable, kitchen gardens are becoming the must-have DIY trend for urbanites in 2010.
“It’s all about incredible edibles – designing delectable gardens that are good to eat,” says Marjorie Mason, host of the "Let’s Get Growing" radio show on CKDO 1580 AM in Oshawa, Ont. She explains that while the growing interest in eating organically can definitely be costly, creating a personal kitchen garden not only allows you to eat what’s ecologically right and close to home but also will save you money in the long run.
Originally, kitchen gardens were created to assure the survival of the New World population during the frigid winters. Today, its motive remains.
Ideally a kitchen garden is perfect near your cooking space – you can’t get any fresher than that. And it doesn’t have to contain just herbs; a kitchen garden can include your everyday veggie intake with tomatoes, peppers, leeks, peas and more. It’s compact and easy to move from your balcony to your countertop.
To start, gather a large planter box or series of pots with excellent drainage and add quality container mix (organic is preferred). Choose your favourite vegetable seeds and learn about the depths of their roots. Depending on the type of plant you are raising, some may require more space to grow than others.
Sunlight is most important; too much or too little could affect your growth, so kitchen gardens really become ideal as they can be quickly removed from overexposed areas.
When watering, some seeds require more than others, but always check your soil: if it doesn’t stick to your fingers, chances are your patch needs a little H20. Watch over the weeks as your kitchen garden grows before your eyes and with the assurance that your produce will be chemical-free.
If you don’t have room in your kitchen, a garden can also be easily nestled wherever there is available space in your home: windowsills, coffee tables and even bookshelves.
“Add a personal touch to your kitchen garden by introducing your favourite flower to your veggie patch, or adding veggies to your flower patch,” explains Mason. Combining the two is a big trend this spring. For instance, leek leaves have a soft, silver, sword-like look to them and add texture and beauty to your kitchen garden. Planting pansies and peonies alongside your pea sprouts adds character, aromas and flavour not only to your space but to your dinner, as well.
Edible flowers are back in style this spring and are being used by top restaurant chefs as innovative cooking and plate garnishes for a touch of class. Each flower offers a different taste, texture, colour, aroma and nutritional value to a dish. Surprise your guests with a fresh spring salad – homegrown veggies paired with healthy flowers for eating or garnishing.
A kitchen garden adds a touch of rural to any urban space, no matter what floor you live on.
Gardening expert Marjorie Mason was a presenter at the 2010 International Home & Garden Show.
