Urban Gardening

Though I've lived in Philadelphia for years now, I grew up in a relatively rural area of the Pine Barrens, and my folks had a descent sized garden throughout my childhood. I've always grown at least herbs in whatever space I've lived in, be it a tiny South Street apartment or large South Philly row home, but last year I was so busy in the spring that I didn't have the time to do my usual ghetto garden. This year, however, my schedule is much less bonkers, and I was determined to have myself a little piece of the country in my backyard.

So, while out for a walk on Sunday I picked up some plants from Greensgrow Farms, the local greenhouse and hit home depot for the usual potting soil, giant paint bucket combo. Thus armed with all the tools of destruction I needed, I potted my four little tomato plants, my pepper plant, my basil and thyme plants...



tomato and pepper


thyme


basil

During the arduous task of cleaning the backyard, I discovered several earthworms in the disintegrating leaves and foliage from autumn past. These fine creatures were plucked from the horrific fate of the trash heap and dropped in the tomato and pepper buckets...





And since I know you're wondering, those are red pepper flakes sprinkled on top of the soil. This works to keep curious stray cats away and deter squirrels. Just re-sprinkle once a week.



I won't lie, the planting bug has bitten me (and I think, maybe a few real ones). I still have some spare Home Depot buckets around the house, and I think I may need to make another trip to Greensgrow to pick up those Black Pepper and Jalapeno plants...maybe some Parsley...