SEEDS
Some plants* can be grown from seeds in order to save money. This must be done about 8weeks before they can be planted outside(check seed packets). Fill a small container(maybe a yogurtcontainer or similar with small hole poked in bottom) with potting soil. Sprinkle seeds on top andcover lightly with recommended soil depth listed on packet. Label container. Keep warm, damp(nottoo moist), and put in sunny place or under florescent light(must be hung closely above). After seedshave sprouted their second set of leaves they can be “potted up.” You can make seed pots out of newspaper, or if your plant will be a potted one, you can put it directly in there. This is the time toseparate the seedlings and give its own pot. If left too long together the seedlings won't thrive. When“potting up” plant up to the first set of leaves; this will ensure that the roots are deep and strong enoughfor plant. When ready to put outside, “harden off” plants by putting them outside, gradually increasingthe time they are outside until they are used to the weather, and then plant them in your garden.*Tomatoes, peppers, and some others. Some plants work best just sown directly into soil.
CONTAINER GARDENING
Container gardening can be done if you don't have ground to plant in. You can use buckets, pots, tupperware, or anything that will hold water(best poke holes for drainage). You can do window boxes, patio boxes, or just have plants around the house. Peas can grow on a balcony trellis. Grow a pot of carrots or chives. Grow things you will eat, but if you do a few things in containers it will giveyou a feel for gardening and the satisfaction of having grown it yourself.Kitchen Garden – You can easily grow a few herbs that you use in pots on your kitchen windowor counter. This is a nice way to get started.Sprouts – Sprouts are easy to grow. Take a quart jar and add ½ to 1 cup of wheat berries(or another grain suitable for sprouts) and fill jar with water. Cover with somekind of mesh netting(caneven be a piece of old pantyhose) and a rubberband to secure. Let soak overnight. In the morningdrain off water, add water to rinse, and then drain again. Let sit on counter(I do mine tilted, but I don'tknow if that is necessary). 2-3 times a day add rinse water and drain again. After 2-3 days you willhave sprouts that you can enjoy just like store-bought ones. Rinse and store in refrigerator.http://www.motherearthnews.com/Real-Food/Growing-Sprouts-At-Home-Sprout-Recipes.aspx
ALTERNATIVE GARDEN METHODS
Square Foot Gardening – This gardening method allows you to grow more food in a smaller space. It is generally done in raised beds(Make a border with 2x6's and fill with soil mix – 1/3 each of peat moss, compost, and vermiculite). Once you have a raised bed, make a grid on top of 1 footsquares(You can use plastic, or twine and nails). Depending on the plant, you will plant so many seedsin each square(see list).http://www.squarefootgardening.com/has lots of information.Lasagna Gardening – This is where you layer cardboard or several layers of newspaper directlyonto the grass or weeds where you want a garden and cover it with compost or soil of some sort. Thecardboard/newspaper will act as a barrier to prevent weed growth. If done in the fall, cover barrier with
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