Suggestions for growing flowers for cutting:
Container Gardening Tips
Annuals: (These do not come back every year- you have to replant)
Statice
Zinnias
Snapdragons
Calendula
Cosmos
Sunflowers (smaller varieties)
Bachelor's Buttons
Larkspur
Poppies
Perenials (These will come back every year.)
Yarrow
Peonies
Black Eyed Susans
Lavender
Salvia
Asters
Coneflowers
Roses
Russian Sage
Bulbs:
Tulips
Daffodils
Gladiolas
Iris
Container Gardening Tips
Incorporate veggie plants into your landscape. Swiss chard, for instance, is a beautifully colorful plant- I'm adding it to my flower bed this year!
Edible landscapes-try an herb garden in a large planter to add extra flavor to your cooking.
Try potting up a planter full or mixed salad greens for an instant "salad bowl".
If you would like a larger garden than your space allows, here are a few ideas that may help you to gain access to a larger area:
- Borrow a garden. If you just don’t have the right space for any type of veggie garden, talk with a neighbor, friend or relative. Many people will be happy to let you tend a plot of veggies on their land…as long as you share the bounty!
- Consider community or rental garden plots (often available for a small fee). Check with your town or city offices, your county Extension agent, local garden centers or local food cooperatives.
- Check with your church, school or community center.
- Host a veggie swap. Each person brings whatever veggie they have too much of and then exchange! (This works well unless you all have the same surplus!)
For a wonderful plant hardiness zone map go to:
http://www.usna.usda.gov/Hardzone/ushzmap.html
It's never too early to think about gardening! In fact, it's time to start planning and ordering seeds. I am happy to do so, given the incessant snow and frigid temps! I just received my gorgeous seed catalog today and I'm already embroiled in the conflict of which seeds to pick for my small space. I've decided to go for all heirloom seeds this year to be part of the crusade against genetically modified food. For the absolute best heirloom seed selection and great prices, I recommend ordering from Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds. For more information about heirloom seeds and to order the free seed catalog go to rareseeds.com.
