Creating a Patio Garden in Okotoks, AB

I recently read the book, "100 Mile Diet", which I fully recommend as it was a very interesting read. After reading it, I began to think about why I wasn't trying to grow my own vegetables and I kept telling myself it was because I lived in a condo and didn't have the space. Well, after doing some research and seeing some great patio gardens, I decided to give it a try and grow more than a few herbs on my deck. I know I planted the patio garden a bit early, but I wouldn't have been able to start it until June if I didn't start it now (*fingers crossed that it won't freeze like it did two weeks ago*)



Below you will see the patio garden that I planted. There are the following items in our containers:

• Green Beans
• Peas
• Swiss Chard
• Spinach
• Cucumbers
  
• Strawberries
• Oregano
• Dill
• Cilantro
• Parsley
• Cat Nip
• Lavender
• Lettuce
• Garlic Chives
• Green Onions
  

*Gotta love all spots on the lawn in front of our condo from our neighbours dog pee (hopefully it grows back this spring)


We currently have two empty patio planters which we plan on planting tomatoes and green peppers in (we will be getting another planter so that we can have 2 sets of tomatoes). We should have all those planted by next week (just waiting for the seedlings to show up in our local garden centre).

It was super easy to set up all these and the costs were very minimal (less than $100) and most of that cost will be spread across the next few years as there are tons of leftover seeds and the soil can be used each year as well as the containers. It took about 5 hours, but I'm very slow at this and I had a lot distractions while I was planting/preparing the garden - so it would probably take about 3 1/2 hours.

With the rising cost of food and the fact that fresh food right out the garden is delicious (I grew up with a backyard garden and used to spend summer days munching on peas and strawberries), I would highly suggest everyone start their very own garden (even if its just a patio garden).