Categories: Quick Tips

Go Small! Friday Quickie

Have you procrastinated planting your seedlings for your spring and summer garden?

If you’re looking for some easy shortcuts, check out some starter plants. Don’t run to Home Depot or Lowe’s – think small and support local farmers.

You’ll pump money back into the local economy, minimize the risk of pesticides (or god-forbid!) GMO crops. Although the GMO seeds are unlikely, there’s a chance of cross-pollination that may tempt you to make that switch to organic seeds & starter plants. Plus, you can ask the farmers any questions you may have about growing plants, container garden techniques or other essential questions like “What’s the difference between these 13 tomato varieties?!?”

“How can I find a farmer in the city?”, you may ask.

Many local farmers markets currently sell starter plants. Or, if you’re venturing to the ‘burbs, keep your eyes peeled for little signs.

Bonus story! With Photos!

As I was leaving the dentist in the suburbs, I stumbled across a private farm selling starter plants in my hometown. Looks cute and approachable, right?

Although the sign said it was open, there was no one in sight. Instead, they had a little “honor box” where you could slip your payment.

Being honorable, I made sure to give the appropriate amount for 6 plants: $15! (It was 5/$10, but I also felt like a big spender and bought a little plant for $5 itself. It came with a sweet little basket!)

Starter Plants Booty

Since I started some of my herbs (namely, the important Herb groups: basil, cilantro, thai basil & parsley…), I completed my collection with some lavender, dill & a few flower/plants to build some window decorations.

Next, to Etsy, Pinterest & DIY-ville I go!

Readers, what are you planting in your urban (and sub-urban) gardens?

Julie Hancher

Julie Hancher is Editor-in-Chief of Green Philly, sharing her expertise of all things sustainable in the city of brotherly love. She enjoys long walks in the park with local beer and greening her travels, cooking & cat, Sir Floofus Drake.

Share
Published by
Julie Hancher

Recent Posts

Mussels clean canal, new housing budget, & more

Catch up on the latest sustainability news: Mussels clean the Manayunk Canal. Once trash-filled and…

2 days ago

Dinosaur Trail path to connect Gloucester County towns and institutions

A multi-use trail would allow pedestrians and bikes to travel from Rowan University to the…

3 days ago

Floatlab on Schuylkill, PGW debates electric vs gas future, new pedestrian safety measures & more

Catch up on the latest sustainability news:  Heat health emergency ends. Last week, the Department…

1 week ago

Aging infrastructure, extreme weather, and pollution: Why drinking water is under pressure

Pennsylvania’s century-old water infrastructure faces modern climate threats. Here’s why it’s complicated. The U.S. has…

1 week ago

How Pennsylvania towns are protecting themselves from the noise, heat and utility costs of massive data centers

Pennsylvania has become a hot spot for data center proposals and public backlash about where…

2 weeks ago

Hunger strike, living shoreline, & more

Catch up on the latest sustainability news:  Young climate activists on hunger strike. Members of…

2 weeks ago