Big Taste in a Small Space

Nothing tastes better than garden fresh veggies. And we all know fresh is best. But many of us don’t have the space (or time) to let our garden grow. You can have your kale and eat it, too, by planting a container garden.

Container gardens are a super fun, super easy way to grow your favorite herbs and vegetables. All you need to get started is a little bit of space, a sunny spot or two and a few containers. Gather some seeds or plants, potting soil, water and don’t forget the TLC.

Quick Picks

Maximize your time and space by planting nutrient-dense foods like kale, spinach, Brussel sprouts and broccoli. Tomato plants love containers and are easy to grow. Plop a cherry tomato plant right outside your door and you won’t have far to go for a quick salad topping.

Herbs dig containers, with cilantro and basil being the most popular. It’s true the flavorful flair they add to food can’t be beat, but both plants also have surprising health benefits. Cilantro is high in vitamins A and K and can also help lower LDL (bad) cholesterol. Basil is an excellent source of iron, vitamins A and K, and minerals such as potassium.

If you’re feeling adventurous, try growing turmeric, which is a natural anti-inflammatory and can help with arthritis pain. Ginger can relieve nausea and soothe an upset stomach. Plus it’s good for your immune system.

April is the perfect time to start planting a flavorful, fresh summer container garden. If you’re not sure how to get started, consult Google for ideas and tips. (A quick search on “container gardening” yielded more than 2 million results. Be prepared to be overwhelmed!)