Vegetable Gardening Ideas for 2009

Posted by Christine Eirschele Dec 28, 2008

Vegetable gardening is going to be a big deal in 2009. Already last year, plant sellers were seeing a rise in vegetable plants and seeds being purchased by gardeners. The financial problems around the world will make growing fruit and vegetables the primary way to garden.

I am thinking of ways to make the best use of my space to grow a few more edible plants. That can include herbs and flowers or plants that look pretty but can be eaten. Swiss chard ‘Bright Lights’ has been around for a while but still is popular for its colorful stalks. I saw it planted at Kingwood Center in Mansfield, Ohio. They combined it with Nicotiana, an inexpensive planting but dramatic and useful too.

Those who know me know I rant about container gardening often; I just cannot help it. If you have never grown vegetables because you do not want to give up the flower garden space or you don’t have an outside garden at all, now is the time to try container gardening. The number of cultivars available every year grows (pardon the pun.) There just is no excuse not to grow tomatoes, peppers, lettuce, or pick any vegetable you want.

Do not like vegetables? Then try blueberries in a container. There are many types now and some plants developed in Minnesota, are meant to over-winter even in cold climates.

Of course, you do not have to grow one type of plant. In a large container, grow a vegetable then add an herb, perhaps something you may use to cook the vegetable with, and a flower. The flower can be fragrant, edible or trail over the side of the pot.

Check out the trellis type stands which sit in a large pot, has a pole and, affixed at the top, another pot for more planting. Small cherry tomatoes or more herbs can be growing above, meanwhile saving the lower larger pot for plants that need more space. Vertical gardening is one way to extend gardens.

You will see ideas for growing fruit and vegetables on the increase this coming year. Frequently, visit my garden writing sites to find more ideas while planning your gardens. Growing vegetables saves money, improves your health with greater access to fresher food and gardening is an exercise that is a fun and interesting hobby too.