Growing Stuff 101?

[puffingirl]

DD will be 3 next month and has an intense interest in growing stuff. I do not have a great track record in this area.... Please pardon the very basic questions and any help is GREATLY appreciated. I just ordered an Earth Box (container for a couple of veg/herb plants that is a whole starter kit). We've been looking at plants at our local garden center and DD wants to grow a tomato plant, a pepper plant and some herbs (I think we've got it down to thyme, basil and rosemary). I know there are tomato plants that are specific for small spots---are there pepper ones too? Once we get our box all set up, can we just put the plants in and let them go? I am so not ready for seeds... It's still cool at night around here (mid-Atlantic) but nice and sunny in the daytime. We live in the 'burbs and have lots of small wildlife around--squirrels, a rabbit or two, etc. Are they likely to eat our stuff--do I need to do anything to protect it? (I told you I don't know a thing about this... ) Tips? I'm rather excited to do all this with DD and have my fingers crossed. If all goes well with a container this year, maybe we can branch out next year. THANKS!

[mattemma04]

I am sure there is small space plants for peppers.I just gave my mom some seeds for cucumbers to grow in pots.

She will have fun planting zuke and sunflowers. Yes,the animals might get into your plants if there is not much else to eat.An option if you notice them close to the home is throwing some cheap corn or seeds far away from the plants you want to protect.That or covering them with bird netting placed over bamboo poles.

Marigolds and sunflowers held up well to replanting. I bet she would like some plants that smell good like mints or lemon balm. My kids also like touching plants.I have one that I can not recall the name at this time that has soft ...ah lambs ear! It was used in the past to dress wounds.Even I still like touching it!My ds like picking the zukes,and watching the pumpkins grow.Bird gourds are neat too.

I had just taken back some books for kids.Flower gardening with kids.Vegetable gardening with kids.And composting with kids.All very basic books with plant suggstions,and tips on protection.

I just put a 1 foot fence around my garden to keep the dogs from tramping it.But if birds got into it I would do the netting.Some have to do wire fencing to keep out rabbits,voles,and squirrels.Oh and ground hogs too.Those hogs love to munch.My mom has issues with deer leaning into her garden(over the fence) and eating everything.

Have fun!!!!

[lunarlady]

In general, smaller fruited plants do better in containers. So think cherry tomatoes, cherry peppers, and the herbs. Animals won't normally eat your plants in the burbs unless things are really lean. They prefer leafy veggies anyway (like lettuce) and I don't see those on your list. You want to make sure the nighttime temps are warm enough before you plant in your container. Too cold and the plants will struggle. Usually night time temps in the high 40's, low 50's is a good time to plant peppers and tomatoes. The herbs you can plant earlier. If you really want to plant it and not have to tend it too much, remember to mulch. That will keep the water in and the weeds down. And you might want a cage for the tomatoes. Enjoy!

[puffingirl]

Thanks for the feedback. Our Earth Box came today so as soon as the weather warms up just a little more, we'll be ready to go! I just hope some of it turns out well...